Think analytically

Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

think in an analytical way
analytical thinking
think logically

skill/competence

cross-sector

Think analytically is an essential skill of the following occupations:

Hospitality revenue manager: Hospitality revenue managers maximise revenue generated from facilities such as hotels,  holiday resorts and camping grounds by analysing trends and competition. They assist establishment managers in strategic decisions. Hospitality revenue managers analyse and optimise the financial potential of facilities and manage the corresponding staff.
Chemist: Chemists perform laboratory research by testing and analysing the chemical structure of substances.They translate the research results into industrial production processes which are further used in the development or improvement of products. Chemists are also testing the quality of the manufactured products and their environmental impact.
Ship planner: Ship planners manage the performance of a vessel. They ensure the safety of the vessel and its cargo, its operationality and link available vessels to available cargos in order to maximise the profitability of the voyages. They ensure that each container ship is loaded to its optimal capacity, while keeping berth times and handling costs to a minimum. They also plan the maintenance and overhaul of the ship, as well as the crew needed.
Leather wet processing department manager: Leather wet processing department managers plan and organise the work, the staff and equipment of the department involving the washing of the raw hides or skins. They remove unwanted elements, they weigh and prepare it for tanning. They coordinate supply of chemicals and raw materials. They perform elaboration of manufacturing recipes and monitor quality.
Aviation meteorologist: Aviation meteorologists forecast weather conditions in airports. They provide day-to-day, hour-to-hour observations, analysis, forecasts, warnings, and advice to pilots, airport operators and airlines in meteorological matters. They report weather conditions expected at airports, current conditions, and en route forecasts.
Aviation communications and frequency coordination manager: Aviation communications and frequency coordination managers are in charge of activities and projects aimed to enable the appropriate communication infrastructure that supports the exchange of information between airspace users.
Leather production manager: Leather production managers plan all aspects of the leather production process. They ensure the required throughput of the factory in terms of quality and quantity of the leather. They organise the production staff. They monitor and ensure the operation of machinery and equipment. They cooperate with managers of each production department.
Vehicle technician: Vehicle technicians inspect, test and maintain vehicles, motorcycles, engine tune-ups and tyre replacements. They repair engine failures, lube replacements. Vehicle technicians replace vehicle components and evaluate warranty options.

 
Membership manager: Membership managers oversee and coordinate the membership plan, support existing members and engage with possible new members. They analyse the market trend reports and develop marketing plans accordingly. Membership managers monitor and ensure the efficiency of processes, systems and strategies.
Leather laboratory technician: Leather laboratory technicians perform and report chemical analyses and physical tests of leather. They also perform and report chemical analyses of auxiliaries, environmental emissions and discharges. They ensure that the tests are carried out according to appropriate national, international or customer standards.
Intelligence officer: Intelligence officers develop and execute plans to gather information and intelligence. They investigate the lines of enquiry which would provide them with the necessary intelligence, and contact and interview people who may provide intelligence. They write reports on their results, and perform administrative duties to ensure records maintenance.
Economic adviser: Economic advisers research economic developments and advise on economic problems. They forecast trends and behaviour in economics, and advise on finance, trade, fiscal and other related matters. They advise companies and organisations on techniques to gain economic profit.
Colour sampling technician: Colour sampling technicians prepare recipes of colours and dyeing mixes. They ensure consistency in colour while using materials from different sources.
Airport environment officer: Airport environment officers monitor environmental issues such as emissions, contamination, and wildlife activity in the premises of airports. They report environmental attractors for animals such as nearby rubbish dumps or wetland areas. They can engage in studying the environmental impact that airports are having in the surrounding communities in reference to the diverse contamination that airports produce. They implement the rules to ensure the sustainable development of the airport.
Aircraft dispatcher: Aircraft dispatchers authorise, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to governmental and company regulations. They expedite and ensure flight flow by preparing logs of flights, delays, cancellations, and changes in schedules or flight plans.
Mathematician: Mathematicians study and deepen existing mathematical theories in order to expand the knowledge and find new paradigms within the field. They can apply this knowledge to challenges presented in engineering and scientific projects in order to assure that measurements, quantities, and mathematic laws prove their viability.
Emergency response coordinator: Emergency response coordinators analyse potential risks such as disasters and emergencies for a community or institution and develop a strategy for reacting to these risks. They outline guidelines for the response to an emergency in order to decrease the effects. They educate the parties at risk on these guidelines. They also test response plans and ensure that the necessary supplies and equipments are in place in compliance with health and safety regulations.
Finished leather warehouse manager: Finished leather warehouse managers organise and monitor the finished leather warehouse, stock levels and organise product packing and dispatch. They maximise the warehouse space and manage time to control the orders.
Leather raw materials purchasing manager: Leather raw materials purchasing managers plan and purchase supplies of hides, skins, wet-blue or crust in coordination with the production requirements. They negotiate processes and forecast the levels of demand for products to meet business needs and keep constant check on stock levels and quality to maximise business efficiency. They identify potential suppliers, visit existing suppliers, and develop business relationships with them.
Pipeline compliance coordinator: Pipeline compliance coordinators track, compile and summarise all the compliance and conformance activities in pipeline infrastructures and fields. They ensure that works are carried out within regulatory frameworks. They strive to develop and implement compliance policies and recommend ways to minimize risk. They inspect sites, collect evidence, and report compliance needs to the management.
Leather production planner: Leather production planners are responsible for planning and following production planning. They work with the production manager to follow progress of the schedule. They work with the warehouse to ensure optimum level and quality of materials are provided, and together with the marketing and sales department to meet customer order requirements.
Public affairs consultant: Public affairs consultants function as representatives for a client’s goal. They attempt to persuade legislative bodies and policy makers to implement laws or regulation in accordance with the client’s wishes, and negotiate with parties with potentially conflicting interests. They perform analytical and research duties in order to ensure that the client’s cause is being addressed in an appropriate way to the appropriate parties. They also consult their clients on their causes and policies.
Leather finishing operations manager: Leather finishing operations manager plan and organise the work of the finishing department. They are in charge of chemical supply and equipment management. They also coordinate the staff.
Statistician: Statisticians collect, tabulate, and, most importantly, analyse quantitative information coming from a varied array of fields. They interpret and analyse statistical studies on fields such as health, demographics, finance, business, etc. and advise based on patterns and drawn analysis.
Airspace manager: Airspace managers control activities aimed at developing the European airspace into a continuum that is flexible and reactive to changes of users’ needs in airspace. They aim to optimise the network capacity and improve the performance.
Hide grader: Hide graders sort hides, skins, wet blue, and crust depending on the natural characteristics, category, weight and also magnitude, location, number and type of defects. They compare the batch to specifications, provide an attribution of grade and they are in charge of trimming.
Statistical assistant: Statistical assistants collect data and use statistical formulas to execute statistical studies and create reports. They create charts, graphs and surveys.
Pharmaceutical engineer: Pharmaceutical engineers design and develop technologies used in pharmaceutical research and drugs manufacture, advising the pharmaceutical manufacturing plants to maintain and operate those technologies and ensuring the customers` and workers` safety requirements are met. They may also be involved in the conception and design of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants and research centers.
Leather sorter: Leather sorters inspect and classify leather during and at the end of the production process according to the qualitative features, destinations of use and customer requirements. They work in the tannery and in the warehouses checking the quality, colour, size, thickness, softness and natural defects. 
Road transport division manager: Road transport division managers maintain control of processes relating to vehicles, staff, customers, routes, and contracts.

Think analytically is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this skill may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Rooms division manager: Rooms division managers are in charge of managing and coordinating a team of employees at front desk, reservations, housekeeping and maintenance departments.

Judge: Judges preside over, review and handle court cases, hearings, appeals and trials. They ensure that court procedures conform to conventional legal processes and review evidence and juries. Judges preside over cases involving such areas as crime, family issues, civil law, small claims and juvenile offenses.
Product development manager: Product development managers coordinate the development of new products from beginning to end. They receive briefings and start envisioning the new product considering design, technical and cost criteria. They conduct research on market needs and create prototypes of new products for untapped market opportunities. Product development managers also improve and boost technological quality.
Tanner: Tanners program and use tannery drums. They perform the work according to the work instructions, verify the physical and chemical characteristics of the hide, skin, or leather and of the liquid floats (e.g. pH, temperature, chemicals concentration) during the process. They use the drum for washing the hide or skin, removing the hair (not in the case of hides and skins tanned with the hair or wool on), bating, tanning, retanning, dyeing and milling.
Special forces officer: Special forces officers operate in specialised missions such as counter terrorism missions. They perform combat and intelligence missions in order to impede with enemy equipment and installations, and to gather information on enemy strategy and movement.
Diplomat: Diplomats represent their home nation and government in international organisations. They negotiate with the organisation’s officials to ensure the home nation’s interests are protected, as well as facilitate productive and friendly communication between the home nation and the international organisation.
Colour sampling operator: Colour sampling operators apply colours and finish mixes according to the defined recipes. They apply pigments, dyes or other finishing mixes.
Election observer: Election observers are skilled and trained spectators of  the elections in a functioning democracy in order to enhance the transparency and credibility of the observed elections.
Leather measuring operator: Leather measuring operators use machines to measure the surface area of leather and ensure that the machines are regularly calibrated. They note the size of leather and ensure its recording for further invoicing.
Supreme court judge: Supreme court judges preside in high courts, dealing with complex criminal and civil cases. They examine the case during trials in order to formulate a sentence or to direct a jury in reaching a conclusion, and decide on any punishments if an offending party is found guilty. They rule proceedings and ensure the trial is held in a fair manner compliant with legislation.
Licensing officer: Licensing officers process licence applications and provide advice on licensing legislation. They also perform investigative duties to ensure the applicant is eligible for the requested licence, ensure licence fees are paid in a timely manner, and ensure compliance with legislation.
Criminal investigator: Criminal investigators examine and process the scenes of crimes and the evidence found in them. They handle and protect the evidence compliant with rules and regulations, and isolate the scene from outside influence. They photograph the scene, ensure the maintenance of the evidence, and write reports.
Leather production machine operator: Leather production machine operators use the tannery machinery and programs according to the specific requirements to achieve the department’s standards. They do routine maintenance of the machinery.
Mediator:
Mediators resolve disputes between two parties by examining the case, interviewing both parties, and advising on a solution which would be the most beneficial for them. They listen to both parties in order to facilitate communication and find a fair agreement and organise meetings. They aim at resolving disputes through dialogue and alternative solution without having to take the case to litigation and courts. Mediators ensure that the resolution is compliant with legal regulations and is also enforced.
Hospitality entertainment manager: Hospitality entertainment managers are in charge of managing the team which creates entertainment activities for the guests of a hospitality establishment.
Logistics analyst: Logistics analysts streamline product manufacturing, transportation, storage and distribution. They assess production and supply chain problems to determine economically efficient solutions. They assists company managers in decision-making processes and direct programs designed to provide subcontractors, managers and customers with logistic technology.
Accommodation manager: Accommodation managers are in charge of managing the operations and overseeing the strategy for a hospitality establishment. They manage human resources, finances, marketing and operations through activities such as supervising the staff, keeping financial records and organising activities.
Secretary general: Secretaries general head international governmental or nongovernmental organisations. They supervise staff, direct policy and strategy development, and function as main representative of the organisation.
Customs officer: Customs officers combat the importation of illegal goods, firearms, drugs or other dangerous or illegal items while checking the legality of items brought across national borders. They are government officials who control the documents to ensure entry criteria and custom laws are complied with and control if the custom taxes are paid correctly.
Immigration officer: Immigration officers monitor the eligibility of people, food, electronic devices and merchandise entering a country via an entry point. They use surveillance methods and check identification and documents to ensure entry criteria and custom laws are complied with. They can also conduct interviews with prospective immigrants to verify eligibility and inspect cargo to identify and detect violations.
Computer-aided design operator: Computer-aided design operators use computer hardware and software in order to add the technical dimensions to computer aided design drawings. Computer-aided design operators ensure all additional aspects of the created images of products are accurate and realistic. They also calculate the amount of materials needed to manufacture the products. Later the finalised digital design is processed by computer-aided manufacturing machines that produce the finished product.
Synthetic materials engineer: Synthetic materials engineers develop new synthetic materials processes or improve existing ones. They design and construct installations and machines for the production of synthetic materials and examine samples of raw materials in order to ensure quality.
Camping ground manager: Camping ground managers plan, direct, or coordinate all campsite facilities and manages employees.
City councillor: City councillors represent residents of a city in the city’s council and perform local legislative duties. They examine the concerns of the residents and respond to them in an appropriate manner, and represent their political party’s policies and programs in the city council as well. They communicate with governmental officials to ensure the city and its agenda are represented and supervise all operations which fall under the city council’s responsibility.
Leather goods artisanal worker: Leather goods artisanal workers manufacture leather goods or parts of leather goods by hand according to the specifications of the customer or their own design. They do repairs of leather goods such as shoes, bags and gloves.
Court jury coordinator: Court jury coordinators aid lawyers in the preparation of the trial by researching jury members. They aid in the development of trial strategies, analyse the jury’s behaviour during a trial, and advise lawyers on proceedings. They also assist in preparing witnesses and constructing arguments.
International relations officer: International relations officers ensure the development of cooperation between international public organisations and governments. They facilitate communication between their organisation and foreign organisations and develop collaboration strategies, promoting a collaborative relationship beneficial for both parties.
Health and safety officer: Health and safety officers execute plans for the improvement of work environments and cultures. They assess risks and interview employees to ensure the work environment is compliant with health and safety rules, as well as ensuring the interaction within the workplace occurs in a positive and productive manner. If employed in a healthcare facility the health and safety officer has to investigate infections spreading across a facility and advice all employees how to combat and prevent infections. Furthermore health physics is applied at facilities where people are exposed to ionizing radiation such as nuclear power plants and research institutions.
Leather finishing operator: Leather finishing operators use machines for finishing leather according to the required specifications by the client for surface characteristics such as colour nuance, quality, pattern and special properties such as waterproofness, antiflame retardance, antifogging of the leather. They arrange the dosage of finishing mixes to apply to the leather and do the routine maintenance of the machinery.
Warfare specialist: Warfare specialists perform strategic duties, such as making tactical decisions, detecting and identifying potential threats, and locating targets and objectives. They communicate with the other teams to ensure the efficiency of the operation, and also oversee the safety of the team.

Grants management officer: Grants management officers work professionally in the administration and management of grant funds. They look at grant applications from individuals, charities, community groups or university research departments and decide whether to award funding given out by charitable trusts, government or public bodies or not. However, sometimes they may refer the grant application to a senior officer or committee.
 
Lawyer: Lawyers provide legal advice to clients and act on their behalf in legal proceedings and in compliance with the law. They research for, interpret and study cases to represent their clients in a variety of settings such as courts and administrative boards. They create arguments on behalf of their clients for lawsuits in different contexts with the aim of finding a legal remedy.
Education inspector: Education inspectors visit schools to ensure that the staff perform their tasks compliant with educational rules and regulations, as well as overseeing that the school’s administration, premises, and equipment conform to regulations. They observe lessons and examine records to assess the school’s operation and write reports on their findings. They provide feedback and give advice on improvement, as well as report the results to higher officials. Sometimes they also prepare training courses and organize conferences that the subject teachers should attend.
Army captain: Army captains aid in the supervision of large units of soldiers, as well as perform planning and strategic duties in tactical operations. They also ensure equipment maintenance and provide support in logistic matters as well as support during operations.
Customer experience manager: Customer experience managers monitor customer experiences by creating, evaluating and improving the customer’s interaction organisations in the hospitality, recreation or entertainment industry. They develop plans of action to optimise all aspects of the customer’s experience. Customer experience managers strive to ensure customer satisfaction and boost company profits.
Embassy counsellor: Embassy counsellors supervise specific sections in an embassy, such as economics, defence or political affairs. They perform advisory functions for the ambassador, and perform diplomatic functions in their section or specialty. They develop policies and implementation methods and supervise the embassy section’s staff.
Chemical tester: Chemical testers are responsible for the rapid on-the-spot analysis of steel test pieces incoming from the metal production shop for the purpose of timely corrections of the chemical composition of the liquid metal.
Passport officer: Passport officers provide passports and other travel documents such as certificates of identity and refugee travel documents. They also keep record of all provided passports.
Prosecutor: Prosecutors represent governmental bodies and the general public in court cases against parties accused of illegal activity. They investigate the court cases by examining evidence, interviewing involved parties, and interpreting the law. They use the results of their investigation in order to present the case during court hearings, and to construct persuasive arguments in order to ensure the outcome is the most favourable for the parties they represent.
Tax policy analyst: Tax policy analysts research and develop taxation policies and legislation in order to improve and develop tax policies. They advise official bodies on policy implementation and financial operations, as well as forecast financial influence of changes in tax policies.
Colonel: Colonels serve in the staff of a military commander, and function as primary advisers in operational and strategic decision-making to senior officers.
Grants administrator: Grants administrators handle the pass-through track of grants, often given out by the government to the grant recipient. They prepare the paperwork such as the grant applications and give out the grants. They are also responsible to make sure that the grant recipient spends the money correctly according to the terms laid out.
Brigadier: Brigadiers command large units of troops called brigades, oversee strategic and tactical planning, and monitor operations of their brigade. They manage the headquarters of the brigade’s division and ensure correct operations of the division on base and in the field.
Service manager: Service managers are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the provision of different professional and technical services to customers. They ensure a smooth interaction with clients and high levels of satisfaction post-service. This occupation includes the provision of policing, correctional, library, legal and fire services.
Coroner: Coroners oversee the examination of deceased individuals in order to determine the cause of death in uncommon circumstances. They ensure records are maintained of the deaths within their jurisdiction, and facilitate communication with other officials to ensure the investigation is complete.
Social security administrator: Social security administrators direct and develop government-provided social security programmes in order to aid public welfare, as well as promote social security programmes. They supervise staff working in governmental social security, and investigate existing policies in order to assess issues and develop improvement proposals.
Curriculum administrator: Curriculum administrators develop and improve the curricula of education institutions. They analyse the quality of existing curricula and work towards improvement. They communicate with education professionals to ensure an accurate analysis. They report on curriculum developments and perform administrative duties.
Countryside officer: Countryside officers are responsible for a range of activities that manage and maintain the natural environment and associated public access and recreation. They encourage visitors to open spaces/the countryside, promote awareness of the natural environment and protect and preserve the open space/countryside for future enjoyment.
Foam rubber mixer: Foam rubber mixers tend the machine that mixes foam rubber particles with liquid latex. They weigh the right amount of ingredients and pour mixtures into moulds to make cushions and matresses.
Hospitality establishment security officer: Hospitality establishment security officers are in charge of managing the overall process and implementation of hospitality facility security in terms of both safety of belongings, personal safety and building security.
Chemical engineer: Chemical engineers design and develop large-scale chemical and physical production processes and are involved in the entire industrial process required for transforming raw materials into products.
Aircraft cargo operations coordinator: Aircraft cargo operations coordinators direct and coordinate air transport terminal cargo and ramp activities. They review data on incoming flights as to plan the working activities. They direct preparation of loading plans for each departing flight and confer with supervisory personnel to ensure workers and equipment are available for air cargo and baggage loading, unloading, and handling activities.
Foreign affairs officer: Foreign affairs officers analyse foreign affairs policies and operations, and write reports outlining their analyses in a clear and comprehensible manner. They communicate with parties who benefit from their findings, and act as advisers in the development or implementation of or reporting on foreign policy. Foreign affairs officers may also perform administrative duties in the department, such as assisting with problems concerning passports and visas. They promote friendly and open communication between different nations’ governments and institutions.
Housekeeping supervisor: Housekeeping supervisors are in charge of supervising and coordinating the daily running of cleaning and housekeeping activities hospitality establishments.
Calculation engineer: Calculation engineers draw conclusions about real systems, such as on strength, stability and durability, by performing experiments on virtual models. They test production processes as well.

References

1. Think analytically – ESCO