What Recruiters Look For In Data Scientists

Summary

In this interview, Ted O'Brien, founder of Starbridge Partners, shares invaluable insights for aspiring data scientists. He emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand, actively networking, and showcasing practical work on platforms like GitHub and Twitter. Ted advises against overly relying on recruiters for entry-level roles, instead encouraging a proactive approach to secure internships and first jobs. By offering value before asking for anything in return, candidates can gain the attention of hiring managers. Overall, persistence, hustle, and strategic personal branding are key to standing out in the competitive data science field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Build your personal brand early by creating a blog, showcasing projects on GitHub, and sharing your knowledge on social media.
• 😀 Networking is essential: Start connecting with professionals and peers, even through informal channels like conferences and social media.
• 😀 Recruiters are focused on risk management—your goal is to reduce their perceived risk by demonstrating your experience, skills, and past projects.
• 😀 Focus on building relationships within companies rather than relying solely on recruiters to secure your first job.
• 😀 Leverage personal connections: A recommendation or introduction from someone within a company can make a significant difference in getting hired.
• 😀 Show your passion for data science and communicate clearly about your areas of expertise to stand out from the crowd.
• 😀 Don’t wait for job postings—start reaching out to companies early and proactively build your network before graduation.
• 😀 Offer value before asking for something in return, as this builds trust and increases the likelihood of being noticed by hiring managers.
• 😀 Be consistent in your efforts: Regularly engage on social media, share content, and participate in relevant discussions to get noticed.
• 😀 Don’t expect immediate results from recruiters: Your first job might take time, but once you have experience, recruiters will actively seek you out.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of Starbridge Partners?

Starbridge Partners specializes in placing data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers. It is the only firm, as far as Ted O'Brien knows, that focuses entirely on the data science market.

What was Ted O'Brien's career background before starting Starbridge Partners?

Ted O'Brien initially worked in custom software development and e-commerce, followed by 17 years of recruiting experience, primarily in capital markets recruiting. He transitioned into data science recruiting after recognizing the potential of big data.

Why does Ted advise recent graduates not to rely too heavily on recruiters?

Ted explains that recruiters are typically not hired to fill entry-level positions due to the lack of experience, and therefore recent graduates should focus on building their personal brand, networking, and proactively reaching out to potential employers.

What is the significance of the first job or internship in a data science career?

The first job or internship is crucial because it sets the foundation for future career growth. Ted emphasizes that getting that first role is often the hardest part, but once you gain some experience, opportunities tend to open up more easily.

How can aspiring data scientists stand out when applying for jobs with little experience?

Ted suggests several strategies: building a strong personal brand, showcasing projects on GitHub, writing blog posts or papers, and connecting with people in the industry. He stresses the importance of being proactive and creating a clear online presence.

Why is building a personal brand important for job seekers in data science?

Building a personal brand allows candidates to establish themselves as passionate, knowledgeable professionals in the field. It helps attract attention from hiring managers and recruiters and demonstrates expertise or interest in specific aspects of data science.

What does Ted mean by 'hustling' in the context of job search?

By 'hustling,' Ted refers to being proactive and persistent in your job search—whether it's networking, reaching out to companies, or building a presence online. He encourages candidates to not just wait for opportunities but actively pursue them through outreach and personal effort.

What role does networking play in landing a job in data science?

Networking is crucial for job seekers, especially when starting out. Ted recommends reaching out to people in the field, attending conferences, and connecting with professionals who can offer guidance or potentially recommend you for positions. A strong network can be a key factor in securing opportunities.

What are some effective ways to get attention from hiring managers, according to Ted?

Ted suggests offering value first before asking for anything. This could include sharing relevant articles, insights, or content with hiring managers, demonstrating your expertise or interest in their company. Over time, this builds trust and can lead to opportunities.

How does Ted O'Brien recommend graduates approach recruiters?

Ted advises graduates not to rely too much on recruiters for their first job. Instead, they should focus on gaining experience and building relationships with people in the industry. Once they have some experience, recruiters will be more likely to approach them.