<p>In order to address the customer’s challenge, DivIHN designed and implemented an ‘Alternative Talent Solutions’ program that involved augmenting the customer’s existing ‘Data Science / Engineering’ team with a ‘Data Science Pod’ composed of young Data Scientists with a Master’s degree in Data Analytics and 2-3 years of related experience. The starting point involved an intake call with project stakeholders at the client which included the customer’s Vice President for Growth Solutions, the Director of the Data Engineering team, and the head of the Human Resources team, to get a deeper understanding of the organization’s requirements, challenges, culture, budget, and then jointly map out a staffing strategy and execution plan. The plan included a sourcing strategy, assessment process, and onboarding timelines.<br><br>The candidates we identified for this engagement were largely sourced through our referral network. Identified candidates were put through an online ‘data analytics’ test that involved live-coding, a Skype-based technical interview with our in-house assessor, and a behavioral skills interview with our client-relationship manager, before being presented to the customer. Since the bulk of the candidate assessments were completed by DivIHN, the customer did not have to spend much time on interviewing candidates, thus allowing them time to focus on their core business.<br><br>The team that DivIHN formed for the customer were assigned onsite mentors and a brief on-the-job training program to help them become productive quickly. In addition, DivIHN’s client-relationship manager continued to stay in close touch with the deployed resources in addition to periodic cadences with the project stakeholders to collect feedback on performance and progress.</p>