At the GAO, my main role is to advise on statistical aspects of
GAO’s congressionally requested audits and evaluations of federal
agencies and programs, including oversight of the federal statisti-
cal system. I’ve collaborated on various census studies, including
census coverage measurement, response rate estimation, and the
Recent
impact of the return to a paper-based nonresponse follow-up. As
in the past, this position provides the opportunity to contribute
Appointment
to statistical aspects in many substantive areas. Already, I have
assisted with quality reporting guidelines for statistical agencies,
at GAO
unemployment insurance, federal funding allocations, USDA civil
Sidney H. Schwartz was
rights efforts, prescription drug pricing, cheese markets on the
Chicago Mercantile Exchange, bilingual voting assistance, minor-
recently promoted to
ity representation in government and higher education, DC school
director of the Center
vouchers, No Child Left Behind, mortgage markets, transportation Sidney Schwartz
for Design, Methods,
safety, and the manufactured housing loan program.
and Analysis in the
The GAO has a wonderful applied research staff, led by Managing
Applied Research and Methods team at the
Director Nancy Kingsbury with the statistical staff directed by Sid
U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Schwartz (see side bar). At the GAO, staff must assess the quality
The center’s staff of social science analysts,
(fitness for use) of all data used in reports. The role of statisticians in
survey specialists, statisticians, and computer
GAO studies varies, but often involves evaluating data quality issues.
specialists support and extend the work of
Our statisticians also play lead roles in setting the study design, con- other GAO teams by helping to conceptualize
ducting analyses, and interpreting analyses results. researchable questions, select appropriate
The GAO usually hires experienced statistical staff, therefore research methodologies, design and implement
making it an attractive opportunity for mid-career statisticians. The data collection strategies, and gather and analyze
GAO offers great facilities, a great location, and the opportunity to
complex data. The center’s technical and specialist
bring quality statistics into the discussion of major issues (see www.
expertise contributes to the overall quality
gao.gov/jobs/arm.pdf). There are also opportunities for students to
of the information with which GAO supports
explore, such as an intern program that can lead to entry-level ana-
congressional and federal agency decisionmaking.
lyst positions or the occasional entry-level statistician position (go
to www.fedjobs.gov). Prior to his promotion, Schwartz was a supervisory
statistician in the center for which he is now
Why I Recommend Federal Government
director. Before coming to GAO, Schwartz was a
Employment to Statisticians
statistician at the U.S. Postal Service (1985–1997)
Now that my account of how the steps in my random walk became
and U.S. Census Bureau (1979–1985).
my career is complete, it is fair to ask if I would advise someone
to consider a career in government statistics? Definitely, yes! As a
For information about careers in the federal
major employer of statisticians (about 20%) and with positions in
government, see www.amstat.org or fedstats.gov.
virtually every agency, government employment provides opportu-
nities in many substantive areas of interest, as well as advancement
opportunities at all degree levels. More important, work in the fed-
eral government provides you the opportunity to have an impact
on critical data series or major policy issues. Although the starting
pay up to $60,000 of graduate education in fields such as math and
salary can be a little lower than what other employers offer, the
statistics in return for a three-year service commitment. Finally, there
leave and retirement programs, steady employment, challenging
are opportunities to present papers at conferences or submit them to
problems, and other plusses even the score. If you are motivated by
journals and to meet senior statisticians; they tend to be great advisers
service and want to like your work and know it is important, then
and mentors. While I’ve mentioned some who have been influential
government may be the place for you.
in my career, I offer my thanks and apologies to all those I do not have
Government agencies have both management and technical
space to mention here.
tracks as career options, with each track having similar compensation
So, all in all, as a statistician, a career in the federal government
potential. In government, there are fits for diverse methodological
has a lot to offer, especially if you like variety as much as I do.
backgrounds. While my career was well served by my having a broad
Beginning a career with a federal agency can lead to many random
background, others have made successful careers while remaining in
steps (or unplanned opportunities) in government, with contracting
one agency or by becoming experts in specific methodological areas.
firms in the private sector, or as a university faculty member. n
Further, the statistical units of federal government agencies consis-
tently rate near the top of places to work in employer surveys.
Additionally, agencies may have student loan replacement pro-
Ronald S. Fecso is chief statistician, U.S. Government Accountability
grams or will pay for graduate work at either the master’s or doctoral
Office. The views expressed in this article are personal.
level. There are also government efforts to initiate legislation that will
JULY 2008 AMSTAT NEWS 29
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