What Can I Do with My Operations and Analytics Major?
Overview
Students who major in operations and analytics (OPAN) in the McDonough School of Business receive a solid foundation in developing procedures, systems and strategies in order to efficiently manage business processes and the operations of goods and services production delivery. A thorough training in information systems prepares students to effectively utilize technology in order to manage the flow of information in complex systems and organizations.
Positions in this field are growing faster than average as employers value and require employees with a strong understanding of both technology and business practices. To be successful in this field one must have analytical and computer skills in order to accurately evaluate the needs of an organization and implement strategies to improve practices. The OPAN major teaches students the theory and application of effective process analysis and systems design and prepares them to apply these skills within organizations.
Skills
The study of operations and analytics facilitates the development of a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. A sampling of representative skills and abilities follows.
Critical Thinking
- Understanding patterns
- Assessing needs
- Defining problems
- Integrating theory and practice
- Considering alternatives
- Generating solutions
- Making projections
Communication
- Work in groups on projects
- Present projects and information logically
- Train others
- Explain technical and theoretical concepts to others
Technical
- Database design and interface
- Understanding of programming
- Knowledge of software (e.g., web platform development, object or component oriented development, configuration management, program testing)
Sample Internship Opportunities
- Accounting firms (e.g., Deloitte and Touche, Ernst & Young LLP, KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers)
- Banking (e.g., Goldman Sachs, World Bank Group, Citi, UBS, Barclays Capitol)
- Consulting firm (e.g., Bearing Point, Accenture, IBM)
- Government (e.g., Department of Defense, United States Congress)
- Hospitals (e.g., Georgetown Hospital Center, George Washington Hospital)
- Manufacturing Companies (e.g., Gore, DuPont)
Where are Georgetown Operations and Analytics majors now?
- Foreign service information management specialists
- Systems analyst
- Supply chain analyst
- Application developer
- Quality assurance analyst
- Database administrator
- E-commerce developer
- Web designer
- Technical analyst
- Consultant
- Technical writer
- Computer security analyst
- Business analyst
- Purchasing agent
- Materials controller
- Risk analyst
- Network administrator
Relevant Websites & Professional Organizations
- DICE – Job search for technology professionals
- Association for Information Systems
- Association for Computing Machinery
- Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply
- Computing Research Association
- Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences
- Institute of Operations Management
- Institute for Supply Management
- International Association of Science and Technology for Development
For information about career options, internship and full-time opportunities, contact the Career Education Center at One Leavey Center, (202) 687-3493.