Many people asked me “Why you want to be a statistical programmer?” “What’s the career path for a statistical programmer?” Yes, I was a statistician in my early career and need to do a lot of data manipulation in order to perform statistical analyses. At that time, SAS (version 5.18) didn’t have enough statistical procedures and I had to write some SAS/IML codes for ridge analysis to satisfy the need. Then I realized that reshaping the data structure or deriving complex logics for analyses was not an easy task but it really motivated me. I am now in the statistical programming field for 20 years. “Passion” is indeed the reason that I switched my career role from a statistician to a statistical programmer.
In terms of the career path for statistical programmer, our company provides two tracks for growth.
- Management – Jobs that contribute to the company through operational management including directing, leveraging and guiding other staff. Supervision and management of staff or a function is expected with this career path
- Technical Professional – Jobs that contribute to company through the application of individual expertise associated with a professional body of scientific/technical knowledge. May accomplish results through leveraging a team of professionals and/or managers including leadership of cross-functional teams.
Ask yourself this question before making decision on which career path you would like to take: “Am I enjoying what I do? Or Will I enjoy what I am going to do?” Passion, there is an immeasurable power in it.