Name: Clayton
Job role: Data scientist
Work location: Memphis, TN
Years/months at Booz Allen: 4 years
Developing strategies and technical solutions for our intelligence community is no small task. We asked Clayton D., data scientist, how he’s helping make a difference and why Booz Allen is the place to do it.
How did you get started in your field?
I was in the right place at the right time with the right curiosities. Data science and artificial intelligence (AI) sit at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and domain knowledge. In college, I was a physics major and went on to get my master’s in computational physics, which opened doors in the defense and intelligence worlds. My first role was building algorithms for large-scale government programs where I got to learn about big data and form business relationships with brilliant people who were willing to teach me.
Why did you choose Booz Allen? When did you know you’d made the right decision?
I was working for myself when I was approached by a recruiter from Booz Allen. Working for yourself is a fabulous experience, but you have to deal with all the aspects of running a business that are outside your expertise.
Booz Allen offered me the chance to use my technical expertise and my background managing my own business to further my career, while removing the burden of the nontechnical items.
At the end of the day, what is the result of your work?
I’m currently working on a project where I help form strategy and technical solutions for our intelligence community work and help drive our AI big-bet solutions. I’m blessed to be a part of several programs at Booz Allen that run the gamut from tactical operations support to strategic capability development. This allows me to see the real-world impacts from my work.
How has Booz Allen empowered you and your career?
I work in a forward leaning group where trust is the common currency. I also enjoy the opportunity to lead projects and programs while keeping my hands on the keyboard to the extent I want. My team and leadership play a big part in my career, and they empower me to help influence the firm in my areas of expertise while championing a work/life balance.
