Overcoming the Skills Gap: Thomas’ Journey Through the Tech Industry Job Market
Does a technology degree guarantee employment in today’s climate? Meet Thomas Thirlwall, a Latino Computer Science graduate and former software engineer. Despite his qualifications, Thomas found himself in a position that required learning new technologies he hadn’t been exposed to during his training. After navigating a competitive job market where entry-level positions were scarce, he applied to be an instructor and teach programming at LatinX DLN’s Future Tech Leaders summer camp. This is his story.
Journey to Tech
Thomas’ interest in technology began in early childhood. He is of Mexican heritage and grew up in Brownsville, TX, near the Southern border. Sparked by a PlayStation 2 and flash games on his parents’ laptop, the technology seed was planted. “I learned that these pieces of technology were things people made and that there was a career path dedicated to it,” Thomas recalls.
After graduating with a degree in Computer Science, transitioning from academic success to the tech industry proved to be more challenging than anticipated. Thomas quickly encountered the industry’s relentless demand for a diverse skillset. “I had to work with technologies I had no prior knowledge of almost immediately after starting,” Thomas says.
Challenges in a Competitive Job Market
This challenge is not unique to Thomas. The tech industry has been rapidly evolving, with new programming languages, frameworks, and tools emerging regularly. For entry-level programmers, this often means navigating a job market that prioritizes experience and adaptability.
When applying for entry-level programming positions, competition is fierce. “I don’t meet the criteria of most positions due to a lack of work experience,” he explains. “The few positions that I do meet the criteria for on LinkedIn show them having hundreds of applicants.”
Pivoting to Teaching
After several months of job searching, he came across the Future Tech Leaders summer camp instructor position with LatinX DLN, one of the first positions in months that would use what he learned for his degree.
Teaching programming to the students at Argo High School gave him a new appreciation for education. “Transitioning from engineering to teaching has been eye-opening,” says Thomas, “I’ve learned that engaging with students requires understanding their learning styles and effectively communicating complex concepts.”
Thomas highlights interactions with our DLN Advisers who came into the classroom as guest speakers and shared career insights. “Their advice was incredibly valuable for my own career journey,” he notes.
Diversifying His Skillset with a Tech Apprenticeship
LatinX DLN is developing a Tech Apprenticeship Program to equip recent graduates like Thomas to thrive in the tech workforce with training in various fields such as Cybersecurity, Networking and Cloud Computing.
“Helping students develop familiarity with what goes on in the industry will help them find success in their career journey,” Thomas says, “Apprenticeships bridge the gap between education and employment, providing practical experience and industry insights.”
Looking Towards the Future
Thomas has advice for those entering the tech field: “The path to finding your first role in tech may not be straightforward. Stay resilient and be open to alternative paths that can provide valuable experience.”
Looking forward, Thomas envisions a future where tech education embraces interdisciplinary learning. “As tech becomes more integrated with various scientific fields, the focus should be on creating well-rounded professionals who can solve complex problems from multiple angles.”
Join us in Supporting Tech Professionals
- Join us in supporting the next generation of tech leaders through our upcoming tech apprenticeships by donating here.
- Sign up to our mailing list for updates on Future Tech Leaders and other exciting initiatives to come!