Denise Britz - 1º Congresso Online "A Estatística e suas possibilidades de atuação profissional"

Summary

The transcript highlights the speaker’s deep passion for statistics, detailing their journey from a technical course to a career in statistical analysis. Emphasizing the importance of statistics in understanding the world, the speaker explains how it transforms raw data into valuable knowledge. They discuss the growing significance of statistical literacy in a data-driven world and the role of statisticians in addressing global challenges. From personal anecdotes about working in the public and private sectors to insights on the vital role of statistics in areas like health, migration, and sustainability, the speaker underscores the universal applicability and power of statistical knowledge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Statistics is a powerful language that transforms data into meaningful knowledge.
• 😀 A background in mathematics, particularly statistics, is crucial for understanding complex data and systems.
• 😀 Data alone isn’t enough—statisticians work to convert data into information and knowledge.
• 😀 The rise of Big Data has made statistical literacy more important than ever in today’s world.
• 😀 The speaker’s career journey highlights the importance of statistics in diverse fields, from telecommunications to public sector analysis.
• 😀 Accurate statistical methods are vital for informing public policy and understanding global social issues.
• 😀 Statistics is a global language—statisticians can work worldwide, using the same textbooks and methods.
• 😀 Statistical literacy is not just for statisticians but for everyone, as data plays a central role in decision-making.
• 😀 The United Nations uses statistics to measure global issues and guide policy decisions, underscoring its worldwide importance.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that a solid foundation in statistics, computer skills, and proficiency in English is essential for future statisticians.
• 😀 Statisticians need to understand societal issues, as their work influences the shaping of policy and solutions to global challenges.

Q & A

Why did the speaker choose to pursue a career in statistics?

The speaker's choice to pursue statistics was influenced by their interest in mathematics and a strong foundation in it from a young age. They also had exposure to the field early on through their mother, who introduced them to a technical school focused on statistics.

What was the role of the speaker’s mother in their career choice?

The speaker's mother played a pivotal role by introducing them to a statistics program at a technical school when the speaker was 14 years old. This early exposure to the field greatly influenced the speaker’s decision to pursue statistics.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between statistics and mathematics?

The speaker views mathematics as a language, comparing it to a tool for understanding and interpreting the world. They believe that mathematics is not inherently difficult but rather a structured and logical way of engaging with problems, and that statistics is closely tied to this language.

What does the speaker mean by 'data is different from information'?

The speaker emphasizes that data alone is not useful without proper processing. Data becomes valuable when it is analyzed and transformed into information that provides meaningful insights, which is the essence of the statistician's role.

Why does the speaker believe that statistics will be a highly sought-after profession in the future?

The speaker references a statement by a Google economist, who predicted that statistics would be one of the most important professions due to the increasing availability of vast amounts of data. They argue that statistical literacy will become essential for understanding and navigating the modern world.

What impact does the speaker believe statistics has on global development?

The speaker highlights the importance of statistics in tracking and improving global development. They refer to the United Nations Statistics Division, which helps countries gather and use statistics to better understand social issues and promote worldwide improvements.

How does the speaker describe the importance of statistical education in understanding societal issues?

The speaker stresses that without statistical knowledge, individuals may misinterpret or exaggerate social issues. They explain how accurate statistical methods allow societies to measure and understand real-world problems, such as unemployment or teenage pregnancy rates, more precisely.

What is the speaker’s perspective on the international mobility of statisticians?

The speaker points out that statisticians can work globally because the knowledge and textbooks used in the field are internationally standardized. Unlike some other professions, such as law or medicine, statisticians can apply their expertise worldwide without needing additional certification.

What are the key areas of study the speaker recommends for future statisticians?

The speaker suggests that future statisticians should focus on foundational subjects like calculus and probability, develop strong computational skills, and learn English. They also emphasize understanding societal issues and the context in which statistical analysis is applied.

What role does statistics play in public health and social issues according to the speaker?

Statistics is crucial for addressing public health and social issues, such as monitoring epidemics, assessing migration flows, and measuring the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. The speaker illustrates how statistical methods are used to validate the efficacy of medical treatments and inform policy decisions.