Additional Information
You need a strong background in math, computers and business to do this
job. Students can obtain an undergraduate degree at just about any post-secondary
institution, as long as they focus on math and some sciences, says Randy Robinson.
He is a member of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management
Sciences -- known as INFORMS.
Once they have completed undergraduate studies, a graduate degree is necessary
to pursue work in the field. Many schools offer graduate studies in operations
research, management science, business administration or commerce. Students
should place a heavy emphasis on management information systems.
But don't forget your people skills: while computer work is important,
you should feel comfortable making presentations to top executives.
To prepare yourself for university, take a lot of math courses while still
in high school, says Robinson.
Operations research analyst Nadine Hoffman agrees. "You need to be very
analytical. And you have to be able to express yourself -- be very well spoken.
Good listening skills are important and you need to be flexible."
INFORMS has established a set of high school math modules in operations
research.