Career Strategies in an Uncertain World

A dynamic morning event to inspire college students, job seekers, and mid-career professionals to confidently launch or pivot into a career in the tech industry. Held at Has Heart Coffee Shop, it features lightning talks from local experts sharing job strategies, creative ways to gain experience, and tips for navigating today’s challenging job market.

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Featured Lightning Talks

"Break In or Break Out”

TJ Scott, Amway

Proven tactics for getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers while managing ejection letters, ghosting, and all the things that make job searching a soul crushing experience these days.

"Experience That Speaks Louder Than a Degree"

Geraldo Gonzalez, Aztech/Code on Wheels

Creative paths to gaining real-world experience: freelancing, open-source, bootcamps, and more.

"Hottest Tech Skills for 2026 and Beyond"

Christy Ennis-Kloote & Jim Becher, Augusto Digital

Where the growth is: The hottest skills for the jobs of the future.

"Navigating Discomfort"

Lydia Kauffman, Carnevale & Tech Collaborative

How showing up in-person, embracing vulnerability, and honing soft skills can give you a winning edge.

“A Non-Developer in a Developers World”

Nora Bylsma, Array of Engineers

Explores how a non-developer makes a living in the tech industry. Project management, marketing, and operations are essential to the tech industry, highlighting dynamic career paths for those without coding backgrounds.

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