Are you looking to add new members to your team? Are you debating whether you should invest in entry-level positions or more senior positions? Both possess pros and cons, but if you consider diverse entry-level tech professionals as investments, you may find more than one reason to focus your attention on those individuals. Digital NEST can help!
Digital NEST is on a mission to launch the careers of young Latinx community members. Hispanic and Latinx professionals are overlooked and underrepresented in corporate America. While Hispanic and Latinx professionals make up 19% of the US population, they only represent about 8% of the professional labor force.* We have five centers: Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy, Modesto, and now Stockton. Where we help develop and foster resources and mentorship for our members. One of our most impactful programs is our bizzNEST annual paid internship. It is a creative agency of talented designers, developers, and content creators that produces work that drives results for paying clients. Our internship program is one of a kind as we integrate technical skills, professional soft skills, and career navigation skills to help youth thrive and contribute to the workforce and to their community. They are also part of a robust spring mentorship program of industry professionals, who offer guidance, feedback, and strategies to improve their skill sets and help them land their next job opportunity.
Our interns get paid to gain real-world experience, enhance their technical portfolios, and cultivate professional skills to build the careers of their dreams. We are wrapping up our 2023-2024 cohort this August. Of the 15 interns finishing their one-year internship in August, 11 are moving onto exciting opportunities, including full-time positions, additional paid internships, and full-time school. Four of our interns are still looking to step into their next job opportunity, and they could be the perfect fit for your organization. Here are four compelling reasons to consider focusing recruitment efforts on diverse entry-level talent.
1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovation
bizzNEST interns are often at the forefront of the latest technological trends and innovations. They learn the most up-to-date techniques and methodologies, which can inject fresh ideas into your organization. They are also introduced to professional skills that involve career readiness workshops, individual coaching, mentorship by industry professionals, and access to the Digital NEST professional network. Their exposure to cutting-edge technologies and modern problem-solving approaches can help drive innovation and keep your company competitive.
2. Talent You Can Develop
Our interns are early in their careers, which allows employers to invest in their career growth & success, which will contribute to a better retention rate and increase employee engagement, which in return will increase customer satisfaction. You are also able to develop more niche skills. When you create a rewarding work environment, you increase your employer’s brand reputation. Furthermore, investing in beginners in tech like those in bizzNEST allows you to guide and train them according to your company’s specific needs and culture, which can result in highly skilled and loyal employees in the long run.
3. Adaptability and Enthusiasm
bizzNEST interns are typically first-generation professionals and tend to be highly adaptable and quick learners, essential traits in the fast-evolving tech landscape. They are often eager to prove themselves, bringing enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to their roles. Their willingness to learn and adapt can help your company stay agile and responsive to new challenges and opportunities. By hiring bizzNEST interns, companies can benefit from new ideas, cost savings, and highly motivated individuals who can contribute significantly to their growth and success.
4. Diversity and Inclusion
As companies grow, diversity & inclusion has become an important focus. Companies are adding budgets to help close inclusion gaps. The tech industry alone needs more representation across the board, with only 8% of Latinx employees holding tech roles,*Since our interns typically come from underrepresented communities, we do our best to help them achieve the necessary skills to succeed in the tech industry & help overcome barriers. Our interns also tend to be bilingual and with different backgrounds. This will allow you to tap into diverse markets and form partnerships with other countries to help grow brand recognition and sales. Diversity also positively contributes to your company’s culture, and brings insights into new ways to be more innovative and provide different perspectives. But most importantly, by investing in more diverse communities, you will be connecting to the communities you typically serve.
In conclusion, when deciding whether to hire entry-level professionals or more experienced individuals, consider the unique value that diverse entry-level talent, like the interns from Digital NEST’s bizzNEST program, can bring to your organization. These young professionals offer fresh perspectives, cost-effective skills, adaptability, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. By hiring bizzNEST interns, you’re not just filling positions—you’re investing in the future of your company and the broader tech industry. These interns are poised to drive innovation, enrich your workplace culture, and help your business thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. If you’re looking to add passionate, talented, and diverse individuals to your team, now is the time to connect with these ready-to-hire professionals and be part of their journey toward building impactful careers.
