Welcome back! This week, we’re looking at the future of the Black tech workforce.
Given recent tech sector rumblings, Gen Zers aiming to work in the field may feel like the short-term hiring outlook is relatively bleak.
But even before this year, one group was already underrepresented in tech: Black Americans. This group makes up 12 percent of the US workforce but only 8 percent of employees in tech jobs, thanks to structural barriers and holes in the talent pipeline.
Companies can address the tech employment gap and make sure Black Gen Zers don’t get left behind, according to new research from McKinsey partner Jan Shelly Brown and senior partner Mark McMillan.
Two key reasons to act: first, middle-school through college students, considered Gen Z, are currently deciding what to study to help set them up for a future career; second, the tech job that may have seemed like a sure bet now seems sus to older Gen Zers entering the job market. (That’s different from older workers, who say don’t worry, we’ve seen this movie before.)
For employers, making sure the technology workforce evolves to the point where it actually looks like the American workforce is the definition of #goals. How to start? They can support STEM education programs for students at the K–12 level; strengthen their partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), as well as other colleges with a large Black student body; and replace mentorship programs with sponsorship programs, among other strategies. Employers, ignore these directives at your peril: doing so may mean missing out on a big chunk of the next generation of talent, many of whom will go on to be leaders and product innovators.
In the longer term, tech jobs are expected to grow 14 percent over the next decade. That figure includes jobs in every industry, not just straight-up tech companies.
Considering a tech role? Make sure your skills match up with those of the fastest-growing jobs. Data scientists and cybersecurity specialists, for example, are each expected to see 26 percent growth in their roles by 2032 (compared with computer hardware engineers, who are expected to see only 3 percent growth). If you do land a tech job interview (congratulations, by the way), take a moment to make sure your potential employer understands the assignment: if this is for an internship, will there be an opportunity to start your career at the company after you graduate? Do they provide career development opportunities for new employees? Do they have employee resource groups to help you find your place?
Good luck, go get that W.
PS: Last week, we asked what you thought of workplace rituals and “forced fun.”
Alana wrote: “My team has a die-hard ritual that has ignited kinship, togetherness, and connectivity in the whole global team. Every morning, the team assistant posts a GIF of the day that is universal/inclusive. It has become part of our DNA. On days of DE&I-related events, such as during Black History Month in the US, the GIFs are themed.”
Another reader, Patrice, wrote: “I do believe in team building. But those activities can be done at work: a brainstorming session, playing Kahoot! or work-centered Jeopardy! I would have no interest in out-of-the-office socializing.” |
