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Useful experience includes:

• any work using maths and statistics
• experience writing coding languages
• work with market research companies
• work with surveys, polls and data analysis.

Statisticians may do some or all of the following:

• design methods of collecting data such as studies, surveys, experiments and questionnaires
• use statistical techniques and models to forecast results, trends and needs
• identify data trends, and the differences and relationships between different sets of data
• use computer software to make graphs, tables and charts of data
• check data is accurate, write reports and present findings to clients
• provide data to help policymakers.

Shortage of experienced statisticians

Employers report difficulty finding skilled statisticians, so your chances of securing a job are best if you have relevant experience. Statisticians who can code, source and integrate data, and are good with emerging technology, especially AI, are in demand.

Graduate statisticians have a good chance of finding employment as a shortage of experienced statisticians has created more job opportunities.

The number of statisticians in New Zealand is expected to exceed 1000 by 2021 because organisations and companies are producing an increasing amount of data which needs to be analysed. Stats NZ is the largest single employer of statisticians in New Zealand, employing about 350. 

According to the Census, 978 statisticians worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Statistics graduates with double majors in demand

People who combine statistics with study in another field, such as biology, agriculture or environmental studies, may have better chances of getting a job. This is because many jobs demand additional skills or knowledge in a specific area of statistical analysis.

Government departments main employers of statisticians

Most statisticians work for Stats NZ or other government departments and Crown research institutes. Other employers include:

• higher education institutions
• market research and survey companies
• banks, finance and insurance companies
• health boards.

New Zealand Statistical Association

www.stats.org.nz

Statisticians may move into management roles.

Statisticians may specialise in areas such as agriculture, conservation, economics or health research.

Statisticians need to be:

• logical and methodical
• accurate, with an eye for detail
• able to focus on client needs
• skilled at writing and communicating complex data to clients
• motivated and able to work to deadlines
• able to work in multi-disciplinary groups
• good at decision making and problem solving.