Operations research analysts are high-level problem-solvers who use advanced techniques, such as optimization, data mining, statistical analysis and mathematical modeling, to develop solutions that help businesses and organizations operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. For example, UPS uses operations research to chart the flow of packages, provide real-time route guidance to drivers and help plan and manage distribution. In the health care field, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York used operations research to design a radiation treatment plan for prostate patients using sophisticated modeling and computation techniques.

Anne Robinson, chief strategy officer for supply chain management software company Kinaxis and past president of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, says, in a nutshell, operations research analysts provide the insights for businesses to make decisions at the next level. "This is really decision guidance. Companies are trying to get value out of big data and analytics platforms investments, and they need the right talent to take it from raw data to an intelligent asset for business," says Robinson, whose focus includes developing models to ensure Verizon stores have enough inventory to meet demand.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 22.5% employment growth for operations research analysts between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 24,700 jobs should open up.

Entry-level professionals often have a bachelor’s degree in math, business or industrial engineering, according to INFORMS. But some employers favor applicants with a master’s degree. At the graduate level, you’ll find degree programs in operations research, analytics and management science, and some operations research analysts have degrees in other technical fields like engineering or computer science. Coursework in both math and computer science is important, as is keeping up with technological advances and new software and analytical methods.