Congratulations Class of 2021!
May 21, 2021
Congratulations to all of the 2021 statistics and data science graduates! Your degree is your ticket to change the world, perhaps now more than ever before.
Although we are still navigating through unprecedented times, there are plenty of opportunities for you to apply your statistics skills and knowledge to make an impact in your community and beyond—and this demand will continue far into the future.
Since the beginning of pandemic last year, statisticians have been on the frontlines helping fight COVID-19. Frauke Kreuter, Professor of Joint Program in Survey Methodology at the University of Maryland, worked with Facebook to use surveys to better understand how the pandemic spread. Former ASA President, Lisa LaVange, served on the NIH-led Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions and Vaccines (ACTIV) partnership to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statistics field also contributes to many other important causes, including addressing algorithmic bias, protecting endangered species, making medicines more effective, and reducing hunger and disease. The work you do can create life changing solutions to the world’s most critical issues! As statistician John Tukey said, “The best thing about being a statistician is that you get to play in everyone’s backyard.”
What’s more, an education in statistics and data science opens doors for opportunity. Year after year, statistics continues to be one of the highest growing career fields in the country. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics projections indicate that career opportunities in statistics will continue to expand for years to come, with a growth rate of 33 percent between 2019 and 2029.
And high school grads, you don’t have to wait for college to gain more statistics knowledge. You can grow your statistics skills this summer through the resources for students provided by the American Statistical Association.
From healthcare to journalism and well beyond, statistics skills are in high demand and will continue to be for years to come. No matter where life takes you—no matter whose backyard you find yourself in—with statistical skills, you will be able to have a rewarding career while making a difference in the world!
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