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Operational researchers analyse how organisations can improve the way they work.
You could work: between 8am and 6pm;
There will be
2.9% more Operational researcher jobs in 2027.
In your local area
In your day-to-day tasks you may:
You could work in an office or from home.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need a degree in operational research, maths or other relevant subject, for example:
Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification in operational research or management science.
You'll usually need:
You could do an operational research specialist higher apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship typically takes 24 months to complete.
Most trainee operational researchers are graduates with strong maths and analytical skills.
Most people following this route have:
You may be able to get into operational research if you've got related experience from industry, for example in research and development, or project or change management.
Joining a professional body like The Operational Research Society may improve your career prospects.
You can find out more about careers in operational research from The Operational Research Society.
With experience you could become a project or team leader, then manager of an operational research department.
You could also become self-employed as a management consultant.
You can find out more about careers in operational research from The Operational Research Society.