The Challenge

Leadership invested in a robust data science training program to upskill almost 2,000 team members via knowledge assessments, multi-faceted learning approaches, and theoretical techniques. Despite a year’s worth of training, team members were still unable to implement the lessons learned into their everyday tasks. Employees expressed a desire for greater collaboration and focus on the application of data science skills and techniques to their work. In direct response to this feedback, the client decided to stand up a mentorship program to connect aspiring data scientists to colleagues with established experience in this field. There was no blueprint for how to implement such a program to advance data science application and innovation, without disrupting the continuity of operational services.

Our Solution

First, we established key program objectives including the expanded usage of data science skills, tools, and/or principles; the identification of new opportunities for application, and increased collaboration across the enterprise. Leveraging insights from the original data science training program, we then designed a year-long program structure to meet these objectives. We created and orchestrated monthly cohort events focused on specific topics for Mentees and Mentors to engage, collaborate, and learn from one another.  To put these learnings into practice, each Mentee-Mentor pair chose a Capstone Project to architect a data science solution to a problem they were facing in their work. Pairs were encouraged to meet regularly to review goals, discuss progress, tackle challenges, and collaborate on new ideas and opportunities. Supervisors of Mentees were also engaged in the process and documented Mentees’ skill development assessments, training plans and project results as part of their regular performance evaluations. At the end of the year, Mentees were asked to showcase their Capstone Project results and what they’ve learned over the course of their mentorship in front of all staff and leadership.

Results

Through this mentorship program, team members received the support they needed to integrate learnings into actual work projects while enhancing their overall data science capabilities. Mentees gained tangible skills in data science techniques, usage of digital tools and/or principles, iterative experimentation approaches, communication, and collaboration. Mentors expanded their coaching and leadership skills. Moreso, the program fostered a culture of innovation via an engaged, connected network of employees ready to collaborate on data science initiatives, problems, and ideas. The program was deemed a success because it inspired and empowered the workforce to evolve data-driven capability and apply those skills and learning to advance the organization’s mission