Cultural Competence
Despite mentions of diversity in the tech industry, representation for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ tech scholars/workers is still not where it needs to be. See below for an additional list of *free* resources/groups dedicated to growing representation in the industry through training, networking, and more.
Finding your place in Tech
What does it mean to
be BIPOC in Tech?
Intersectionality & cultural wealth in Tech
Need help finding a mentor? Check out below:
How to choose the best place for you (assessing FIT)
Decide on what kind of placement you want.
Every scholar wants to be able to do satisfying work and be compensated accordingly. Similarly, most companies want to be seen as good places to work. To find your “fit” in a company for an internship, you’ll need to consider your goals before, during, and after the internship.
Small companies:
Working at a small company or startup may give you the opportunity to try out different roles which can be beneficial if you are unsure of what you want to do long-term.
Examples: Eventbrite; BambooHR; Instil; Atom Tickets
Large companies:
If you know what you want to do long-term (technical; marketing; creative; business), larger corporate roles tend to be more focused and fine tuned.
Examples: Microsoft; Meta; Apple; Pinterest; Amazon; Twitter; Tesla
Interesting read: Startup vs. Giant” Tech Workers Weigh in on Company Size
Additional Resources:
HOW TO NETWORK AS AN INTROVERT IN TECH
A Guide to Finding the Best Tech Scholarships
(updated Sept. 2022)
Includes:
Undergrad tech scholarships
Graduate tech scholarships
Scholarships for women
Scholarships for minorities and veterans
TECH SCHOLARSHIP
Tech Affinity Groups/Resources
Meant for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students!
Foster a culture of belonging; gain diverse perspectives on company needs; invite discourse/pedagogy and networking
Free Slack group, podcast, Paid webinars, live events, & conference.
Description: Ladies Get Paid champions the professional and financial advancement of women. Becoming a member gives you access to education, resources, and community to help you grow your career and bank account.
Free job board, community, resources, scholarships, live events, & more
Description: Their mission is to inspire women to excel in tech careers. As a member, you gain access to programs and services that are designed to help you step up your tech career.
Offerings: Coding resources; leadership opportunities; global community; scholarships and free conference tickets
Free Slack and Facebook groups
Description: Techqueria is a non-profit that serves the largest global community of Latinx professionals in the tech industry. Their mission is to empower Latinx professionals with the resources and support that they need to further their careers and become leaders in the tech industry.
Free online community, chapter meetups
Description: Mission is to help Black women dream big and build the next billion-dollar tech or scalable company.
Free Slack group
Free Slack group, job board, hackathons, events
Description: Out in Tech unites the LGBTQ+ tech community by creating opportunities for members to advance their careers, grow their networks, and leverage tech for social change.
After-school clubs, immersives, college programming
Description: Designed to close the gender gap in tech.
Free YouTube community
Description: She uploads tips for finding your first tech role, choosing which programming language to learn, dealing with burnout, etc.
Description: SACNAS is an inclusive organization dedicated to fostering the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans, from college students to professionals, in attaining advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM.
Focus on CELEBRATION, not assimilation
(SACNAS)
Description: The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.