Professional Development
Resilient Tech Careers Month 2023 / Technical.ly Ecosystem Builder Monthly Prompts / Technical.ly Company Builder Monthly Prompts

Looking for a resilient career? Check out these 13 local orgs

We asked our Technical.ly Talent and Ecosystem Builder organizations how they support employees and retain talent.

Working at Fearless. (Courtesy Fearless)
Despite a tumultuous 2023, it’s still a great time to have a career in tech.

This year saw several upheavals hit the industry, including mass layoffs and rising concerns about AI, but tech as a whole is a resilient field. Many tech companies are still growing quickly while placing a renewed emphasis on building healthy cultures that support both attracting and retaining talent. Whether you’re a technologist or tech-adjacent professional — and at a startup or ecosystem-supporting org like universities, law firms, accelerator programs, economic development groups and corporate entities — the tech community can provide you with opportunities to have the career you want.

For the month of November, Technical.ly’s reporting has explored the theme of Resilient Tech Careers for our editorial calendar. For some additional perspectives, we asked our Technical.ly Talent and Ecosystem Builder companies the following question:

How is your org working to support employees and retain talent?

Here are some replies from their teams, and if you like what you see, follow the links to companies’ Directory Pages to learn more and explore ways to connect.

Arcweb Technologies

Arcweb Technologies is on a mission to democratize digital healthcare through open source solutions that expand the delivery and lower the costs of care. In pursuit of this goal, we focus on forming long term partnerships with health and wellness companies and leveraging decades of experience to solve their most pressing software product challenges.

“Arcweb’s commitment to its people has resulted in remarkable milestones, with two recent ten-year work anniversaries celebrated this year and another on the horizon. Arcwebers attribute their long tenures to our people-centric culture, focus on work/life balance, commitment to social values and engaging software projects. We prioritize aligning project assignments with team preferences and strengths. We also layer different responsibilities into individual roles at Arcweb to facilitate career growth despite our fairly flat organizational structure. Promotions are moments we eagerly celebrate, reflecting our dedication to supporting and uplifting our team members.” — Colin McCloskey, head of engineering

Ballard Spahr

Ballard Spahr is a national, full service law firm with more than 600 attorneys spread across 15 offices. Our attorneys work with entrepreneurs and emerging companies from ideation through exit and understand how to provide expertise while offering our broad network to help businesses grow and achieve great heights. Our ECVC lawyers also advise venture capital funds and angel investors to help seed ventures from the most nascent stages.

“The legal landscape is dynamic and constantly evolving, particularly in the realm of emerging companies and venture capital. To ensure our associates and administrators are not only well-versed but also deeply engaged in the intricacies of working with startup founders, we’ve pioneered a cutting-edge training approach. Leveraging hands-on, gamified simulations, we immerse our ECVC (Emerging Companies and Venture Capital) team in lifelike scenarios, mirroring the challenges and opportunities they may encounter in their day-to-day interactions. This interactive training method not only imparts crucial legal knowledge but also fosters quick decision-making, strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving. By blending the excitement of gaming with the rigor of legal expertise, we cultivate a dynamic and resilient skill set in our professionals, ensuring they are not just advisers but strategic partners in the success stories of the startups we support. We also create opportunities for organic and fun in-person engagement with clients, by having events (both content focused and networking-focused) to ensure our team is personally invested and entrenched in building out the ecosystems in the markets in which we practice.” — Kimberly Klayman, partner

Chariot Solutions

Chariot Solutions is a high-touch, strategic IT consulting firm that helps companies build and manage solutions optimized for their unique business needs. From cloud computing to machine learning to software development, our winning team of engineers helps companies in any industry achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively.

“At Chariot, a commitment to continuous learning is integral to our culture, and we retain our engineers by actively investing in their development. We encourage our consultants to explore new languages, tools, and projects and share that knowledge with each other and our tech community. It not only adds value to our clients through expanded expertise, but also keeps our engineers engaged. The opportunity to do new and interesting work consistently ranks among the favorite aspects of being a Chariot consultant for many of our employees, and we believe it’s key to our average tenure rate of eight years (higher than other tech firms.)” — Tracey Welson-Rossman, chief marketing officer

CubeSmart

CubeSmart is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded self-storage companies. Our mission is to simplify the organizational and logistical challenges created by the many life events and business needs of our customers — through innovative solutions, unparalleled service and genuine care.

“At CubeSmart, we refer to our employees as teammates, because collaboration towards shared goals defines our workplace. We care deeply about the experience our teammates have working with us. We have ongoing conversations and commit to continuous improvement, by measuring our teammates’ experience each year through our Teammate Engagement Survey and through our recognition programs. Every CubeSmart teammate plays a role in building our company culture and making the experience working here the best it can be. As part of our culture, we seek to help teammates grow with us and leverage their development both at CubeSmart and beyond. We believe that career growth and personal development are important parts of our teammates’ personal and professional success. We plan, design and deliver training programs for all levels of the organization, from orientation and general job skills to enhancing leadership capabilities through skills trainings and mentoring.” — Jen Schulte, CHRO

Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce

The DEBCC is dedicated to the business development and economic empowerment of the Delaware economy, particularly the African American communities throughout the State of Delaware, via entrepreneurship utilizing educational models, shared best practices, business resources and technical assistance.

“The Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce is committed to creating a conducive work environment that supports employees and enhances talent retention. We facilitate this through various initiatives, including our partnerships with organizations that host job fairs, connecting our members with employment opportunities and career development resources. Additionally, our ‘Enrich Delaware’ program focuses on personal and professional growth, providing our members with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their careers. These collaborative efforts underscore our dedication to empowering employees and helping them reach their full potential. At DEBCC, we firmly believe that by nurturing our members’ professional development and well-being, we not only retain valuable talent but also inspire them to achieve excellence.” — Ayanna Khan, founder & president/CEO

Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Delaware Prosperity Partnership (choosedelaware.com) leads Delaware’s efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support employers in place-marketing Delaware to potential employees.

“As Delaware’s statewide economic development organization, Delaware Prosperity Partnership’s mission is to help companies locate, grow and thrive here. DPP provides a wide range of consultation and support services to Delaware businesses — from grant application and funding search guidance and support to facilitating connections with elected officials and business leaders. In particular, these services include connecting companies with talent and training opportunities and promoting Delaware as a great place to build a career and a life to help employers attract potential employees. DPP offers all such services at no charge and regardless of whether a company previously worked with DPP on an expansion project.” — Charles A. Madden, J.D., director of existing business engagement and talent

Fastmail

For as little as $3 per month, the Australia-based independent email provider offers completely ad-free products and services — unlike “free” email providers that get paid by selling your data to advertisers. Your inbox stays clear of unwelcome solicitors, and your privacy intact.

“We prioritize a people-first culture to help support and retain our talent by recognizing our staff as individuals with unique skill sets as well as career aspirations. We tailor opportunities for our staff that align not only with their current skills but also with their long-term career objectives, and have made new roles with that in mind. We also actively support continuous growth by facilitating attendance at tech conferences, as well as encouraging participation in personal development classes, and we pay for it. Our yearly employee development budget helps ensure every team member has the resources to help them grow at Fastmail.” — Jacob Pittman, support lead

Fearless

Fearless is an impact-focused digital services integrator. Through human-centered digital solutions and organizational transformation, we unlock the power of people, organizations, and tech.

“At Fearless, we believe in and follow our People-Driven Culture Playbook. A key play for our people-focused company culture is creating an environment where team members feel comfortable being themselves at work. It’s about providing autonomy and encouraging open dialogue. My biggest advice for company leaders who want to support employees is to take the time to learn about them. Invest in understanding their needs and wants as people and as professionals. This is foundational at Fearless. We are proud of our low attrition rates that consistently beat industry norms. But most of all we are proud that our team members view Fearless as a place where they want to stay and do their most impactful work.” — Tracy Curry, chief people officer

Kleer

Kleer’s mission is to liberate dental care for the provider and the patients. Through its own cloud-based software, Kleer (pronounced clear) allows dental practices to create fully customized care plans that they offer directly to patients as a subscription-style care membership without interference from insurance carriers.

“At our core, Kleer believes in building more than just a workplace — it’s a community where each team member is valued and supported. We’re all about open conversations on career paths, making sure everyone knows where they’re headed and how they can get there. We’re all in for upskilling too, making sure you’ve got the latest tools in your professional toolbox to succeed. Kleer also embraces cross-training; it not only broadens employees’ skills but also makes them invaluable assets with the versatility to tackle diverse challenges. We also understand that careers aren’t always a straight line. Whether you’re taking the scenic route or going off-road, we’re here for a non-linear career path if that’s what’s right for you. At Kleer it’s not just about a job; it’s about creating an environment where you can shine and be your awesome self.” — Sarah Colletti, talent acquisition specialist

Morgan Lewis

Morgan Lewis’ team of more than 2,200 lawyers and legal professionals provides comprehensive corporate, transactional, litigation and regulatory services in major industries, including energy, financial services, healthcare, life sciences, retail and ecommerce, sports, technology and transportation. We focus on both immediate and long-term goals with our clients, helping them address and anticipate challenges across vast and rapidly changing landscapes.

“Morgan Lewis provides law students, practicing lawyers and legal professionals with abundant opportunities for professional growth and to share their knowledge and passion for the law with clients and colleagues. We know that fostering an environment where knowledge and innovation are shared and well-being is actively promoted is the only way we can help clients reach their goals — and it is the only way for us to grow personally and professionally. The firm offers, supports and encourages continuous professional development for our employees. We provide comprehensive live and on-demand professional skills training for lawyers and professional staff. The firm is focused on engagement as well in terms of supporting our people in offering, for example, the firm’s ML Well program, which promotes intellectual, physical, emotional and occupational well-being, and involvement in Mobilizing for Equality, our racial justice taskforce with 14 working groups including hundreds of volunteers, which has joined in common cause with more than 60 clients on projects to promote equality. Our firm culture of collaboration, inclusivity and giving are foundational pillars of our talent support and retention efforts in that these principles help create a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees can grow personally and professionally throughout their career.” — Brian Slough, of counsel

NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers

Shulman Rogers is a full-service law firm with more than 100 attorneys working from our offices in Maryland, Washington, DC and Northern Virginia. Our attorneys work collaboratively across practice groups to support national, regional and local clients and respond to all of their legal needs.

“From our robust skills and management training programs to our health and wellness initiatives to our active firm culture to our highly flexible workplace policy, we do whatever we can to create work-life balance for our team and provide opportunities for professional and personal growth and connection. We prioritize our employees’ needs and continue to find creative ways to retain top talent.” — Sam Spiritos, managing shareholder

TEDCO

TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. We identify, invest in, and help grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland.

“TEDCO continues to provide competitive benefits for employees, this includes competitive salaries, flexible leave, hybrid work environments, professional development stipends and much more. Plus, on top of the competitive benefit packages, we pride ourselves in cultivating a supportive and collaborative work environment that continues to uplift employees’ professional growth.” — Terri Collins, HR

University City Science Center

The Science Center is Philadelphia’s premier catalyst of entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation and economic growth. Established in 1963, the nonprofit has been recognized by The Brookings Institution as a best-in-class investor, mentor and economic development partner for young technology companies.

“Our approach to supporting employees and retaining talent is broad and recognizes that support and retention are about many aspects of the employee experience and requires sustained attention and effort. On a fundamental level, we have standardized and transparent processes around things like compensation, performance management and promotion. We are also intentional about professional development and have made great strides in this area in the last few years, while realizing there is still more work to do.” — Kristy Traylor, vice president of people and culture

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Want to find a resilient career in your local tech community? Check out all the Technical.ly Talent and Ecosystem Builder companies here, and find out about their missions, cultures and opportunities.

P.S. If you’re curious about Technical.ly’s services for your own org, find more info here and connect with us.

Explore Technical.ly Talent and Ecosystem Builder companies

This sponsored content is a part of Resilient Tech Careers Month of Technical.ly's editorial calendar. The organizations appearing in this article are Technical.ly Talent and Ecosystem Builder clients.

Companies: CubeSmart / NEXT powered by Shulman Rogers / Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce / Kleer and Membersy / Delaware Prosperity Partnership / Fastmail / Fearless / TEDCO / Arcweb Technologies / Ballard Spahr / Chariot Solutions / Morgan Lewis / University City Science Center

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