You'll usually need a degree in maths and operational research, or a related subject that contains a high proportion of maths, for example:

• statistics
• computing
• economics
• management science
• physics

Some employers may prefer you to have a postgraduate qualification in operational research or management science.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

You could apply to do an Operational Research Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship typically takes 2 years to complete.

Most trainee operational researchers are graduates with strong maths and analytical skills.

Entry requirements

Most people following this route have:

• a degree in a relevant subject

You could apply for a place on the Government Operational Research Service Fast Stream scheme.

To be eligible, you'll need a degree in maths, or a combined degree or degree apprenticeship that has a high maths content. A postgraduate award in a maths related subject may also be acceptable.

You'll need:

• maths skills
• analytical thinking skills
• business management skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to use your initiative
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

As an operational researcher, you'll:

• speak to staff and managers to learn about what they do and how they work
• collect and analyse data, using mathematical and statistical methods
• create computer models to test solutions to problems
• identify areas for improvement and recommend changes
• present findings to senior management teams
• monitor changes to make sure they are working

You could work in an office or from home.