You Can’t Wave a Wand and Change a Business User into a Citizen Data Scientist!

Most business executives and managers have, by now, read the Gartner predictions wherein the average business user will be (or already has been) nominated to become a Citizen Data Scientist. Gartner defines a Citizen Data Scientist as “a person who creates or generates models that leverage Predictive or Prescriptive Analytics but whose primary job function is outside of the field of statistics and analytics.” It is true that a Citizen Data Scientist is NOT a Data Scientist, but some businesses incorrectly expect the same results and anticipate being able to reduce the need for business analysts or data scientists as these new roles are assumed.

Here is the simple truth: Citizen Data Scientists are business users with average technical skills who are expected to adopt and champion the use of analytics to make fact-based decisions and who will support the advancement of data literacy and digital transformation. But, they are NOT expected to be analysts or data scientists.

Still, the average business user will need support and a bit of training in order to embrace the new role and succeed in that role. That doesn’t mean they have to go to school for weeks or months. It means they need a foundation. Training to help them understand their new role, how to collaborate with others, how to leverage augmented analytics and analytical techniques in their day-to-day work – that is an imperative if you want your initiative to succeed.

Don’t leave your newly minted Citizen Data Scientists to flounder. Look for training and course work that they can complete quickly online or in a day-long workshop, so business users can get started with confidence and an understanding of what is expected of them.

If you are ready to leverage the benefits of the Citizen Data Scientist approach, you can find training for prospects here: Citizen Data Scientist Workshop, In-Person And Online.

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