Want to break into the technology industry? Apex has helped thousands of aspiring techies land their first tech job, and have several individuals focused on coaching people to success in landing that coveted first role! This panel of 4 SMEs will share their pro tips around:
1. Entry Points – Where do you start? What are typical first jobs getting into a specific tech area (infrastructure, cyber security, analysis, programming, data/BI, etc.)? What are the main "buzz words" you should keep an eye out for?
2. Upskilling Resources - What are some "fan favorite" recommendations to grow your knowledge base (and give you better content for your resume and digital profiles)?
3. Gaining a "Candidate Advantage" - What can you be doing to strengthen your profile/candidacy and gain a leg up amongst other candidates?
4. Networking - What does networking mean, how can you effectively do it, and how can you build the RIGHT network?
5. Key Resources
Kaitlin Westbrook Tolson is a career changer and someone who is skilled through alternative routes (Where my STARs at?!). She possesses over 3 years of experience in the technology-focused staffing space as a former Recruiter and now as Apex’s dedicated National STEM & Philanthropy Advocate. When Kaitlin’s not supporting STEM-focused nonprofit/workforce development and technical training partners via Career Readiness webinars, Job Search Strategy sessions, Resume Reviews, Mock Interviews, and Hiring events… she’s helping drive and promote corporate philanthropic initiatives and efforts to make the world a brighter place.
Steven Meyer has 13 years of experience supporting the Agile, Business Analysis and Project Management community, and has partnered with over 1,000 individuals over the years to find jobs. He’s been an active contributor to the Kansas City PMI & IIBA Chapters, associations that support Project Managers and Business Analysts, and has spoken on Global IIBA Webinars on topics such as Interviewing, Resume Writing and Networking. He holds his CSPO (Certified Scrum Product Owner) certification. Steven lives in rural NW Missouri and is a big fan of all Kansas City sports teams.
Marissa Montgomery has almost 10 years experience in the recruiting industry. She’s spent the bulk of her time recruiting in IT for positions in application development along with data and automation. Her current role now allows her to put more technical expertise to work and has included working directly with clients on scoping technical needs and internally helping to build SQL reports, bots, and new candidate outreach processes. Marissa has also be a speaker to various coding bootcamps, Code Camp Saturdays, and job fair events on topics including resume writing, interviewing, and job search strategy. She specializes in helping our military veterans, cleared consultants, and early talent find their perfect career fit.
Cameron Buck is a Delivery Engineer with Apex Systems with 10 years of experience recruiting in the field of Security, Cloud, DevOps and Infrastructure. As a recruiter Apex’s Kansas City branch he specialized in the Depart of Defense space and helped place many veterans in the areas of Cyber Security and Systems Administration with our government focused clients. In his current role he is responsible for the scoping of new requirements from our clients and serves as the “technical expert” helping us to better understand the needs of the managers we work with. His main focuses of Apex’s needs are now in the Healthcare, Finance, Energy and Government Services industries. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his 9 month old daughter and traveling for tournament bass fishing.