| Veronica M. White | Home Blog Contact |
Posted: 08 May 2023
Author: Veronica White
You know, it’s pretty incredible how I ended up in the field of Operations Research. A field that is able to connect my diverse interests and skills. The truth is, I had no idea this field even existed until my junior year of college. I didn’t wake up one day with a burning desire to become an Operations Researcher. No, it was a gradual and meandering journey filled with uncertainty and contemplation about my future. So, how did I find my way here?
I had a knack for math and science in middle and high school. Pursuing medicine seemed the obvious choice back then, but the sight of needles made me squeamish, so medicine was out. Instead, I thought maybe being an engineer would be a good fit, though I didn’t know which type. Then, by pure chance, I got a college pamphlet in the mail that talked about Industrial Engineering. It described the art of enhancing processes using mathematics, and I was captivated by the idea of utilizing math to address the chaotic and inefficient aspects of my own life. (if you don’t believe that math can be an art give this blog a read)
When I began my Industrial Engineering major, my IE 101 professor said, “Industrial engineers improve processes to help people.” Those words gave me hope I had chosen the right major and have stuck with me ever since. Additionally, my favorite classes were decision analysis and Introduction to Operations Research. I was blown away by the ability to break down complex decision problems into mathematical models, ultimately leading to optimal or “best” solutions. That class, paired with spontaneously starting undergraduate research my senior year of college, is what led me to apply for a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering with a focus on Operations Research.
Today, I love that my work spans various societal issues and collaborates with a diverse range of stakeholders and decision-makers. Admittedly, it can be frustrating at times when I’m not the ultimate decision-maker. However, I cherish the opportunity to collaborate with those who are willing to listen and strive for improvement. The policy changes and insights resulting from my analyses and models have the potential to positively impact entire groups of individuals within the systems I study.
Looking back, there are a few things that would’ve helped me discover what I love sooner:
Ultimately, my journey has taught me the power of Operations Research. It’s not merely a collection of skills and methodologies but a means to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. By embracing this field, I have found my purpose: to use mathematics and analysis to create a brighter future for individuals and society as a whole.
| Field | Focus | Gaps | Typical Careers after a Bachelors | Typical Careers after a Masters | Typical Career after PhD with an OR focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | Focus on theoretical foundations of operations research tools | Stakeholder/applications, Decision making | data analyst, research assistant, actuarial analyst, statistical analyst | data scientist, financial analyst, operations research analyst, risk analyst, policy analyst, program coordinator | At a think tank, government agency, or tech company as a: Senior Researcher, Senior Operations Resercher, Senior Engineer/Statistician/Economist/Policy analyst OR In academia, starting as an Assistant Professor |
| Computer Science | Focus on coding required for solving many complex models, easier transition to Machine Learning problems | Stakeholder/applications, Decison making Mathematical foundations | software developer, web developer, database administrator, systems analyst, IT support specialist, Quality Assurance Specialist, Network administrator, Data analyst, research assistant | data scientist, research and development, advanced software development, system architect, project management | same as above |
| Industrial Engineering (the best option, though I am clearly biased) | Focus on process improvement | May need to supplement with some coding classes and/or methematical proof courses if not in degree program | Data analyst, research assistant, Process improvement engineer, operations analyst, logistics analyst, Quality engineer, Manufacturing engineer, data analysis, research assistant, economic analyst, financial analyst, policy analysis, risk analyst, investment analyst, data analyst, research assistant, policy analyst, program coordinator | Data scientist, Consulting, Process Improvement Analyst, Operations Manager, supply chain manager, operations research analyst, economic consulting, operations research analyst, risk analyst, policy financial analyst, advisor/consultant, research associate | same as above |
| Economics | Focus on application areas | Stakeholder/application, Mathematical foundations, Need to supplement with some coding classes | Data analyst, research assistant, economic analyst, financial analyst, policy analyst, risk analyst, investment analyst | Data scientist, research and development, advanced software development, system architect, project management | same as above |
| Public Policy | Focus on public policy applications, and understanding key decision stakeholders | Will likely need a minor in one of the other areas | Data analyst, research assistant, policy analyst, program coordinator | Data scientist, Consulting, Process Improvement Analyst, Operations Manager, supply chain manager | same as above |
If you want to learn more about what/why Operations Resarch you can read my joint INFORMS DEI blog post🤔 Why Operations Research❓ with Mary Ogidigben, Carmen Haseltine, Elizabeth Scaria click here to be redirected ot the INFORMS DEI Blog