What is Statistics?
Statistics is the science of learning from data, comprising all aspects of the collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. Statisticians apply their knowledge to solve problems in almost every field of science, technology and business.
Statistics uses mathematics to understand practical problems and uses modern computing to organize and analyze data. Statisticians command specialized tools for prediction and forecasting using data and statistical models.
Specific courses at UTSC are intended to develop your writing and research skills – look for them!
Skills of Statistics Grads
- Identifying relationships and trends in data, and factors that could affect research results.
- Reporting results of statistical analyses, in the form of graphs, charts, and tables.
- Analysing and interpreting statistical data to identify significant differences in relationships.
- Adapting statistical methods to solve specific problems in many fields.
- Developing software applications or programming to use for statistical modeling.
- Developing and testing experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods.
- Preparing data for processing by organizing information, checking for any inaccuracies, and adjusting and weighting the raw data.
- Planning data collection methods for specific projects and determine sample groups.
- Processing large amounts of data for statistical modeling and graphic analysis, via computer.
- Evaluating analytical methods and procedures for validity, applicability, efficiency, and accuracy.
Primary Source: onetonline.org
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Actuarial Analyst in Insurance Providers
- Business Analyst in Telecommunications
- Associate in Compensation Consulting Firms
- Associate Risk Consultant in High Tech Manufacturers
- Consulting Associate in Software Developers
- Data & Incentives Analyst in Technology Integration Companies
- Data Specialist in Marketing Services
- Financial Analyst in Energy Producers
Statistics Grads from UTSC have gone on to:
- Manulife (Analyst)
- Towers Watson (Compensation Analyst)
- Scotiabank (Analyst)
- DBRS (Quantitative Research Analyst)
UTSC Statistics graduates are working in scientific research, risk management and compensation analysis.
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Statistics – Master of Science
- Actuarial Science – Master
- Epidemiology – Master of Science
- Accounting or Taxes – Master
- Bioinformatics – Master of Science or Graduate Certificate
- Business Administration – Master
- Chartered Financial Analyst – CFA
Examples of Fields that ‘Fit’ the Skills of Statistics Grads
- Transportation & Logistics
- Consulting Firms (Actuarial, Compensation & Benefits)
- Marketing & Consumer Research
- Hospitals & Medical Research Organizations
- Financial Services & Accounting
- Universities
- Insurance
- Government (Federal, Provincial, Regional, Municipal)
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
- Career Cruising: Log into cln.utoronto.ca, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
- O*Net: online.onetcenter.org (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.
Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Department of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.
Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.
As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.
As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore professional associations and get involved! Volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Association for Mathematical and Computer Science Students
- Statistics Canada
- Statistical Society of Canada
- International Statistical Institute
- Computing Research Association
- Canadian Applied & Industrial Mathematics Society
- Canadian Institute of Actuaries
- Canadian Operational Research Society
- CFA Institute (Chartered Financial Analyst)
Please note: This information is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the Department of Computer and Mathematical Sciences website.