05 Jul Want diversity in tech? Stop looking in the same places for talent, Code Fellows CEO says by Ashley Stewart
SEATTLE—Demand for computer science education is exploding and, right now, traditional programs aren’t keeping up. Technology companies agree on the challenges within in the talent pipeline – the industry needs a way to train more qualified graduates, the workforce needs more women and people of color and all of that will take time.
In the meantime, coding bootcamps – which typically teach basic, in-demand skills to a diverse group of students in a number of weeks – can fill jobs now, Seattle-based Code Fellows CEO Dave Parker said.
“The demand in the market is totally outdoing any traditional school’s ability to produce talent,” he said. “There’s a lag between the skills companies need now and the time it’s going to take to get students going into university now job-ready.”
Right now, the University of Washington can only admit about one-third of the students who apply to its computer science and engineering program. The university is raising money to build a second computer science building that could increase enrollment from 600 to 300. The building is scheduled to open in 2019.
Technology companies need talent now, but Parker said recruiters often overlook candidates who are ready for the job.
“Companies are looking for relatively rare candidates,” he said. “If you want someone who is already a data scientist, good luck with that. There aren’t a lot out there and everyone is looking.”
Instead, coding bootcamps and community colleges train capable develops who can fill roles immediately. The Washington Technology Industry Association created a pilot program to get those graduates in front on technology recruiters. Called “Draft Day,” the program aims to eliminate bias recruiters have about where students graduated.
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