As the demand for digital transformation among companies across all sectors continues to accelerate, data science has quickly become one of the fastest-growing career fields. Never was this more true than during the pandemic as firms looked to automation and technology to enable employees to work remotely from around the world. As such, the demand for data scientists has far outpaced the talent available. But this skills gap could potentially be resolved by helping more individuals find an accessible path into working at the highest echelons of the technology industry, especially those making a shift to a second or third career.
MJV Technology & Innovation, one of the leading global consulting firms that Fortune 500 brands turn to for data science and digital transformation initiatives, has recently launched its own education program specifically to help with closing the skills gap in technology. Named the MJV Data Science School, the initiative will focus on making education and careers in data science more accessible to diverse candidates across racial, gender and socioeconomic lines.
Making Data Science Accessible
MJV launched the school with training programs focusing on data science and analytics, including Python and data visualization. As the program is sponsored by MJV’s Chairman Ysmar Vianna and CEO Mauricio Vianna, the school’s tuition is free.
The next session begins January 18, 2022, and runs until February 24. Students will attend eight classes taught by MJV’s leading team of data scientists. Each class runs for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is conducted virtually. The program culminates in an MJV Academy certificate that will give graduates an intensive overview of the inner-workings of data science. Applications for the January session are now open.
Skills Gaps In Tech Often Fall on Socioeconomic Lines
Data science as a profession still remains an industry that has proven difficult to break into. It is especially difficult for those without a high level of training. The high barrier to entry has particularly impacted the diversity that is present. Specifically, it has impacted diversity that is in the ranks at some of the largest technology firms. That inspired Mauricio Vianna to establish the program and open technology opportunities to those who are less advantaged.
According to Zippia Careers, fewer than 30% of data scientists in the U.S. are of non-white ethnicity. Blacks, Hispanics, and Latinos make up just 9% of that figure. The Center For Global Development says women make up only 18% of U.S. data scientists. MJV is aiming to impact those numbers.
The demand for data scientists is growing exponentially. So, the opportunities are vast for those who have access to the right training.
The data science school seemed like a natural extension to MJV’s ESG efforts. This is due to the deep expertise that their team holds in the field. And, they have the opportunity to teach it to others. “This is an important contribution that MJV can make to help make data science more accessible to all, especially from diverse backgrounds,” CEO Mauricio Vianna says.
People-Centered Business
Dating back to 1997, MJV’s built its history on a people-centric model at its core. Their clientele includes Coca-Cola, BNP Paribas, Santander, Delta Airlines and many others who turn to the firm’s team of more than 1,000 employees to execute important changes in data science, design thinking and business transformation.
The MJV paradigm that guides all of its initiatives focus on five pillars. These are: strategic design, digital transformation, cultural change, experience, and sustainability.
MJV is a leading data science innovator that has influence with many of the world’s largest brands. As such, it may indeed hold the right combination to help level the playing field of success in technology for all communities.
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