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The emergence and continued growth of Data Science has been a key driver for innovation across the Bay Area, it has been the focus of countless recruitment campaigns over the past few years and has led to new industries being created and disrupted as more effective and efficient methodologies have come into prominence to challenge accepted ways of thinking.
Its applications are far-reaching and diverse. From understanding customer shopping habits, so as to recommend relevant products and services with an accuracy previous unimaginable, to allowing doctors to track whether their patients are medicating themselves properly, to allowing the average person on the street to be able to understand their genetic structure and what that may mean for their future health.
The shortage of data scientists
It seems incredible then, that Data Science, with its constant evolution and development, is still struggling to overcome a challenge like gender diversity. Recent studies suggest that only 25% of the computer & mathematical sciences workforce are women and more alarmingly only 13% of the Data Engineering workforce are women. A McKinsey Study has predicted that by 2020, the US alone will require an additional 1.5m more data focused professionals, as well as between 140,000 – 190,000 more professionals with deep analytical skills.
The shortage of Data Scientists in the Bay area has resulted in a more competitive hiring landscape wherein almost every company is fighting to attract the same candidates. Inevitably in this struggle, there will be winners and losers. As such, helping to develop and nurture a diverse & inclusive workforce is the only way to address the need for talent and to ensure that businesses aren’t left behind in an ever more connected digital world.
There are numerous statistically proven benefits to a gender-diverse workplace also, studies prove that diverse companies are 45% more likely to increase their market share over the previous year and 70% more likely to capture a new market. There is also proven growth in equity returns for diverse executive boards.
Implementing culture changes to promote gender diversity
How can we solve this problem? It is widely recognized that there is a gap in the recruitment, advancement, and retention of women in STEM fields. However, there are wider challenges in implementing culture changes that will proactively promoting gender diversity through training and development programs, return to work initiatives and advancement strategies.
Harnham is passionate about diversity in data and analytics and we will be hosting regular meet-ups over the coming year focusing on gender diversity and how businesses can strengthen their value proposition and make themselves an employer of choice for diversity. These events will allow for individuals to network and share ideas and experiences with other business leaders and engage with top talent in the Bay area in the process.
Further to this, Harnham is exclusively representing some of the most exceptionally talented diverse candidates within Data and Analytics, not just on the West Coast, but throughout the US who are open to exploring new opportunities where they can affect business growth and have a sizeable impact for now and for the future.
To find out more about these meet-ups and to understand how Harnham can make your hiring process easier in 2017 contact us to register your interest in attending or connect with me here
