ASA Chapter Involvement Gives ROI

In 1977, I was a fresh graduate from the biostatistics master’s program at the University of Vermont. I had no idea where to look for employment. The Boston Globe didn’t have many, if any, of these jobs listed in the want ads. A close friend, also a statistician, suggested I attend JSM in Chicago.

I was an ASA member for just under two years, so I didn’t know what to expect. They say “timing is everything,” and attending this JSM afforded me the opportunity to see what was out there for career opportunities across a broad geographical area. I was fortunate! I met with my first manager, Ellen Naor, who offered me a position within the Bureau of Health Planning for the State of Maine. Of course, much has changed since 1977, and professional connections are much easier to make through our numerous social networks. People who know people who know people …

Since 1980, I have been working in the biopharmaceutical industry. When I moved to Connecticut in 1987 to join Bristol-Myers, another research and development group, I was pleased to learn that the local ASA chapter was active. By joining this chapter, I was able to meet statistical professionals, and this helped ease me into a new geographical location. It provided me the 30,000-foot scope to see what else was going on in my ‘adopted’ state.

The management within the biostatistics department I worked in encouraged staff to participate in ASA chapter activities. They supported us becoming officers and allowed us time to participate in events such as seminars, mini-conferences, and training. I’ve been lucky to serve as the Connecticut treasurer, vice president, president, and representative to the Council of Chapters (COC). In 2012, I was elected to become District 1 vice chair, serving New England, New York, and Canada. This afforded me an even greater view, with more opportunities to explore what concerns and issues working statisticians face. It also provided me the experience of visiting the ASA headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia, for the COC face-to-face meeting. This is where all district vice chairs share success stories and concerns. Again, another group of people from varied areas of interest (including academia, industry, and business) who want to make a difference in the field of statistics.

One other activity I feel strongly about is promoting math literacy through the ASA Annual Poster Competition. The Connecticut Chapter has been doing this for more than 15 years and I am always surprised at the questions raised by students and how they use data to come to conclusions. In the age of texting and instant gratification, it is important that students are still able to communicate their ideas, and this competition allows students to do this. This is an area I find not only fulfilling, but eye opening.

While it is easy to join the ASA, it is better to learn how to become active within the organization. The ASA is always looking for folks to volunteer. Each chapter is as good as its members. I have received a lot on my investment. I’m sure you will, too!