Where Do Operations Researchers Work | NC State OR

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Where Do Operations Researchers Work

Last Updated: 06/13/2024 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

Armed with broad skill sets, NC State Operations Research graduates like you are improving the world and paving the way for a better society. You lead engineering, management, and technology, driving innovation and education.

With an advanced degree in Operations Research from NC State, you have many diverse opportunities. According to the US Labor Bureau (May 2023), there is projected to be a 10 percent growth over the next decade for professionals with operations research degrees.

So where do operations researchers work? Let’s take a look at the top industries and companies that hire our graduates.

Top Industries that Hire Our Students

A bar chart showing the top industries that hire NC State OR graduates. The next section will give the details.
  • Technology – 20%
  • Financial – 12.5%
  • Consulting – 10%
  • Academia – 10%
  • Healthcare – 10%
  • Military – 8%
  • Retail – 7%
  • Automotive – 4%
  • Transportation – 4%
  • Research – 4%
  • Construction – 3%
  • Defense – 3%
  • Energy – 3%

Top Companies that Hire Our Students

A bar chart showing the top companies that hire NC State OR graduates. The next section will give the details.

Operations research practitioners are found across various sectors, including healthcare, logistics, finance, and government. They use data analysis and mathematical models to tackle intricate challenges efficiently. In healthcare, these experts optimize hospital operations, aiming to enhance patient care and reduce costs simultaneously. Within logistics, their focus lies in streamlining supply chains to ensure products are delivered promptly and efficiently. Financial institutions rely on operations research to manage risks effectively and maximize investment returns.

Moreover, government agencies utilize operations research to improve public services and allocate resources more wisely. The impact of these practitioners is profound and multifaceted. Their work directly contributes to saving lives, reducing expenses, and improving decision-making processes across industries. By employing advanced algorithms and analytical techniques, operations research professionals uncover valuable insights that inform smarter strategies and policies. Ultimately, their efforts not only enhance operational efficiency within organizations but also foster broader economic growth and societal well-being through more effective resource allocation and improved service delivery.

  • SAS Institute – 8.25%
  • NC State University – 4.1%
  • US Army – 4.1%
  • The CDC – 4.1%
  • Bank of America – 3%
  • Cisco – 2%
  • GlaxoSmithKline – 2%
  • Amazon – 2%
  • Epic – 2%
  • Home Depot – 2%