The Section on Statistical Consulting has a lot going on this year, from a terrific JSM 2021 program and new opportunities to participate in the section to student engagement and a revamped microsite and publishing outlet. These many offerings are intended to build a stronger career and profession, and we are grateful to the many volunteers who have advanced them.

Our section will have two invited panel sessions, two topic-contributed sessions, three roundtable discussions, and a speed session with eight participants at JSM 2021. The mixer will have several breakout sessions and a “virtual hallway” to keep discussions going after the mixer. Keep an eye out for details concerning the schedule for the business meeting and mixer.

One area the section has worked hard on is a publishing outlet. In many instances, statistical innovations in applications come from collaborations with other disciplines, which do not fit the mold of the typical statistical journal article. However, these new developments should be shared among statisticians, as they may provide solutions to problems of other disciplines and inspire other areas of traditional statistical research. A subcommittee of the section led by Dean Johnson and Robyn Ball has been working with the journal STAT for a special issue on statistical consulting. Details will be coming soon for how to submit a manuscript for consideration.

The Statistical Consulting Section has also developed new networking groups. Networking groups for statisticians in independent consulting and academic consulting have been meeting for years. New groups this year include Pathways to Promotions, a group developing tools for academic collaborative statisticians to develop their careers; Collaborative Healthcare, a group of statisticians discussing challenges in collaborating in health care environments; and a group creating a toolkit for developing a private consulting business.

At the moment, we are revising our charter, which will allow more opportunities for participation in the section, namely positions for a program officer and student liaisons. These two new positions will allow the section to provide regular learning, networking, and career development opportunities to all section members, including deeper involvement from students. In addition to the many webinars hosted by the section, there will be other opportunities for members to interact with each other and further their careers. The new charter should be available for full membership review in the next few months and a vote next spring.

Another important initiative the section is undertaking is the redesign of our section’s microsite within the ASA framework. There have been many changes made so you can more easily find resources for statistical consulting and working with clients. The directory and discussion board are much easier to access. Remember to update your directory listing. Providing your research and consulting interests can lead to others finding you for collaborative or consulting opportunities. Direct any feedback to Todd Coffey.

Since many statisticians’ roles in academia, industry, and government research institutions are becoming more collaborative, the section has embarked on an initiative to help guide students toward their career goals. One such initiative is the Membership Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee to recruit underrepresented groups into our field and help them succeed. Another aspect of this initiative is a career path webinar in October during which students at all levels can interact with professionals in consulting roles in academia, medical research, and government institutions, as well as freelance statisticians. The goal is showing the many opportunities for a career path beyond the traditional academic careers students see while in school.

Consider joining or becoming more involved in the Section on Statistical Consulting to take advantage of these opportunities to further your career.