Operational Researchers and Industrial Engineers - Top 10 Happiest Professionals

As an Operational Research professional, the kind of work we do is pretty exhilarating. Don't you agree?

Recently at work (a major health care authority), my team did some analysis of the emergency department visits trend. We presented our findings and communicated our recommendations to the senior management based on thorough quantitative analysis. I left the boardroom thinking "geeze, who knows when the recommendations will be taken seriously, but if only they would". Then a week later (a week only, can you imagine?!), to my surprise, we hear about the ED changing the physician coverage based on our suggestions and analysis. To take it one step further, they have voluntarily asked for continuous measurement and report to see how this has impacted the ED operations. It made my day! However, I should emphasize that we are lucky to be working with progressive clinical staff who are open to quickly try new suggestions. Cooperative clients make a very happy OR consultant.

It feels good to be useful. I'm sure this is a feeling shared by many other OR professionals. Naturally, we enjoy our line of work, and we are one (or two) of America's top 10 happiest professionals.

At number 7:

Science technicians
Job Description: Use principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, and to help invent and improve products and processes.

Very happy: 51.0%
Median salary (research scientists): $72,435

At number 9:

Industrial engineers
Job Description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes.

Very happy: 48.4%
Median salary: $61,729

So we have some frustrating moments (a lot of them, actually), but when it works according to design, it puts a big smile on my face. :)