The workforce is rapidly embracing emerging technologies, making new skillsets essential for the next generation of STEM workers. And when looking at the jobs of tomorrow, business leaders are united that evergreen soft skills are just as valuable, if not more so, than understanding specific technologies.
NC TECH, along with MetLife, recently conducted a quarterly NC TECH Pulse survey of tech CEO's and leaders across North Carolina. This survey found that more respondents felt critical thinking/problem solving and flexibility/time efficiency are critical for success in today's tech workforce than skills with AI or IoT.
“The tech community in the Research Triangle area is constantly innovating and evolving, and we need tech talent that is prepared and adaptable, especially when it comes to meeting the demands of the future,” said Bill Pappas, Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife. “We’re energized to take action from the results of the study, which point to an emphasis on both soft and hard skills to navigate the demands of a quickly evolving, tech-driven world.”
"We've long recognized the growing significance of attitude and aptitude in tech hiring. It's reassuring to see these principles validated by the metrics gathered from tech leaders across the state," said Brooks Raiford, President and CEO of NC TECH. "Moving forward, our K-12 and higher education systems must prioritize enhancing these durable skills in students to better prepare them for the evolving demands of employers," he continued.
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In addition to periodic surveys, like The NC TECH Pulse mentioned above, NC TECH produces three research reports:
IT Job Trends Dashboard highlights job postings, top hiring companies, top titles, certificates and skills, and wage information.
Tech Innovation Index, focuses on metro areas and rankings on tech talent supply, tech talent demand, and innovation.
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Workforce Innovation
Tech talent challenges persist, requiring collaboration and innovation among education providers, private and nonprofit tech training programs, and employers to cultivate, identify, prepare, and retain a skilled workforce. Numerous innovative programs and initiatives in North Carolina address these challenges and foster tech workforce development.
Innovation! What does that even mean? What can an innovative culture bring to a tech organization, and how can you create one that works? As tech constantly changes and evolves, companies must do the same to stay competitive.
MetLife Provides Growth Opportunities for Veterans, with Hiring Our Heroes MetLife joined efforts with Hiring Our Heroes to promote and enhance its military hiring efforts in the company’s Global Technology and Operations (GTO). MetLife supports veterans through multiple areas, including their Military Veterans Network (MVET), an employee-founded and run resource group dedicated to promoting social responsibility, patriotism, and enhancing MetLife’s diverse environment.
SparkNC SparkNC partners with schools to create SparkLabs, where students can explore hands-on learning experiences in high-tech fields. The organization also collaborates with employers to sponsor the labs and provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities to build durable skills.
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MetLife's Global Technology Hub in Cary, NC employs more than 2,600 individuals, all working in inviting, collaborative spaces to unite technology, operations, and customer service team members who are driving digital transformation for the organization.
Join the MetLife Talent Community
All Open Roles at MetLife Global Technology Center, Cary, NC
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Professionals in data analytics had the valuable opportunity to glean insights from Robin Gordon, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, in a conversation moderated by Wendy Kaszak, AVP, Site Operations and Enablement Leader at a recent Brews + Bytes + Insights held in partnership with @MetLife.
Robin shared her career journey, MetLife’s data analytics approach, and its integration with technology. She emphasized the increasing importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, highlighting that data can be flawed and inherently biased. She stressed the need for diverse perspectives when analyzing and utilizing data to mitigate these biases.
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Director, Product Development Engineering, MetLife
AI Sr. Lead Business Systems Analyst, MetLife
SailPoint Developer, MetLife
Systems Engineer, Elon University
Senior Data Engineer, Targan, Inc.
Manager IT - Database and Application Support, First Citizens Bank
Lead DevOps Cloud Engineer - VP, Deutsche Bank
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Upcoming Tech Talent Programming | | |
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Join NC TECH, presenting sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, and women from across North Carolina for the fourth annual Summit for Women in Tech in New Bern, NC, September 25-26. This women-only summit will feature candid conversations with women tech leaders where we explore gender bias, share our unique journeys, discuss how to shift the paradigm, and provide insights on advocating for change both now and for the next generation. Full details and registration.
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Get the inside scoop on what sets these tech employers apart and current openings at the institutions. Register to attend an informative career webinar where recruiters and tech leaders from the companies below will share about their organizations, working at their company, and in-demand positions. Note: Registration is separate for each company.
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Center for Technology Workforce Innovation |
This newsletter features selected content and programming dedicated to tech talent. For expanded news, events and resources, visit the
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