TEKsystems  Team Members Work in Tandem with Per Scholas

Matching Talent with Careers in Tech

March 14, 2022 | By TEKsystems

Since 2015, TEKsystems and Per Scholas, a national organization that has been advancing economic mobility for over 25 years, have worked together to bridge the diverse talent gap in America’s technology workforce and help job seekers make a more streamlined, direct connection to in-demand employment opportunities.

We’ve recently featured graduates of the program. Read their stories here and here. Now, meet some of the TEKsystems team members who have helped Per Scholas graduates secure full-time career opportunities.

Roxanne began her career at TEKsystems in 2015 as a technical recruiter and was promoted to a national recruiter role on the sub-vendor team in 2020. As a woman whose roots are in India and England, Roxanne is extremely passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion. It led her to be a pioneer for an employee resource group in Boston, and it’s what drew her to Per Scholas. She loves learning about learners’ backgrounds and building relationships with people from all over the world.

Per Scholas gave me a purpose in recruiting. Some learners are starting an IT career from scratch, some are making a huge life change, and some have never landed a job in the U.S. Many learners find their passion in the Per Scholas program. I’ve learned so much from them.

Advice for Future Learners:
“There are a million other coding boot camps out there—but they cost money. Per Scholas is free, and the recruiters at TEKsystems will help you secure a position afterward. My advice is to work hard, interview everywhere, and work with your recruiter to prep thoroughly before your interviews.”

Michael has experienced nothing but fulfillment and success with the Per Scholas partnership. He is extremely passionate about what it does for both learners and customers. He joined TEKsystems in 2016 and is currently a telecommunications account manager in New York City. Pre-pandemic, Michael was aware that the need for qualified talent outweighed eligible candidates. In response, he helped create the Per Scholas program for telecommunications in New York, where 93% of the learners in the initial class got hired after completing the program.

My life is less stressful because of Per Scholas. I know I’ll be filling my positions with qualified individuals who are ready to work.

Advice for Future Learners:
“Take advantage of the resources available to you. The supportive people and the real-world experience will prepare you for success in your career.”

Before coming to TEKsystems in 2018, Ian worked in higher education as a college recruiter. He was no stranger to connecting people with opportunities. He became one of the first recruiters to work with the TEKsystems and Per Scholas partnership after they expanded to Philadelphia while he was in his previous role as digital workplace services division lead in the city.

I love this program for many reasons. From a recruiting standpoint, I love it because it’s beneficial to our customers and allows me to pull candidates from a diverse pool of people who come from many different backgrounds and experiences. More so, it gives learners the opportunity to start a career in IT. They take it seriously and are dedicated to their education and career.

Advice for Future Learners:
“It’s a significant investment of time, but it pays off. It’s not just 12-15 weeks of the program—it continues into the beginning of your career. Be open to all career opportunities. Once you graduate from the program, you never know where they could lead you.”

George began working for TEKsystems in 2018 and his recruiting specialty is infrastructure optimization. About six months after his TEKsystems tenure started, we partnered with Per Scholas. There was a call for volunteers to work with Per Scholas, and he jumped at the opportunity because he’s always loved working with nonprofits, wanted to build his resume, and grow in his opportunities at TEKsystems. Since he got in on the ground floor, he became an ambassador for the Per Scholas program and quickly became a go-to mentor for other recruiters looking to learn about how to get involved. He has run six cohorts since partnering with Per Scholas and has seen a great deal of success.

TEKsystems and Per Scholas make an unbelievable team because they are two powerhouse companies who both have a huge influence on the market.

Advice for Future Learners:
Fully commit to the training, and it will pay off in the long run.

Jason came to TEKsystems with a background in technology. He understood what it took to build successful teams and relationships. But it wasn’t until an international client of his needed three scrum teams (17 people) that he realized how mutually beneficial the partnership between TEKsystems and Per Scholas was.

I got the call from our client the same week the Per Scholas class in Boston graduated. I was able to build out the teams with Per Scholas graduates and the client had rave reviews of the talent. I have such a great relationship with the client now, he doesn’t even need to interview candidates himself; he trusts that I’ll send him the best matches.

Advice for Future Learners:
“The TEKsystems and Per Scholas program requires a lot of work and dedication. But in the end, our job is to have an opportunity lined up for you right out of the gates. We work hard to find you work because we’ve seen your hard work firsthand.”

Learn more about the TEKsystems and Per Scholas partnership.