gtag('config', 'G-6TW216G7W9', { 'user_id': wix.currentUser.id });
top of page

Raven, Talent Consultant - Data Science & ML at Eden Smith Group: Advize Career Interview

A career path starting in events management and sales, unexpectedly pivoting to recruitment after a COVID-19 layoff, led to a current role as a Talent Consultant specializing in Data Science and ML. This journey demonstrates adaptability and leveraging transferable skills.

The work involves understanding client needs, managing candidate relationships, and representing Eden Smith Group's expertise. A typical day includes team meetings, research, candidate calls, and client meetings.

Success requires resilience, approachability, and niche knowledge. The most rewarding aspects are the collaborative environment and making a significant impact on individuals' lives.

Current challenges include navigating tech layoffs, necessitating enhanced candidate support. Empathy and passion are crucial for thriving in this evolving industry, which carries emotional highs and lows.

Entry-level positions include talent resourcing and client development/marketing. Proactive communication and relationship-building are key lessons learned, highlighting the importance of networking.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Raven McMenemie

Talent Consultant - Data Science & ML

Eden Smith Group

None

N/A

General Studies / Not Applicable

Recruitment

Data and Analytics

None Applicable

Watch all of this Advizer's videos below

Career Path of a Talent Consultant Data Science at Eden Smith Group

Raven's career path is unconventional, starting with events management and sales roles before a COVID-19 layoff led to a pivot into recruitment; this experience sparked a passion for data science, resulting in a current role as a Talent Consultant at Eden Smith Group, where they are "immerse[d] in that kind of data-centric environment" while retraining to become a data scientist. The journey showcases a proactive approach to career exploration and adaptation, leveraging transferable skills like relationship building across diverse sectors.

Main Responsibilities of a Talent Consultant Data Science and Machine Learning at Eden Smith Group

Raven's main responsibilities as a Talent Consultant involve "working with clients and organizations" to understand current and future talent needs, strategizing on future requirements, and managing candidate relationships throughout the hiring process, including offer negotiation and providing career advice. This also includes "representing the brand to potential new clients," showcasing Eden Smith Group's expertise in the data science and ML field.

A Day in the Life of a Data Science and Machine Learning Talent Consultant at Eden Smith Group

A talent consultant's day begins with a team meeting to "swap ideas and plan new approaches," followed by catching up on overnight communications and conducting research on data science and recruitment trends. The remainder of the workday involves candidate calls offering advice and client meetings to discuss market conditions and generate new business.

Most Important Skills for a Data Science and Machine Learning Talent Consultant at Eden Smith Group

Raven, a Talent Consultant specializing in Data Science and ML, identifies resilience—"riding the wave" and maintaining a positive attitude amidst market changes—as a crucial skill, alongside approachability, fostering trust with candidates and clients by being a "go-to person," and knowledge of the niche field to provide accurate feedback and strategic guidance.

Favorite Parts of Being a Talent Consultant Data Science and Machine Learning at Eden Smith Group

Raven's favorite aspect of being a Talent Consultant is the collaborative and inspiring people—both colleagues and clients—encountered. The opportunity to learn from "the most creative, intelligent people" who are "making their marks on the industry in different ways" fuels Raven's passion and career trajectory.

Biggest Challenges For a Data Science and Machine Learning Talent Consultant at Eden Smith Group

Raven, a Talent Consultant specializing in Data Science and ML, identifies the current tech layoffs as the biggest challenge, impacting the placement of "specialized candidates." Eden Smith Group's response is to enhance candidate support through CV reviews, LinkedIn profile optimization, and career guidance, enabling them to navigate the challenging job market effectively, whether through Eden Smith Group or direct applications.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Data Science Industry As A Talent Consultant

Raven, a Talent Consultant, finds the most rewarding aspects of the Data Science & ML recruitment industry to be "the learning opportunities and being able to speak to so many different people," gaining knowledge while simultaneously making a "significant part in somebody's life" through successful placements.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Data Science And Machine Learning Industry, According To A Talent Consultant At Eden Smith Group

Raven, a Talent Consultant, highlights a shift in the recruitment industry, emphasizing that success now hinges on "empathy and passion," moving away from a purely "financial driven, KPI driven" model. The ability to genuinely "hold their hand and...play a significant part in somebody else's life" is crucial for thriving in this evolved field.

What a Data Science Talent Consultant at Eden Smith Group wishes they had known before entering Recruitment

Raven, a Talent Consultant, revealed an unforeseen emotional aspect of the role: "it is an emotional rollercoaster," with the responsibility of delivering both positive and negative news significantly impacting candidate experience, requiring support beyond simply conveying hiring decisions. The job's rewarding highs of placing candidates are counterbalanced by the heartbreaking lows of delivering disappointing news, demanding empathy and additional support services to help candidates through the process.

Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Data Science and Machine Learning Talent Consultants

Raven, a Talent Consultant, highlights two entry-level options for undergraduates: talent resourcing, focusing on "building and maintaining relationships with candidates," and client development/marketing, requiring expertise demonstration and brand representation. These roles offer foundational experience before progressing to full talent consulting, where all responsibilities are combined.

Significant Career Lesson From A Data Science Talent Consultant At Eden Smith Group

Raven, a Talent Consultant, credits the impactful lesson "shy kids get no sweets" from a former boss, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and risk-taking in career advancement. This translates to their recruitment work through confidently engaging clients and candidates, suggesting improvements, and actively seeking new opportunities.

College Experiences That Helped a Data Science and Machine Learning Talent Consultant at Eden Smith Group Succeed

Raven, a Talent Consultant, emphasizes the critical, often underestimated role of "building meaningful relationships" in achieving career success. This networking, a "two-way street" of giving and receiving, proved more impactful than any specific undergraduate activity, opening doors to opportunities and propelling their career forward.

bottom of page