Sandy Holt of Systems Analysis and Planning, Inc. (and one of my contacts on LinkedIn) wrote to let me know that “operations research analyst” was one of the careers on MSN’s list of “Ten Jobs that pay more than $30/hour”, albeit on the list at number 10 with a median salary of $31.08/hour ($64,650/year). The description of OR analyst isn’t bad:
Operations research analysts are brought into businesses and organizations to identify, investigate and solve logistics problems through the use of statistical analysis and computer programs. The type of problems can vary depending on the nature of the business, whether it’s a production factory or the military.
I find “logistics problems” and the misleading phrase “computer programs” a bit problematical, but it is not the worse description I have seen.
Feb 10: Did I really not include a pointer to the article? It is here.
How do you describe the role of “Operations Research Analyst” Mike?
Hmmmm… starting with the given, how about
That has the disadvantage of using “models”, which is perhaps jargon (based on the searches that get to my pages, “models” may have a more prosaic meaning).
Might be a little too broad, but perhaps is better.
How about (taking from the Science of Better):
I like the “better decisions” aspect.
I’ll note (as pointed out by a reader in a private email) that almost all the jobs on the list could have someone trained in OR doing them (management analysts most obviously).
I wish i could go back in time and start a new education and possible career.