How to Become an Operations Research Analyst

Recently, we wrote about what you can do with an MIS and Business Analytics degree, and today we’re going to explain how to use this degree to become an operations research analyst.

This is an excellent job, but also an extremely competitive one that requires a strong foundation of technical knowledge and highly specific mathematical and analytical skills. 

Fortunately, you can acquire the necessary knowledge and skills by completing your degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics at CSU Global.

This post will explore the many reasons to consider becoming an operations research analyst, including what you’d do on the job, what you need to know to get hired and succeed in this challenging role, and why you should consider studying operations research online instead of in-person.

After you’ve read about how to become an operations research analyst, fill out our information request form to receive additional details on our online Bachelor’s Degree in MIS and Business Analytics, which is the perfect program for building the skills you’ll need to succeed in this challenging profession.

If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.

Is Operations Research Analysis a Good Career?

This is a great role for anybody who wants to develop a lucrative, lifelong career doing interesting and important work in a high technology profession.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, operations research analysts are quite well-paid, earning a median annual salary of $86,200 as of May 2020.

Because they perform such important work, operations research analysts are also poised to see a significant rise in demand, with the BLS projecting employment for this role will grow 25% between 2020 and 2030.

One of the best reasons to consider getting into this growing field is that the job allows you to do interesting, important work helping organizations solve complex problems, which means you’ll get to play a key role in improving the effectiveness of their business.

There’s a great deal of flexibility involved in being an operations research analyst since you could choose to work embedded at a single organization, or as a third-party consultant, which means you’ll have plenty of options when it comes time to choose how to structure your career.

What do Operations Research Analysts Actually Do?

Operations research developed during World War II as a way for military planners to create more effective plans for utilizing their limited resources, and now organizations utilize similar processes to help improve their operations.

As a professional operations research analyst, you’ll use advanced mathematical and analytical methods to solve complex problems, pulling insights from big data and sophisticated analytics platforms to advise organizations on how to maximize their results.

To be effective in this role, you’ll need to develop expertise in several intense, challenging, but critical tasks, including:

• Collecting and analyzing data of different types to power statistical analyses. 
• Using the data you collect and the calculations you run to provide advice for difficult decisions and complex problems.
• Utilizing sophisticated mathematical software to help perform complex analyses and develop effective solutions.
• Clearly communicating your findings, results, and opinions to others, including key stakeholders, management teams, and executives.

These tasks will require a complex set of sophisticated technological, mathematical, and analytical skills, which is why you should seriously consider getting your degree in a related field before attempting to break into the industry.

Do I Really Need a Degree to get a Job as an Operations Research Analyst?

Yes, according to the BLS, the typical educational requirement for entry-level roles in this field is a bachelor’s degree, but BLS also mentions that some employers may prefer applicants who hold a master’s degree.

Knowing that a master’s could be required, there’s a very good chance that you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree to break into this competitive, challenging industry.

BLS reports that professional operations research analysts tend to hold degrees in fields like business, operations research, management science, analytics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, or another technical or quantitative field.

This is why we suggest completing CSU Global’s B.S. in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, as your studies in this program would include a synthesis of all these fields, ensuring you’ll have the skills you need to perform effective operations research.

In this program, you’ll develop several critical skills that translate perfectly to the role of operations research analyst, including:

• Use data to guide business decisions and management processes.
• Research, plan, and utilize technology to help make informed, strategic decisions at any level of the organization.
• Develop business strategies using information systems.
• Control both operational and technological budgets.

In addition to the specific tasks above, our program will also provide you with detailed knowledge and expertise on managing several core business units, including: 

• Strategy
• Marketing
• Management
• Finance
• Accounting

Completing this program will provide you with everything you need to launch your career as an entry-level operations research analyst.

What Can I Do to Increase My Odds of Success?

After earning your Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, what else could you do to improve your chances of a successful career in operations research?

First, consider completing a master’s program in a related field, like CSU Global’s M.S. in Information Technology Management or our M.S. in Data Analytics.

As we mentioned earlier in the article, BLS states that some employers are likely to prefer candidates with master’s degrees, and both of these programs would provide excellent training in topics that directly apply to the work of an operations research analyst.

Next, you could think about completing technical certifications that would help improve your academic credentials. 

According to Zippia.com, a site that provides advice on careers, there are three relevant certifications you might want to consider when looking to break into this industry, including: 

• Six Sigma Green Belt
• IT Information Library Foundations Certification (ITIL) 
• Professional Researcher Certification (PRC)

The following certifications are also worth considering:

• CAP
• aCAP

Completing a master’s program and/or some certifications could help improve your resume and marketability with potential employers, but remember that the real key step for breaking into the industry will be finishing a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Should I Get My Degree Online?

Yes, whether you choose to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree, a Master’s Degree, or both degrees, we suggest studying online instead of in-person.

Why? For several reasons, but the most important benefit to studying online is that you’ll be able to enjoy far more flexibility and freedom when it comes to scheduling your academic work since online programs allow you to study whenever and from wherever you like.

Choosing to study with us at CSU Global will provide you with other significant benefits as well, including: 

• No requirements to show up at set times or in physical locations.
• Monthly class starts.
• Accelerated courses.

If you’re a busy person, with an existing job or family responsibilities, then you should certainly think about studying online, as that would make it far easier to complete your degree.

Why Should I Choose to Study at CSU Global?

Our online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and the perfect program for developing the skills and abilities you need as an operations research analyst.

This program’s graduates report excellent results from the job market, including an average salary of $72,181 just one year after completing their degree, and a salary that is 47% higher than the national average for all bachelor’s degree holders (BLS, 2019) three years after they’ve graduated.

You can also be fully confident that your degree will provide real value for increasing your marketability in the job market, as this program was recently awarded an excellent ranking:

• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems Programs from Best Colleges.

CSU Global itself is also a widely-recognized industry leader in higher education, having recently earned several important rankings of its own, including:

• A Top 10 ranking for Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Top 7 ranking for Best Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans from U.S. News & World Report.
• A #3 ranking for Best Colleges in Colorado from Best Value Schools.

Finally, we’re dedicated to helping keep the costs of higher education down, which is why we offer affordable tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee that promises your rate won’t increase between enrollment and graduation.

For additional details about our fully-accredited online Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems and Business Analytics, please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.

Ready to get started today? Apply now!