How to Staff Your Data Science Team
Posted March 9th, 2017
Data science professionals are in high demand. Companies are competing with one another to find the best and the brightest professionals available in a talent pool that is seemingly running dry. This leads many businesses to operate without the ideal number of IT employees on staff, making it harder to get the full value of the data they are collecting. And, the talent shortage means this will likely be the norm for some time.
There are methods for making sure your data science team is as strong as it can be, even if they are shorthanded. And they start with making sure you hire and retain the right data scientists in the first place. To help you staff your data science team right, here are some points to examine whenever you consider potential candidates and when you have your team working.
Hire for Teamwork
Most data science accomplishments are based on the efforts of an entire team and not just individuals. That means, when you are looking to hire, teamwork and compatibility should be critical to your vetting process. You want to choose tech pros who don’t just have the right skills but can use them well in your current environment. This means examining candidates for cultural fit as well as their attitude towards working as part of a larger whole.
Prioritize Focus
Since IT professionals are hard to find almost across the board, it isn’t uncommon for companies to seek out candidates who can wear more than one hat. But, when it comes to employees that need to focus on details and manage complex analytics, having them pulled in every direction isn’t the best idea.
If you want to get the most of your data science team, you need to find individuals with the right skills and make sure they can focus while on the job. This means avoiding side duties like help desk and end-user support that lead to a lot of interruptions. Otherwise, every time an employee calls with a basic software issue, your data scientists are being distracted from the task at hand. And, once the support call is over, it will take them additional time just to get back in the groove.
Invest in Solutions
If your tech solutions include outdated technology, your data scientists may be wasting valuable time on menial tasks. Some of the newer systems available allow tedious and repetitive work to be automated, taking it out of the hands of your IT pros. That means your data science team can spend more time on the duties that actually require their skills, letting them accomplish their tasks more quickly. So, instead of having them do battle with their software every day, find a new solution that makes their jobs easier. Then, they can be more productive even if you can’t find candidates to fill job vacancies.
Get Their Input
Whether you are examining new systems or preparing to find job candidates, speak with your data science team and see what they need to succeed. Often, they are more aware of software shortcomings and skill gaps than you may be. This means you will have the information to make the right choice based on the team you have today, so you can create a stronger team tomorrow.
If you are looking to find a new data scientist for your team, Bayside Solutions can facilitate your search. Contact us to see how our services can work for you.
