Position Yourself for Success to Grab That New Job

Valerie Nirala, ASA Communications Strategist

Starting your career as a statistician or data scientist can be daunting. However, by networking strategically, harnessing your resources, and preparing, you can position yourself for success.

Network: Expanding Beyond Your Inner Circle

Networking isn’t just about reaching out to people you already know—it’s about building new connections, too. Jessica Hernandez, an executive résumé writer and LinkedIn Top Voice, emphasizes that “referred candidates are seven times more likely to be hired than a candidate without a referral.”

Statisticians and data scientists should consider joining professional organizations such as the American Statistical Association  or local data science meetups. These places often host events at which you can connect with industry professionals and stay informed about trends in the field. Reaching out to friends, former colleagues, or alumni is a great starting point. Ask if they know anyone in your target companies or industry.

Also research potential connections, such as mutual alumni or professionals in your field, but approach them respectfully. “Be clear about what you’re asking for,” Hernandez advises. “Don’t make a big ask, especially in your first outreach.”

You can also make your presence known by engaging with target companies on LinkedIn—follow them, comment on their posts, and turn on notifications. Consider sharing insights from projects or industry trends to establish your expertise. Always follow up to thank those you’ve interacted with and update them on your progress. This will help you maintain strong relationships for the future.

Seek Help: Using College Career Services

Even for early- and mid-career professionals, college or university career services can be a valuable resource. These offices can often maintain relationships with employers specifically seeking statisticians and data scientists. They provide job listings, facilitate career fairs, and sometimes connect you to recruiters or alumni in your field. Additionally, they can help you refine your résumé so it emphasizes technical skills such as programming in R, Python, or SQL or proficiency with tools like Tableau and Power BI.

Start Small: Internships and Fellowships

Building a career in statistics or data science may require taking on internships, fellowships, or contract work to gain practical experience. Paid opportunities are preferable, but unpaid internships can still be worthwhile if they offer substantial exposure to statistics and data science tools and methodologies. Consider programs or roles that allow you to work on real-world data problems, as these experiences will make your résumé stand out.

Stay Active: Freelancing and Side Projects

Freelancing or working on side projects can help you gain relevant experience while showcasing your technical skills. Platforms such as Kaggle and GitHub provide opportunities to participate in competitions and share personal projects. Highlighting these experiences on your résumé can demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving abilities.

Applicant Tracking Systems: Myths and Realities

You may have heard of hacks that allow you to outsmart applicant tracking systems. One such hack making its rounds online is pasting job descriptions into your résumé in hidden, white text. This and many other popular tricks are ineffective and may even get your application flagged. Instead, focus on tailoring your résumé to the job description by emphasizing relevant technical skills and experiences.

For example, if a job description emphasizes proficiency in machine learning or data visualization, make sure to highlight these skills prominently. Quantify your achievements—such as “developed a predictive model that improved forecasting accuracy by 20%.” This approach ensures your résumé not only passes through the applicant tracking system but also resonates with recruiters and hiring managers.

If this system of preparation seems overwhelming, consider engaging ChatGPT or another chatbot to help you. Andrew Bolis, an artificial intelligence and marketing consultant, posted 10 AI prompts  on LinkedIn that help with interviews. Examples include the following:

• Company Research Strategist – Analyze [Company Name] current challenges, market position, and growth plans. Create discussion points linking my experience to their needs. Present evidence of company culture fit and value alignment. Include recent achievements and future vision questions.
• Salary Discussion Master – Build negotiation framework for [Job Title] role. Include market value data, experience worth, and value proposition points. Create response scripts for common objections. Present as a negotiation map with timing triggers and confidence signals.

Final Thoughts

For statisticians and data scientists, career success requires persistence and a multifaceted approach. By networking effectively, leveraging available resources, gaining experience through internships or freelancing, and preparing strategically for interviews, you can set yourself up for long-term success.

Interview Advice: Preparation Is Key

Matt Abrahams, a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business, shares the following three steps for interview preparation:

1. Research Phase: Understand the position, company, and interviewers. Gather insights about their culture, recent accomplishments, and how they use data.
2. Create Themes: Identify key messages you want to convey, such as your experience with statistical modeling, data cleaning, or storytelling with data. These overarching themes should be memorable and central to your responses.
3. Gather Answers Using the A-D-D Method: Answer the question directly; provide a detailed example demonstrating how you’ve applied that skill or knowledge; and describe the relevance of that example to the job you’re applying for.

Advice for Mid-Career Professionals

For mid-career statisticians and data scientists, the focus often shifts from building foundational skills to advancing into leadership or specialized roles. Here are some strategies tailored to you:

1. Upskill Strategically: As the field evolves, staying updated on emerging trends and technologies is critical. Consider certifications such as the ASA’s PStat and Gstat or training in advanced topics to remain competitive.
2. Build a Leadership Profile: If you want to move into management, highlight instances in which you led projects, mentored colleagues, or contributed to team strategy. Develop soft skills such as communication to complement your technical expertise.
3. Expand Your Network: Attend industry conferences such as the Joint Statistical Meetings or webinars through Instats and actively participate in panel discussions or presentations. Sharing your insights on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Bluesky can position you as a thought leader in your field.
4. Consider a Lateral Move: Transitioning to a different industry or role can provide fresh challenges and opportunities for growth. Statisticians and data scientists are primed for this and often find their skills transfer to health care, finance, and technology.
5. Seek Mentorship: Whether you’re seeking guidance or offering it to others, mentorship can be a powerful tool for career growth. Engage with professional organizations to find mentors who can provide valuable insights into navigating mid-career challenges.

According to Andrew Seaman, editor-at-large for jobs and career development at LinkedIn News, once you secure a role, one-on-one meetings with your manager can significantly boost your career development. Steven Rogelberg, author of Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings, suggests scheduling regular, structured meetings with flexible agendas. These discussions could include updates on your current projects, learning opportunities for new tools or methods, or conversations about long-term career goals.

In conclusion, mid-career professionals can further their careers by embracing leadership opportunities, staying current with industry advancements, and actively engaging in professional development. Every step you take brings you closer to achieving your career goals.

Valerie Nirala

ASA Communications Strategist

Valerie Nirala is the communications strategist for the American Statistical Association. With a BA in mass communication and an MA in publication design, she brings 30 years of experience blending words and visuals to tell compelling stories. Nirala’s goal is always the same: to step into the reader’s shoes and craft content that’s clear, engaging, and a joy to read.