Securian Financial Group Data Scientist Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Securian Financial Group is a leading provider of financial services, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses manage their financial security.

As a Data Scientist at Securian Financial Group, you will play a crucial role in developing innovative data solutions that enhance business processes and drive strategic decision-making. Your key responsibilities will include analyzing complex datasets to uncover actionable insights, developing predictive models and algorithms, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement data-driven strategies. A strong understanding of the insurance and asset management sectors, combined with proficiency in programming languages such as Python and SQL, will be essential. In alignment with Securian's commitment to risk management and ethical standards, you will ensure that your data solutions are both effective and responsible. Your ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and your experience with cloud computing ecosystems like AWS will further enhance your contributions to the team.

This guide will equip you with tailored knowledge and insights to effectively prepare for your interview, helping you to present your qualifications in a manner that resonates with Securian Financial Group's values and business objectives.

The interview process for a Data Scientist at Securian Financial Group is structured to assess both technical and interpersonal skills, ensuring candidates align with the company's values and objectives. The process typically consists of several rounds, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's qualifications and fit for the role.

1. Initial Screening

The first step in the interview process is an initial screening, usually conducted by a recruiter. This conversation lasts about 30-60 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Securian. The recruiter will also discuss the role's expectations and the company culture, allowing you to gauge if it aligns with your career goals.

2. Technical Interview

Following the initial screening, candidates typically participate in a technical interview. This round may involve a video call with a hiring manager or a technical team member. Expect to discuss your experience with data analysis, programming languages (especially Python), and any relevant tools such as SQL or AWS. You may be asked to solve a technical problem or provide examples of past projects that demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of data science principles.

3. Behavioral Interviews

Candidates will then go through one or more behavioral interviews. These interviews are often conducted by various team members, including potential colleagues and supervisors. The focus here is on your past experiences and how they relate to the competencies required for the role. Expect questions that explore your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and how you handle challenges in a professional setting. This part of the process is designed to assess your cultural fit within the team and the organization.

4. Final Interview

The final interview may involve meeting with senior leadership or cross-functional teams. This round is typically more conversational and aims to evaluate your strategic thinking and ability to influence stakeholders. You may be asked to discuss how you would approach specific business challenges or data initiatives relevant to Securian's operations. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the company's vision and how the data science team contributes to achieving it.

5. Assessment or Case Study (if applicable)

In some cases, candidates may be required to complete an assessment or case study as part of the interview process. This could involve analyzing a dataset and presenting your findings or developing a solution to a hypothetical business problem. This step is designed to showcase your analytical skills and ability to communicate complex information effectively.

As you prepare for your interviews, consider the types of questions you might encounter in each round, focusing on your technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and experiences that demonstrate your fit for the role.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace a Conversational Approach

Interviews at Securian Financial tend to be more conversational than formal. Approach your discussions with a friendly demeanor, and be prepared to share personal anecdotes that illustrate your skills and experiences. This will help you connect with your interviewers and demonstrate your fit within the company culture. Remember, they appreciate candor and authenticity, so don’t hesitate to express your genuine interest in the role and the company.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions

Expect a significant focus on behavioral questions during your interviews. Prepare to discuss specific instances where you demonstrated key competencies such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the context and impact of your actions. Highlight experiences that showcase your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, as this is crucial for the role.

Showcase Your Technical Expertise

Given the emphasis on data-driven solutions, be ready to discuss your technical skills in detail. Brush up on your knowledge of statistics, algorithms, and programming languages like Python. Be prepared to explain your experience with data analysis tools and techniques, particularly in the context of asset management. If you have worked on relevant projects, be sure to highlight them, focusing on the methodologies you employed and the outcomes achieved.

Understand the Business Context

Securian Financial operates within the insurance and asset management sectors, so having a solid understanding of these industries will set you apart. Familiarize yourself with the company’s products, services, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also allow you to ask insightful questions that demonstrate your interest in the company’s strategic direction.

Be Ready for Multiple Rounds

The interview process may involve several rounds with different stakeholders, including technical engineers and management. Each round may focus on different aspects of your qualifications, so be consistent in your messaging while tailoring your responses to the specific audience. Prepare to discuss your experiences in a way that resonates with each interviewer’s perspective, whether they are focused on technical skills or business outcomes.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of your interviews, you will likely have the opportunity to ask questions. Use this time wisely to inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, and the company’s vision for data science. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge whether Securian Financial is the right fit for you. Consider asking about how the company fosters innovation and collaboration within its data teams.

Highlight Your Ethical Standards

Securian Financial places a strong emphasis on ethical practices and risk management. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure fairness and integrity in your work, particularly when dealing with data. Share examples of how you have navigated ethical dilemmas in the past or how you prioritize ethical considerations in your data-driven solutions.

By following these tips and preparing thoroughly, you will position yourself as a strong candidate for the Data Scientist role at Securian Financial. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Data Scientist interview at Securian Financial Group. The interview process will likely focus on your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you can contribute to the company's data-driven initiatives. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data analysis, predictive modeling, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you describe a technical project you are particularly proud of?

This question aims to assess your hands-on experience and the impact of your work.

How to Answer

Discuss a project where you played a significant role, focusing on the challenges you faced, the technologies you used, and the outcomes achieved.

Example

“I led a project where we developed a predictive model to optimize our investment strategies. Using Python and AWS, I analyzed historical data and implemented machine learning algorithms that improved our forecasting accuracy by 20%, directly impacting our investment decisions.”

2. How do you approach data cleaning and preprocessing?

This question evaluates your understanding of data quality and preparation.

How to Answer

Explain your systematic approach to data cleaning, including techniques you use to handle missing values, outliers, and data normalization.

Example

“I start by assessing the dataset for missing values and outliers. I use techniques like imputation for missing data and z-scores to identify outliers. After cleaning, I normalize the data to ensure consistency, which is crucial for accurate modeling.”

3. What programming languages are you proficient in, and how have you used them in your projects?

This question gauges your technical proficiency and practical application of programming skills.

How to Answer

Mention the languages you are skilled in, providing specific examples of how you have applied them in your work.

Example

“I am proficient in Python and SQL. In my last role, I used Python for data analysis and machine learning, while SQL was essential for querying large datasets from our databases, allowing me to extract insights efficiently.”

4. Can you explain a time when you used machine learning to solve a business problem?

This question assesses your practical experience with machine learning applications.

How to Answer

Describe a specific instance where you applied machine learning techniques, detailing the problem, your approach, and the results.

Example

“I worked on a project to predict customer churn using logistic regression. By analyzing customer behavior data, I identified key factors contributing to churn and implemented a targeted retention strategy that reduced churn by 15%.”

5. How do you ensure your models are robust and reliable?

This question evaluates your understanding of model validation and performance metrics.

How to Answer

Discuss the techniques you use for model validation, such as cross-validation, and the metrics you consider for assessing model performance.

Example

“I use k-fold cross-validation to ensure my models are robust. I also monitor metrics like precision, recall, and F1-score to evaluate performance, ensuring that the model generalizes well to unseen data.”

Behavioral Questions

1. Describe a time you had to work closely with someone whose personality was very different from yours.

This question explores your interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate.

How to Answer

Share an experience where you successfully navigated differences in working styles or communication preferences.

Example

“I collaborated with a colleague who was very detail-oriented while I tend to focus on the big picture. We established regular check-ins to align our goals, which helped us leverage our strengths and complete the project ahead of schedule.”

2. Tell us about a time you had to de-escalate a problem.

This question assesses your conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Provide an example of a situation where you successfully resolved a conflict or issue, highlighting your approach and the outcome.

Example

“When a project deadline was at risk due to miscommunication, I organized a meeting with all stakeholders to clarify expectations and responsibilities. This open dialogue helped us realign our efforts and ultimately meet the deadline.”

3. How do you handle multitasking and prioritizing tasks?

This question evaluates your time management skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your strategies for managing multiple tasks and how you prioritize them based on urgency and importance.

Example

“I use a task management tool to keep track of my projects. I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and impact, ensuring that I allocate time effectively to meet all my commitments without compromising quality.”

4. Can you provide an example of when you incorporated innovative processes in your work?

This question looks for your ability to drive change and improve processes.

How to Answer

Share a specific instance where you introduced a new process or tool that enhanced efficiency or effectiveness.

Example

“I introduced a new data visualization tool that streamlined our reporting process. By automating data pulls and visualizations, we reduced report generation time by 50%, allowing the team to focus on analysis rather than data preparation.”

5. Why are you interested in this role at Securian Financial?

This question assesses your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with your career goals and values.

Example

“I am excited about the opportunity to work at Securian Financial because of its commitment to innovation in data solutions. I believe my background in data science and passion for driving business outcomes align perfectly with the company’s mission.”