What can I do with a degree in Statistics?

Statistics graduates develop a valuable set of skills
that includes:

• Logical and quantitative thinking
• Critical evaluation
• Practical application of statistics in problem solving
• Numerical confidence
• Computing skills
• Collection and analysis of data
• Interpretive and analytical thinking
• Ability to deal with abstract concepts.

Opportunities to apply your learning outside the classroom are available in this subject, through internships and consulting projects. These experiences deepen your skillset, awareness of others, working knowledge, and employability

While many are employed by Statistics New Zealand, graduates enjoy a wide variety of destinations. For example, in Aotearoa New Zealand Statistics alumni have been hired by:

• Government bodies eg, Statistics New Zealand, The Treasury, Ministry of Justice, Productivity Commission, Gisborne District Council
• Market research eg, Bu Channel, Research First, Nielsen, Colmar Brunton
• Data science eg, Harmonics Analytics, Plexure
• Transport and tourism eg, Air New Zealand, Parking and Traffic Management Solutions, Tourism New Zealand, AA
• Health eg, HealthAlliance, Compass Health, Waitemata District Health Board, Ryman Healthcare
• Not-for-profits eg, World Vision NZ, Givealittle, Pasifika Futures
• Financial and professional services eg, EY, NZX Limited, KPMG, Optiver Australia, IMC Financial Markets, FNZ, Mercer, KVB Kunlan, Accenture
• Software and technology eg, Xero, Atlassian, Orion Health, Tenzing Management and Technology Consultants, Fulcrum
• Banking sector eg, ANZ, BNZ, Westpac, Heartland Bank
• Manufacturing eg, Ford Motor Company, Tegel, Fonterra
• Research eg, ForwardHQ, Landcare Research, Plant and Food Research
• Insurance eg, Suncorp Group, IAG, AA Insurance, Sovereign
• Education eg, New Zealand Institute of Studies, University of Auckland.

Statistician

• Designs data collection methods
• Uses statistical techniques to predict trends
• Presents graphs and charts of data

Biostatistician

• Applies statisitics to health and public health
• Analyses data that relastes to medical problems
• Advises on data collection methodology

Biometrician

• Uses statistical models to analyse biological data
• Advises on experimental design, data collection, analysis and presentation
• Trains and supports other staff in biometrics

Investment analyst

• Does fundamental analysis for securities
• Provides buy or sell recommendations

Secondary school teacher

• Plans and delivers instructional lesson
• Evaluates performance and provides feedback
• Sets and marks tests and assessments

Research analyst/associate

• Coordinates organisation research
• Uses mathmatical modelling and computer softeware to improve operations, sales etc

Statistical methodologist/analyst

• Plans, designs and tests data collection methods
• Analyses information to find patterns
• Draws conclusions and writes reports

Actuary, actuarial analyst

• Assesses the likelihood of an event occuring
• Looks at past trends to predict future outcomes
• Explains implications eg, possible costs

Data scientist/analyst

• Analyses past and current data to glean insight
• Models techniques and makes predictions
• Links IT experts and business analysts

Risk surveyor/analyst

• Identifies and mitigates strategic, operational and other (EG, credit or regulatory) risks
• Manages relevant policies and procedures
• Oversees staff engagement and compliance

Head of mathematics and statistics

• Plans and implements the mathematics curriculum for high school students
• Recruits, manages and evaluates teaching staff

Tertiary lecturer

• Prepares and gives lectures and tutorials
• Sets and marks assignments and exams
• Conducts research, writes and publishes articles

Entrepreneur and CEO

• Develops and idea to form their own business
• Offers their services as a freelancer or consultant

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies or organisations relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network with others.

• New Zealand Statistical Association
• New Zealand Mathematical Society
• New Zealand Society of Actuaries
• New Zealand Association of Maths Teachers
• Royal Statistical Society

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies.