ASA President Sastry Pantula provides several resources and examples for promoting the practice and profession of statistics in an ethical way.
President's Corner
Let’s All Celebrate the First World Statistics Day
ASA President Sastry Pantula takes World Statistics Day as an opportunity to thank all statisticians who work on federal statistics around the globe for their valuable service to humanity and asks everyone to celebrate their service, professionalism, and integrity.
Soft Skills Just as Important as Core, Computational Skills When Looking for a Job
There is an axiom in the business world: Your hard skills—that is, what you can show and quantify on your résumé—will get you an interview, but it is your soft skills that will land you a job. ASA President Sastry Pantula includes some points he made about core, computational, and communication skills at a workshop for young industrial and business statisticians.
A Pat on the Back for Our Longtime Members
I want to take this opportunity to thank the longtime members of our association. When I read through the list (see April 2010 issue of Amstat News) of these members, I am always impressed. Here is the “who’s who” of our profession and, in particular, our association. They have a lot to be proud of, both personally and professionally. This list includes ASA presidents, vice presidents, board members, and executive directors, as well as many award winners.
Celebrating Anniversaries and Achievements
July marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We hope to encourage persons with disabilities to become statisticians and fully participate in the ASA. In July, we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Institute of Statistical Sciences (NISS).
Half-Time Report
Exciting things are happening within our association—our relationship with RSS through Significance, accreditation implementation, social media, electronic publications, and a new winter conference on statistical practice, just to name a few.
Statistical Significance
“GIVE to ASA” is my mantra for the year. That’s a G for Growth, an I for Impact, a V for Visibility, and an E for Education.
Be a Proud Statistician
As statisticians, we make decisions based on data. Of course, that implies we do have to collect good data. This is the year of the Census 2010: Please make sure that you complete your census form.
Make Yourself Count
There are a few hours to go before the Super Bowl commercials start. I promised myself I wouldn’t turn on the TV until I finish this column, but my mind keeps wandering. What exciting commercials will be on this time? I can’t wait to see the commercial for the 2010 Census!
Mentor a Statistician Today
I am proud that our association has about 18,000 members from such diverse backgrounds, but I would love to see our membership be much higher. As I meet our members and many potential members at various conferences and chapter meetings, it is clear we can enhance mentoring of young statisticians. They are the future of our association and our profession.