Operations Research and Analytics: Exciting Ways to Use Math
The more challenging the work, the greater the reward.
If you have an aptitude for math, find intrigue in the secrets of data, and have the determination to work through problems until you come up with a good solution, then you’re ready to consider a career in operations research and analytics.
The field traces its roots to the late 1940s as mathematicians developed techniques for practical problem solving. Today, operations research is the application of advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions.
Closely connected to operations research, analytics is the scientific process of transforming data into insight for making better decisions.
Both fields offer exciting ways to apply math principles to challenges facing modern organizations.
Websites like LinkedIn and Google use it to make behind-the-scenes connections among personal profiles.
Tech companies like IBM, Intel, and HP use it to strengthen management, improve the way they manufacture, and reduce resource use – all to create less expensive computers and smartphones.
| IBM "Information is flowing like mighty rivers from a trillion connected and intelligent things . . ." Analytics explained though simple narration and illustrations. | |
| How Twitter uses analytics to help Twitter users identify new contacts and advertisers obtain new followers. | |
The U.S. Army uses it to plan the delivery of supplies and fight terrorism.
Airlines use it to schedule your flight crew and your flight. They also use it to protect passengers and determine the smartest price to charge for their service.
Humanitarian relief agencies use it to plan for disasters and, when disaster strikes, rush food and medicine to those in need.
Organizations of every type use it to attack problems with lots of choices and even more data to come up with optimal solutions.
Discover operations research and analytics in:
- Healthcare
- Logistics
- Sports
- Social media
- Environmental work
- Product Development
- Advertising/Marketing
- Decision Making
- Big Data
O.R. and Analtyics Professionals: Profiles
The following articles provide information on the wide variety of careers in O.R. and Analytics as described firsthand from the people working in these fields. Read more...
O.R./Analytics as a career
O.R. and Analytics jobs take many forms, but there’'s one thing for certain - there are lots of them! Operations Researchers and Analytics professionals are some of the most in-demand majors around, and they are landing careers in high places.
- Hundreds of internships secured by each class pre-graduation, with monthly salaries as high as $6,000
- Over half of 2010/11 graduates accepted a full-time job within a year of their graduation
- The average salary for O.R. graduates with a bachelors degree in 2010 was $70,960
- Students hired by top companies such as Microsoft, the U.S. Armed Forces, General Motors and IBM.
Being an OR Analyst
Three short videos about a career as an analyist
- So you want to be a Operations Research Analyst
- A Day in the Life – Operations Research Analyst
- Military Analyst and Basketball Analyst
Visit INFORMS YouTube channel to learn more