In an article published on December 20, 2021 by Forbes, written by Edward Rothberg, the CEO of Gurobi, one of the leading companies in mathematical optimization solutions, highlights the growing role of Operations Research in transforming modern businesses. The article, entitled "Operations Research Analyst: The Fastest Growing Job You’ve Never Heard Of", reveals valuable insights on how this emerging area is driving efficiency and innovation in business.

According to the article, as the volume of data grows exponentially, the demand for professionals capable of interpreting and optimizing processes through mathematics is rapidly growing, trailing only behind healthcare professionals in terms of growth. While statisticians and data scientists are in the spotlight of companies, the CEO of Gurobi emphasizes that another type of professional is beginning to stand out: operations research analyst.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2030, another 25,000 professionals will be needed in this field, placing operations research among the top 20 fastest-growing professions of the decade. Despite being little known, this discipline has been playing a vital role since the 1940s, helping various industries — such as aviation, energy, and supply chains — solve complex problems.

The executive emphasizes that the work of operations research analysts goes beyond simple data analysis: they use mathematics to identify and implement the best way to conduct business. By delving into the internal processes of companies, these professionals identify what can be optimized and use mathematical models to seek more efficient solutions. In the energy sector, for example, operations research analysts are able to create models that balance supply and demand, taking into account the unpredictability of renewable sources such as wind and sun, ensuring efficient and economical supply.

But how do you know if your company needs an operations research analyst?

According to the leader of Gurobi, every company can benefit from this approach. Ready optimization tools can help, but always fall short. By integrating an operations researcher into the team, the company gains an impartial and analytical view on how to improve its operations in a more personalized way. Even organizations that already have data scientists can gain even more value by adding operations research to the team, allowing decisions to be based on a deep and optimized mathematical analysis, rather than just data predictions.

Where to find these professionals?

According to the research conducted by Gurobi, the majority of operations research analysts have a master's or doctoral degree in engineering, operations research, or mathematics. While it is ideal to hire professionals with this advanced background, the CEO of Gurobi suggests that companies can also develop talent internally. By identifying data scientists with a strong understanding of mathematics and business knowledge, and training them in mathematical optimization, companies can build their own team of operations research specialists, increasing the capacity for intelligent and strategic decision making.

The executive concludes by stating that, as these skills become increasingly difficult to find, investing in operations research and mathematical optimization within organizations will be an essential differentiator for business success in the coming decades.