Statistical Consulting: The Personal and the Professional

• Activity Number: 212
• Type: Roundtables
• Date/Time: Monday, August 10, 2015 : 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Statistical Consulting
• Author(s): Marlene Egger*
• Companies: University of Utah
• Keywords: statistical consulting ; personal balance

Abstract

A statistical consulting career provides an opportunity for flexible contributions from the perspective of statistical science to a variety of projects. What is important to you in a consulting career? Some projects allow a consultant to use analytical tools they developed or stay current with state-of-the-art statistical methodology developed by others. Some allow the consultant to make consulting contributions with impact in the real world, improving outcomes for people or organizations. Certain projects increase the consultant's prestige and that of the client. Others simply involve a schedule that meets one's needs. What lights you up, gets you up in the morning, and keeps you doing statistical consulting year after year? How do you maintain your health and sanity in a career that can at times generate stress, uncertainty, and conflict? How can a statistical consulting career grow along with you, even when you transition into retirement? This roundtable will include a wide-ranging discussion of personal balance in the profession of statistical consulting. Please come ready to share your career experience, aspirations, and know-how.