Operational researcher
Find better ways for businesses and organisations to work and achieve their goals.
Also known as: management scientist
About the job
What it's like
You would find better ways for businesses and organisations to work and achieve their goals.
You’d analyse systems and processes and work out how they can be improved using advanced mathematical, statistical and business theories.
You’d test your solutions to problems using statistical and computer forecasts and ‘models’.
Your research and advice would help senior managers in companies and government departments solve business problems and make better decisions.
You would:
Analyse complex information and add insight
Apply business and other theories to the organisation and its work
Come up with the solution to problems
Observe and interview staff
Examine a company's current procedures
Report your findings to the client
Make recommendations about where to make changes
Advise managers on putting the changes into practice
You might work alone or in a small team. Good knowledge of business would be useful. You’d also need to be able to explain complex ideas to people who are not experts.
Hours
You would typically work standard office hours Monday to Friday, perhaps with occasional overtime to meet deadlines. Part-time work is possible.
Environment
You may have an office base or work mainly from home and you would visit each client company.
Travel
You would need to visit each client company, which can involve frequent travel in this country and abroad, and possible overnight stays.
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Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- questioning
- researching
- empathising
- cooperating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- listening
- analysing
- taking initiative
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business
Computing Science
Economics
Sociology
Statistics
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You need a good honours degree (SCQF level 10) in management science or another relevant subject such as
Mathematics
Statistics
Economics
Computer science
Business management
Degree courses look for three to five Highers including Maths, with English at least at National 5.
Many employers prefer applicants to have a postgraduate degree (SCQF level 11) before entering employment.
Qualifications that show research, organisational, financial and ICT skills.
The Operational Research Society runs career open days and training courses for those interested in or already employed in this area.
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