I support users of our online grant-making and volunteer system for the whole Capital One company. I run grant and volunteerism reporting, trend reporting, reverse lookup participation reporting. I communicate the implications of data trends to Sr. leadership to help guide direction of overall program. I monitor processes for root cause analysis and improvement.
CAREER
Operations Research Analysts
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$86,200
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+24.8% (much faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Operations Research Analysts Do
Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
Other Job Titles Operations Research Analysts May Have
Advanced Analytics Associate, Analytical Strategist, Decision Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Optimization Analyst
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I’m on the Food Ops Team, so I work with everything food. We have a three-step process—discover, design, and deliver—and operations gets brought along for the whole ride. After a crazy menu item (like the quesalupa) is “discovered,” we act as the voice of reason to make sure our restaurants can realistically execute these items using their back-of-house hardware. We do a lot of testing to make sure the item’s soundproof, then once we feel it’s ready, we send it out to our restaurants.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Formulate mathematical or simulation models of problems, relating constants and variables, restrictions, alternatives, conflicting objectives, and their numerical parameters.
- Perform validation and testing of models to ensure adequacy and reformulate models as necessary.
- Collaborate with senior managers and decision makers to identify and solve a variety of problems and to clarify management objectives.
- Present the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
- Collaborate with others in the organization to ensure successful implementation of chosen problem solutions.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Operations Research Analysts
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (41%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Business Administration and Management, General
Graduate
Mathematics, General
Certification / License
Programs for Foreign Lawyers
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Business/Corporate Communications, General
Bachelor
Business Administration and Management, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Non-profit work experience, particularly in fundraising or operational management. Being able to relate to the limitations of nonprofits, particularly "grassroots" organizations with limited staff is key, and does take patience to bring them through various processes.
I think it’s really important to have restaurant experience with Taco Bell. It really helps you understand the product and get into the mentality of how the restaurant workers are going to be interacting with the product. Plus, it helps you later become that voice that can champion for those restaurant workers and make their work as painless as possible.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
Go as far as you can with your education and always put your education first. If you’re working at Taco Bell, they’ll do everything they can to help you with your schedule and make sure that you can keep pursuing an education—take advantage of that.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
