Hiring managers recognize there are more jobs than Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) graduates to fill them. In addition, technology companies are interested in developing a workforce that broadly reflects their customers and stakeholders. They understand that individuals from diverse communities often bring a fresh perspective and creativity to problem-solving. Employees who have developed critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, and other durable skills through a variety of life experiences are in high demand.
The solution? Academia and tech industry leaders must reimagine the pathways through which they source talent, while embracing the innovation and integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion to build the workforce of the future. This includes looking to local community and technical college programs for diverse, qualified candidates, who have the skills and experience to fill in-demand roles, but who are often overlooked. “Closing the Opportunity Gap” highlights the challenges presented by current recruiting practices, showcases existing solutions, and offers potential strategies for bridging the skills and diversity gaps in the tech industry.
