Exploring Data Science Careers at Extra Space Storage
Learn how the Data Science team at Extra Space Storage uses advanced analytics to optimize storage operations and support real estate strategy.
Pursuing a career in data science or already established and looking for a new place to apply your knowledge? Joining Extra Space Storage's Data Science team might be the perfect opportunity for you! With growing demand for qualified data scientists, this career can put you at the forefront of technological development while providing intellectual satisfaction. We asked members of our Data Science team to share their experiences, insights, and what makes their roles both challenging and rewarding. Here's what they had to say.
What Does a Data Scientist Do at Extra Space Storage?
There are four main roles of a data scientist at Extra Space Storage. We select projects based on the business value we believe they add, so there are instances where a single project may fall into multiple areas of focus. This opens the door for collaboration within the Data Science team and other cross-functional groups throughout the company. These are the team's primary focus areas:
Acquisition Analytics: We support our Acquisitions team to understand how accurate we were with underwriting in the past, how we can improve our models, and how to efficiently allocate our investment dollars in various markets.
Digital Analytics & Systems: We work closely with the Marketing team in optimizing our marketing mix, and with the Product Management team to ensure our digital assets are the best in the industry.
Data Science & AI Systems: We work hard at keeping all predictive pipelines and pricing models up to date. We are always exploring state-of-the-art methods to improve what is already in production.
Pricing & Revenue Management: Data Science and Revenue Management at Extra Space work together as one team. While each team member specializes in their respective responsibilities, everyone works together to price storage units at optimal rates, evaluate and test new inventory management strategies, and ensure the company maximizes revenue.
What Data Science Technology Does the Team Use?
Extra Space's Data Science team uses various technologies to support our operations, including:
Azure Data Lake for cloud storage
Azure Synapse Analytics to build data pipelines
Databricks for computation needs—which provides flexibility to work with SQL, Python, R, & Scala
In addition, because our team operates in multiple focus areas, we also utilize specific tools like Spark for big data, Python libraries and AWS for data science services—as well as practical machine learning algorithms for text analysis.
How Does Extra Space Storage Use Data Science Analytics to Make Decisions?
At Extra Space, there is openness to take well-thought-out risks. Our business leaders prioritize innovation and love to see the team try new strategies. To evaluate new strategies, the Data Science team works closely with leaders to design, test, and evaluate the results of an experiment. We always have a variety of tests running on our website or at our stores. Millions of online users interact with various parts of our website every month, which helps us quickly learn what customers like and how we can make renting storage a seamless experience.
How Does the Extra Space Storage Team Improve Existing Data Science Systems?
We believe in continuously improving our data systems, models, and pipelines. When taking on new projects, we work to get a minimum viable model (MVM) out to the business quickly, then improve upon it as the model’s adaptability across the business increases. Some specific ways we work to enhance our data science systems are:
Constantly reviewing our processes to ensure they're running efficiently.
Holding regular learning sessions to keep everyone on the team up-to-date with the latest best practices in our field.
Sharing resources that benefit the team, including reading materials, video tutorials, and more.
What Does the Data Science Team Do for Fun?
Rounding out our dynamic and fast-paced work duties, we also like to have fun and connect as a team through team lunches and regular team-building events. Our corporate headquarters location in Salt Lake City, UT, gives us the opportunity for outdoor activities like snowboarding, hiking, camping, golfing, and more. Some team members have been known to head up for night skiing after work in the winter!
Do You Need a Degree to Be a Data Scientist at Extra Space Storage?
No specific degree is required to become a data scientist at Extra Space. Our team comprises individuals from various educational backgrounds. While a degree in data science is not required, having a degree in a quantitative field is preferred—though experience in data science in healthcare, finance, marketing, retail, or even sports analysis is helpful. In addition, data science freelancing or consulting is a great call-out in an application. Regardless of education or work experience, something all members of our team have in common is our love for mathematics and excellent analytical skills.
What Are the Required Skills for Data Scientists at Extra Space Storage?
Becoming a data scientist requires a diverse set of skills that blend technical and mathematical expertise with strong analytical and communication abilities. Data science at Extra Space is a fast-paced and dynamic environment where the team constantly strives for best-in-class analytics, tempered with a grounded and practical approach, to drive data-driven decision-making for the company.
Potential applicants should consider listing relevant skills like Python or SQL for data analysis or warehousing, or sharing their experience in cloud computing or data visualization with Tableau. If you display expertise in top data scientist skills, align with our core values, and seek meaningful work and career advancement opportunities, Extra Space could be a place where you'll thrive.
How Can I Prepare for a Data Scientist Interview?
If you need tips for a potential interview at Extra Space, here are some ways you can stand out to our Data Science team:
Prepare to answer common data scientist interview questions related to the fundamentals of statistical analysis and mathematics.
Share examples that highlight your experience with data science systems.
Showcase strong analytical and critical thinking abilities.
Demonstrate strong collaboration and communication skills.
Ready to leverage your data science skills at a growing, innovative company? Visit Extra Space Storage's careers page to find data scientist job opportunities near you and apply today!
