Encouraging Tomorrow's Problem- solvers: The Impact of The OR Society
The UK is currently experiencing a surge in the demand for professionals in data science and operational research (OR), driven by rapid technological change and global challenges like climate change.
According to a report by The Office for Students, more than 7,600 students enrolled in AI and data science postgraduate conversion courses between 2020 and 2023, addressing national gaps in expertise and tackling digital skills gaps. This enrollment is a testament to the growing interest in these fields.
The average salary for STEM graduate jobs stands at a compelling £30,973, significantly higher than the £26,023 average for non-STEM university graduates. This trend is reflected in the remuneration for data science professionals, with experienced professionals earning over £90,000, and roles in areas such as data science having average salaries now exceeding £67,000.
The initiative, launched by the international organization INFORMS (The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences) in September 2021, aims to connect students, graduates, and professionals, demonstrating how data and OR can contribute to urgent challenges in sectors such as healthcare, transport, logistics, energy, and climate solutions. The initiative offers skills training, networking, and mentoring to support professional growth and connect people applying data in real-world situations.
The OR Society, a professional body for operational research, is promoting career opportunities and jobs in OR and data science. The Society recommends students considering a career in OR to study STEM subjects at A level, and ideal degrees for a career in OR include OR, Mathematics, Computing and data science, or business analytics. Other numerate degrees are also highly valued for a career in OR.
The demand for STEM professionals is at an all-time high, with nearly half of engineering and technology employers struggling to fill positions. This demand is further fueled by government support, making the UK a prime location for those seeking careers in these fields.
The Data Science Connects community, an initiative by The OR Society, encourages students, graduates, and professionals to discover how data and OR can help address urgent challenges in various sectors. By joining this community, individuals can access a wealth of resources, events, and opportunities to network and grow their careers in these exciting and dynamic fields.
In conclusion, the UK offers a fertile ground for those interested in careers in data science and operational research. With compelling salaries, a growing number of opportunities, and a supportive environment, it is an ideal place to start or further a career in these fields.
