Career path
Grades
Depending on qualifications, OR analysts are recruited into the civil service at one of three grades:
| GORS level 1 |
GORS level 1 is the grade for junior analysts. It is the main entry grade for people with the appropriate qualifications and personal skills, but little, if any, work experience. They work under the guidance of senior OR staff on one or more projects, usually as part of a team. The junior analyst will be expected to develop responsibility for the progress, quality and effectiveness of their contribution to the project. |
|---|---|
| GORS level 2 | GORS level 2 is the entry grade for analysts with some experience. In addition to the qualifications and personal skills necessary for this grade, you also need to have sufficient relevant work experience. Working under the overall guidance of senior staff, a GORS level 2 will take responsibility for implementing an agreed approach effectively and for progressing the work according to the agreed time-scales and budget. While a GORS level 2 will not generally have staff management responsibility, they will be expected to provide peer guidance to more junior staff within their team. |
| GORS level 3 | GORS level 3 is the entry grade for those with substantial relevant work experience. As well as substantial experience and the appropriate qualifications and personal skills, you need the capacity to take the lead on projects, seeing them through from start to end. |
Departments and agencies have been encouraged to develop their own pay and grading systems and so the grade structures and salary scales across departments have diverged.
Qualifications
All applicants should have, or be expecting in the academic year in which they apply, a good degree in a numerate discipline. Most successful applicants have a 2:1 or better or an MSc or PhD. Applicants with a lower class of numerate degree will need to show wider skills or experience to be successful.
It is an advantage to have some knowledge of the analytical methods used in operational research and statistics. GORS levels 2 and 3 candidates will be expected to show greater knowledge of the standard techniques.
Whilst knowledge of OR techniques is an advantage, it is not essential. Those without such prior knowledge, but with strong analytical skills, are encouraged to apply as opportunities exist for training in OR methods. The ability to analyse issues convincingly, and to present results effectively, is more important than familiarity with mathematical techniques. As well as OR graduates, we have recruited graduates with degrees in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, statistics, economics, life science and environmental science.
Development
These are good opportunites for career development within OR. Promotion depends on ability and performance. You will be encouraged to develop your career by moving between departments. There are also opportuinities to move between OR and other jobs in government at all levels. In any case, there is every opportunity to enjoy a long and varied career in government OR.
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