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, R, Minitab and other software) 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, with openings typically available each semester. Statistics Department students are notified by email about halfway through the preceding semester, and the application (link below) is distributed to all graduate students in the department.

Application for a Consulting Assistantship (PDF)

All qualified applicants will be interviewed once their applications are received. For Ph.D. students, a letter indicating satisfactory progress toward their degree from their major professor must be included. Please submit all materials to Tadd Colver, colvertn@purdue.edu. An interview will be arranged once the application is complete and all assignments will be finalized about a month before the end of each semester. So it is important to apply early.

For any questions or concerns, contact Tadd Colver, via email or at (765) 494-5167.