2 answers
Beckham
Student
Signal Mountain, Tennessee
1
Question
Asked
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What do I need to do to get into statistics. I just am really wondering what type I want to get into. How can I figure out what would be the best specific field in statistics for me, what is the difference between an actuary and an actuarial scientist and how and why does that fit into statistics ?
#Spring25
I just want it to be enjoyable. Sports analyzing catches my eye. However, I realize that is a very hard field to get into as a whole but still.
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2 answers
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
205
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
The language of statistics is mathematics. Hence, you need a solid background in mathematics to get into the field of statistics.
Based on your mention of analyzing baseball catches, I would surmise that you are interested in data analysis, which is an area of statistics. You will be a statistician.
On the other hand, actuary scientist is a professional with advanced mathematical skills who deals with the measurement and management of risk and uncertainty. Obvious, statistics in involved in this field.
Based on your mention of analyzing baseball catches, I would surmise that you are interested in data analysis, which is an area of statistics. You will be a statistician.
On the other hand, actuary scientist is a professional with advanced mathematical skills who deals with the measurement and management of risk and uncertainty. Obvious, statistics in involved in this field.
Christine Tompkins
Data Analyst
9
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Great question, Beckham! If you're interested in sports analytics, then that's a great place to start. Even if you end up not doing sports stats professionally, using something you enjoy to learn the concepts is incredibly helpful. Otherwise, it can be hard to get excited about it.
If you're interested in statistics/actuarial sciences, then you'll be learning a wide range of skills within statistics and data science. R/Python are essential tools you'd be using to apply statistical methods to, so they will be your main paintbrushes. As you're learning, you can use sports as your tool to get the statistical concepts. Once you've got the basics down, then you can start narrowing in on which "type of statistics" you want to pursue.
Keep in mind that the fields of applied stats/math, actuarial science, data science are changing rapidly and are being used in brand new ways. For example, you can use a lot of the same statistical methods that are used in sports within other types of data science for organizations. Sometimes it's even more advantageous to bring in ideas from different areas of study. So if sports interest you, go for it!
If you're interested in statistics/actuarial sciences, then you'll be learning a wide range of skills within statistics and data science. R/Python are essential tools you'd be using to apply statistical methods to, so they will be your main paintbrushes. As you're learning, you can use sports as your tool to get the statistical concepts. Once you've got the basics down, then you can start narrowing in on which "type of statistics" you want to pursue.
Keep in mind that the fields of applied stats/math, actuarial science, data science are changing rapidly and are being used in brand new ways. For example, you can use a lot of the same statistical methods that are used in sports within other types of data science for organizations. Sometimes it's even more advantageous to bring in ideas from different areas of study. So if sports interest you, go for it!