Data Scientists
The data scientist v2.0 will be out in the world applying their skills to real-world problems, not toiling away in a lab, in solitude. The will get better and better by having more of these real-world experiences from which to hone their hypotheses and glean their insights.
Data scientist is the hot new job role right now. The problem is that no one has the slightest clue as to how to define the field or find the talent. Roger keys in on one important point however which is that PhD’s are probably not the place to look.
Degrees and certificates, much like any points of pedigree, provide only a limited scope by which to evaluate potential. A PhD can tell you that a person has achieved depth in a narrowly defined set of theoretical skills, but says nothing of the person’s ability to apply theory with practical concerns. It does not take into account tolerance for risk, cultural fitness, adaptability to conditions, and the patience to unlearn and relearn in short order. There is also little extended knowledge about the inner workings of industry.
If you are looking for a data scientist (as it seems every startup is), do not assume that it is a PhD that you are seeking. You want someone that is hands-on in programming, has worked with statistical models, and has done this in a real world, industry setting. You got to put in the work and be creative in finding this talent locked away in hidden and obscure roles.
Every major industry employs these types of people without calling them “data scientists”. The big managing consulting and accounting firms have these people in droves. Insurance companies have actuaries. Trading firms have quants. Pharma uses database analysts. Other industries may call them data analysts, business analysts, modelers, or some other term.
Do not fall for the pedigree trap however. Look for a body of work, application of skills, and the wherewithal to mesh with the scrappy startup. Realize that this is a new field and anyone that you hire is going to have a learning curve. If you dig deep enough however, you can quickly find not the scarcity that everyone decries, but an overabundance of data scientist talent.
(via informationarbitrage)
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Data scientist is the hot new job role right now. The problem is that no one has the slightest clue as to how to define...
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