The Right Ways to Find and Keep Data Scientists
Posted December 4th, 2015
Data science is a relatively new field that has quickly risen from obscurity to primacy. As companies of all sizes in a wide range of industries have come to rely on big data, they have turned to data scientists to give that data more form and function. The only problem is that staffing demands often far exceed the number of quality candidates available. If you need to connect with better data scientists faster and keep them in your orbit longer, rely on these strategies:
Keep the Work Interesting
The work of data scientists can be fascinating and creative, or routine and repetitive. For obvious reasons, these cutting-edge professionals would prefer to work in dynamic, evolving environments that allow them to experiment and invent. If you’ve relegated your data scientists to what amounts to clerical positions, you will have a hard time attracting new talent and keeping them on your roster.
Connect with Senior Management
Big data is now at the core of how many enterprises conduct business. For that reason, data scientists need to have the attention of senior management. Connecting the two parties early and often ensures that scientists are working on projects with maximum business impact, and that executives are taking the insights of the scientist to heart. Setting these professionals up for success keeps them engaged.
Cross-Train Data Scientists
Scientists are curious by nature, which makes them particularly receptive to cross training. Enhancing your scientist’s credentials with skills drawn from other analytic disciplines deepens their impact on your organization, primes them to move into management/executive roles, and helps them avoid burnout. You can also use your commitment to professional development as a recruiting tool.
Refine Business Acumen
There is often a disconnect between the insights gleaned by data scientists and the imperatives of executives. The scientists think technically and analytically, while the executives think strategically and competitively. That disconnect can lead to frustrating misunderstandings, and more often than not the data scientists receive the brunt of the blame. Helping these scientists to be more business minded enables them to make a stronger, more impactful impression on executives and improve their overall standing at your company.
Even with these strategies in place, the competition for data scientists will remain fierce, and lots of companies will be forced to operate with a deficient workforce. Staying ahead of this problem requires you to comprehensively review the way you recruit and retain talent and be willing to make major changes if necessary. Rely on the expertise of Bayside Solutions to help you make the most of your efforts.
