The Skills for Hire Atlantic program has officially launched its fourth cohort, welcoming 450 emerging tech professionals from all corners of the Atlantic provinces. Over the next 20 weeks, our participants will be trained in data analytics and cybersecurity, elevating their skills to contribute to the ever-growing tech sector in Atlantic Canada.
In addition to the technical content, our program offers career-building workshops and ample opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals. Program Champions are industry professionals who have committed to supporting our participants on their career journeys.
Admiral Group, Bluedrop ISM, Iron Fox Games, World Wide Websites, and Meridia Recruitment Solutions, a KBRS company have shared their top-tier insights on navigating the competitive landscape of landing a position in the tech sector here in Atlantic Canada.
The Skills for Hire Atlantic program is a great place to start if you’re looking to start a career in the tech industry. Apart from learning the fundamentals of data analytics and cybersecurity, we asked our Program Champions to tell us about any further courses, certifications, or programming languages that are crucial in securing a tech job.
Spencer Gallant from World Wide Websites notes that if you want a technical job, skills in other disciplines such as project management, sales, marketing, and operations will prove invaluable and set you apart from the crowd.
Gillian Chapple from Bluedrop ISM notes that most tech companies have a technology stack that they use, so you need to do some work to find out which programming languages companies are using and keep up to date with the trends.
Chris Gallant from Iron Fox Games says that a Computer Science degree is always valuable. If you are looking to dive into a career in cybersecurity, there are several certifications you should look into.
Dave Melchionna from Admiral Group recommends CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, and CompTIA PenTest+ if you want to pursue a career in cybersecurity. There are tons of certifications available, so have an idea of the area of tech you want to pursue.
Brooke Ireland and Jamie Grant from Meridia Recruitment Solutions, a KBRS company, recommend CISSP, PMP, ITIL as additional certifications. Our Program Champions agree that any additional training shows initiative and willingness to learn new things at any stage of your career.
Digital Nova Scotia offers a free two-year student membership to all Skills for Hire Atlantic participants. The student membership includes access to tons of networking events and training programs with industry partners. Our Program Champions agree that networking events are fantastic ways to meet new people and make connections. Spencer Gallant highlights the best part of networking events: “You can just walk up to anyone and introduce yourself… after all, that’s why people are there!”
Apart from attending networking events, LinkedIn is an important tool to build your network. Fabian O’Brien and Jennifer Porter from Admiral Group recommend creating a well-crafted LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experience, and projects. Share relevant content, contribute to discussions, and showcase your expertise. This can attract the attention of potential employers and help you establish connections. Bluedrop ISM uses LinkedIn to promote ongoing work. Following companies you are interested in on LinkedIn can help you understand the company and keep up to date with new projects.
Chris Gallant suggests making time for networking on a regular basis: “Book every Wednesday morning for breakfast with someone you haven’t seen in forever. Had a boss you enjoy? Keep in touch. Before you know it, your 1-2 contacts bloom into dozens and you’ll be a regular face who can spot the job before it’s announced.”
Once you’ve learned the skills, acquired your certifications, and used your new network to find a job posting you’re interested in, how can you stand out from the crowd in your application and interview? Brooke Ireland and Jamie Grant from Meridia Recruitment Solutions highlight the importance of writing your resume to suit the requirements in the role: “You have two minutes with someone reviewing your resume, so demonstrate you have done this role before and highlight the experiences they are looking for.”
All of our Program Champions emphasize the importance of reviewing the job description and highlighting your relevant work experience. Remember, the interview process is not just about showcasing your technical skills, but also about demonstrating your fit within the company culture and your ability to collaborate with others. If you face rejection, you can ask for feedback to improve your skills for future opportunities!
The guidance provided by our Program Champions from Admiral Group, Bluedrop ISM, Iron Fox Games, World Wide Websites, and Meridia Recruitment Solutions confirms the diverse skill set needed in the competitive tech landscape. From additional certifications to the importance of networking, our Program Champions for Skills for Hire Atlantic have shared insights that extend beyond learning technical skills. As participants navigate through the intricacies of the job search and interview process, the importance of ongoing learning, strategic networking, and aligning with company culture remains of utmost importance.
Want to learn more? Check out this article from Meridia Recruitment Services: 10 Ways to Strengthen Your Networks and Advance Your Career
Learn more about what it means to be a Program Champion: