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It is hard to believe that it’s been four months since I stepped into the role of Manager of Talent, Programs, and Engagement.
I’m thrilled to share a little bit about what I’ve been up to within my role within the past few months and to share these opportunities in general because they are all a great chance to get involved.
Lately, I’ve been spending time versing myself with Windsor’s tech ecosystem, checking out great community events like Windsor-Essex DevFest. What I’ve learned is, the tech community here is buzzing with a thirst for connection, learning, and just sharing what they know with their peers. What is different about the Tech Connect Program is that people who attend our events were truly about swapping ideas and helping each other out. Windsor’s tech crowd isn’t just diverse; they’re genuinely into what they do, creating this vibe of always learning and teaming up.
First up, let’s discuss how the Tech Connect program started: with Tech Connect Thursdays. Listening to our community’s wants and needs, one thing became abundantly clear: students and professionals alike were looking for opportunities within tech fields and wondering where the jobs are, and employers are always looking for top tech talent. Our task was then to connect these two pieces together and give them a place where they would really connect. Whether you’re deep into your tech career, graduating soon or just simply curious about what it’s like to work at one of these featured companies, Tech Connect Thursday sessions are your forum to get all the answers.
Held virtually on the first Thursday of each month, these sessions are your ticket to exciting career opportunities, hot industry trends, and insider knowledge. If you have interest in learning more about companies within the community, we invite you to join our free virtual sessions to learn, engage and connect with your community members who share your passion. You can check out the full Tech Connect Thursday playlist on our YouTube channel.
Through Tech Connect Thursday sessions, I’ve gained valuable insights for students and tech professionals. A key takeaway that reoccurs in a lot of our sessions is the significance of a robust GitHub profile to showcase your work.
In our recent Tech Connect Thursday conversation with i-50, Khizer Hayat, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer had this to say on the subject.
“Definitely put up your Github or portfolio link on your resume that you submit, because that makes our lives 100 times easier. Too often we’ve seen great resumes without GitHub links, then we go in and start interviewing the candidate or send a skills assessment… but it’s not the right skillset or the right match for us.”
Networking and engaging with your community both online and in person not only enhance job referrals but also broaden your professional network. Remember, job seekers can’t refer you if they’re unaware of your presence. Additionally, maintaining an active LinkedIn presence demonstrates commitment to community building and strengthens your professional image.
Below is a clip of what Jason Pomerleau, Founder of Elev8 Web Studio had to say about the importance of building your network, in our recent Tech Connect Thursday session in December.
One of the things that we heard loud and clear by our community during our events was the opportunity to enhance connections with the Windsor-Essex tech scene, and a desire to connect to these resources. If you’re new to the region, or even have been here for a while; it can be difficult to know where to get to know what’s going in your region’s tech community. That’s why we’ve set up the Tech Connect Community Hub—a virtual space for tech students, tech professionals, and all the amazing community organizations that the Windsor-Essex region has to offer. This hub is located on LinkedIN and can be used to post available opportunities, events and news. Whether you’re on the hunt for resources as a new Windsorite in tech or looking for your next job or volunteering opportunity, this hub is a great place to start.
Another avenue for connection lies within our Tech Connect Community presentations. We found one of the best ways to empower the members of our community is to provide them with a toolkit to help them get connected to the regional tech scene, and our Tech Connect Community Presentations are like backstage passes. These presentations are aimed at educators, community groups, and students, with the goal of generating excitement, networking opportunities and engagement between students, regional organizations and businesses.
The first ever Tech Connect Meetup, held during the summer, was very warmly received by our community. This event is the ultimate hangout for tech founders, entrepreneurs, pros, students, or anyone who just loves all things tech. Picture this: an evening of networking, brain-picking, and sharing of opportunities. No matter what stage of your tech career you are in, this event can benefit you with the power of local connection.
We are eagerly anticipating our sold-out winter meetup later this month, where we look forward to welcoming new attendees, reconnecting with familiar faces, and continuing to explore the awesome venues that Windsor has to offer.
Did you miss out on registering? Head over to our Eventbrite landing page and click the “Follow” button to be notified as soon as we add new events! You can also check out a full list of other upcoming events in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent on our Community Events Calendar.
Hiring in the tech sector? Looking for a tech job? Don’t miss our revamped Tech Jobs Board featuring a new plugin from Workforce WindsorEssex! With this enhancement, our jobs board now pulls in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent tech jobs listings from over 50 different jobs boards from across the web. This update streamlines your job search, eliminating the need to navigate multiple platforms. Consider it a one-stop-shop for all your job-seeking needs in the field of tech.
We’re also excited to share the launch of EVcareers.ca that serves as a crucial website and tool for students and job seekers seeking opportunities in the expansive field of electric vehicles (EV). It stands as the go-to source for all EV-related careers in the Windsor-Essex region.
By creating a profile on the platform, users unlock access to a curated list of job postings tailored to match their skill set. Whether you are an individual exploring new opportunities, a student navigating the job market, or a recent graduate, EV Careers offers a comprehensive starting point to information and opportunities. The platform not only provides job listings but also features available training opportunities, empowering users to enhance their skills and qualifications, ultimately increasing their chances of securing their desired job in the EV industry. Take the first step toward your dream career by getting started on EV Careers today.
WinHacks is coming up February 16-18, 2024. Windsor’s annual hackathon fosters collaboration among diverse innovators and is a hub for creativity and technological advancement.
This year, the event is in-person for the first time: offering workshops, mentorship, and networking with industry leaders. Save the date for a weekend of innovation and camaraderie at WinHacks 2024! All skill levels are welcome.
Contact Sam Branton, our Manager of Talent, Programs and Engagement.
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