BBVA surpasses 1,000 data scientists, and strengthens its professional development model
BBVA has reached a milestone in its commitment to artificial intelligence, surpassing 1,000 data scientists on staff. To further enhance this talent, the bank offers them a professional development model that allows these professionals to advance in their careers without giving up their specialization. In this innovative approach, technical expertise is placed on equal footing with team management as a path for professional growth.
At the end of 2024, BBVA launched the Analytics Transformation unit, which houses the functions of advanced analytics and business analytics to accelerate the bank’s transformation to a data-driven organization. This unit includes the more than 1,000 data scientists responsible for designing and executing the AI models and algorithms the bank uses in both its internal operations and in products and services for clients. The more than 2,500 data specialists who help enhance the value of data and AI from the business areas are also part of this unit.
With the aim of making the most of these professionals’ technical knowledge, BBVA is offering them a professional development model that allows them to continue advancing in their careers from the early stages of their careers. They can choose a traditional management role leading teams (manager) or a path of advanced specialization as an expert or individual contributor (IC), which allows them to continue developing advanced AI solutions.
“Many of our professionals stand out for their command of emerging technologies and technical knowledge, which are of great value to the bank’s technological projects. However, traditional career advancement usually leads to management roles, which means that this valuable technical contribution gets lost along the way,” explained Cayetano Gea-Carrasco, Head of Analytics Transformation at BBVA. “With our professional development model for these profiles, we want to recognize and empower technical leadership as a career path parallel to management.”
Within the IC itinerary, BBVA has established three levels of specialization:
- Data Scientist Expert: internal professionals who are leaders using advanced algorithms to solve complex business challenges.
- Data Scientist Senior Expert: experts with a focus on areas like natural language processing, graphs or recommendation systems, actively participating in publications and training programs.
- Data Scientist Master Expert: highly specialized profiles with a key role in innovation, global technical standards and research initiatives.
These experts also belong to a community of practice that encourages knowledge sharing and continuous learning through mentoring, intensive technological training programs (bootcamps) and informal meetings (meetups). Each IC profile also has a personalized development plan, which includes advanced training and participation in strategic projects.
With this model, BBVA is creating an environment where technical knowledge is not only valued - it is also a real path to leadership and professional development.