Becoming a Successful Young Collaborator: 20 Strategies for the MS-Level Statistician

• Activity Number: 590
• Type: Topic Contributed
• Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section for Statistical Programmers and Analysts
• Author(s): Seth Lirette*
• Keywords: master's degree ; professional development ; collaboration

Abstract

Statistics is a field rapidly increasing in popularity. With this, there will be an increase in invigorated young researchers who choose to enter the work force after completing an MS degree, as opposed to continuing to pursue a PhD. While having seen real-world data, perhaps during a master's project or consulting class, a vast number of these students will have had neither on-the-job training nor internship opportunities, and thus may experience apprehension when starting to practice as a statistician. I will present 20 strategies, developed from first-hand experience as an MS-level biostatistician, that will help set new graduates on a path to a successful career of collaboration. These strategies are applicable across statistical disciplines and should help motivate, reassure, and encourage young statisticians.