Become a Consultant - Department of Statistics - Purdue University Skip to main content

Become a Consultant

The Statistical Consulting Service hires graduate students from departments throughout the university to serve as software and design consultants. While consultants come primarily from the Department of Statistics, we have had students from many other departments, including Psychology, Child Development and Family Life, and Economics, working with our service.

Job Requirements
Course Requirements
Application Procedure
Application for a Consulting Assistantship

Job Requirements

Consultants work 8-10 hours per week for the SCS. They must register for Stat 597 (one credit), attend the weekly staff meetings and make a presentation at one of the staff meetings. In addition, they meet with clients and assist them with their projects. Finally, consultants are required to submit reports documenting their consultations.

Consultants should know how to use the statistical software that the university provides (SAS, SPSS, Minitab) and should be familiar with data transfer procedures. They also must have good verbal and written communication skills. International students must pass the Oral English Proficiency Test (OEPT) or the Total Spoken English Exam (TSE).

Course Requirements

Applicants must complete the following courses:

Although 526 is listed as a required class, we understand that Masters students may take this course in the spring semester of their second year. We take this into account when hiring and encourage Masters students to apply after completing 512/525 and 514.

In addition, Stat 513 Statistical Quality Control, is desirable.

Application Procedure

Consultants are hired each Spring, Summer and Fall semester. In general, there are openings each semester. Students in the Statistics Department are notified by email about halfway through the preceding semester and an application is distributed to all Statistics Department graduate students at that time. You may also print an application from this website.

Students outside the Department of Statistics should complete an application and contact Ce-Ce Furtner by email or call (765) 494-0105. Assignments are finalized about a month before the end of each semester, so it is important to apply early.

Students will not be considered for consultant positions until all documentation has been received (an application and a letter from major professor if the applicant is a Ph.D. student). Please submit all materials to Ce-Ce Furtner. An interview will be arranged when the application is complete.

Application for a Consulting Assistantship (PDF)

Purdue Department of Statistics, 150 N. University St, West Lafayette, IN 47907

Phone: (765) 494-6030, Fax: (765) 494-0558

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