People seeking to become an occupational analyst do not have a specific career, training or qualification map to follow. Qualifications for the position usually require either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a human resources related discipline, and some employers will require at least one year of experience supervising labor force representatives. Attending an internship or apprenticeship after graduation, however, can help students wanting to become an occupational analyst. The most important step is taking the right courses in college, regardless of the major, to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge to perform in the position.
An occupational analyst will conduct surveys, compile data and interpret the results to determine optimized labor force requirements for an organization. While in college, students will need to take courses in statistics, mathematics and social sciences in order to learn how to carry out the research component effectively, if they are to become an occupational analyst. Students will also need a strong foundation in industrial and organizational psychology in order to understand how to best align labor force requirements within a company. Additionally, students will need courses in human resources, particularly those that cover all legalities that impact human resource development and management. Such a foundation will help position a student at an advantage over those who cannot demonstrate this knowledge when trying to become an occupational analyst.
Occupational analysts usually start out in roles related to employee representation, such as an employee services representative, before moving into a supervisory role. After serving in a supervisory role successfully for at least one year, many employers will consider such applicants for an occupational analyst position. During college, students may want to apply for and complete an internship working in the human resources department. Completing an internship will give graduates experience to put on their resume and provide them an opportunity to compete for jobs in a supervisory capacity. Using this strategy, potential job analysts may find themselves competing for an analyst position sooner, rather than later in their career.
Upon securing a post as an occupational analyst, an employee can expect to spend most of his or her time researching occupations and ascertaining qualifications to fulfill vacancies and meet the employer’s human capital requirements. In addition, analysts will also study occupational trends and their impact on employees as well as act as a liaison between the organization and outside entities, both public and private, relating to occupational matters. Advancement into management is a possibility as well, though it will usually require a master’s degree in business or organization psychology.