What these 7 tech workers value in a job: NET/WORK Baltimore 2017

In a room filled with reminders of the history of Baltimore’s great companies, technologists had their eye on the future.

At Technical.ly’s NET/WORK Baltimore 2017, about 200 job seekers and 25 hiring companies gathered at the Baltimore Museum of Industry to make connections.
There were professional headshots, in-depth resume reviews and workshops. Plus, the companies had plenty of swag to give away and we handed out some v important NET/WORK Awards. It was fun.
But in the conversation taking place under the big airplane, it was also evident that Baltimore is building a new kind of machinery that will move it forward.
It’s centered on people.
Technologists are learning through a bevy of programs that are outside the traditional education system. In a new position, they want to keep learning.

Matt Reidinger was able to explore his interest in technology with a front-end web class at Betamore. Now he’s looking for a place that keeps learning. He said it’s important to find “a nurturing environment where I would be able to learn because I’m at the junior level.”
Walking into the Museum of Industry, Lucas Murphey was having deja vu. He played the venue before in his previous career as a musician. On Thursday, it was the scene of a step toward his next career. He’s transitioning from music to computer science, and is going through a program from Oregon State University. Other friends have done the same. He’s always been interested in development, and is enjoying exploring it more.
“I think it’s going to satisfy the creative side of things,” he said.
John Heslin relocated recently to Baltimore from Norfolk, Va. He has lots of military experience in engineering, as well as program project development/management and engineering. He said Northrop Grumman and PaRaBaL were particularly intriguing companies, and also plans to attend NET/WORK DC on March 29 at the Iron Yard.
“I’m looking for opportunities to leverage my military leadership background,” Heslin said, standing near the Fearless table. “When it comes to leading programs, leading people, it doesn’t necessarily matter what the industry is. If you are able to relate to people and have a basic understanding of the industry as a leader, you’re going to be successful.”
And, take note employers: they aren’t only looking for the coolest office. They want to grow, and work at a place that is helping the community.
Nicole James was a member of the latest cohort of NPower, which provides tech training and internships in the city. Now she’s looking for IT support or help desk work.
It’s important to her that a company is “grounded in the community, cares about its employees and has camaraderie in the workplace.”

After the awards were doled out and job vendors were starting to pack up, a trio was keeping the conversation going at a corner table.
Wilbert Pierce, who works as a creative designer, first got introduced to the tech industry through attending BmoreVR meetups. When he thinks about a company he wants to work for, the first thing he thinks about is what they’re doing for the community.
“You’re working in Baltimore. What are you doing for Baltimore the city?” he said “A big part of the job search is sustainability for the community as well as myself.”
Likewise, they were intrigued by the prospect of working at a place that’s not yet at its largest and will learn along the way. Korede Oladapo talked about want to grow with a company.
Pat Perez, who is originally from Miami and works with data, and came to learn about the companies.
“I want something that’s fast-paced, mission-oriented,” he said. “I want to go into a proven organization with my skillset and improve my skillset so I can help others.”