At the last NonStop TBC in Monterey, California, we welcomed 76 first-time attendees. To enhance their experience, we leveraged the Whova app to foster pre-conference connections. This app allowed us to pair newcomers with experienced volunteer mentors who offered guidance on session selection and answered a variety of questions, ensuring a warm welcome. Everyone agreed that starting conversations and getting to know others before the conference began was appreciated.
The sense of community extended into the event, where “First-Time Attendee” ribbons on the conference badge served as conversation starters. This thoughtful touch sparked engaging discussions and helped newcomers integrate seamlessly into the community. The badge ribbons allowed for easy “welcome,” conversations to “we are happy you are here,” “where do you work,” what’s your role,” “what are your interests,” and “what are you looking forward to learning at this conference?” Simple conversation starters in a 1-1 setting helped them feel welcome and special and facilitated easier introductions to a new network of colleagues.
These initiatives exemplify how small actions can make a big difference in creating a welcoming environment for new tech professionals while inspiring them to thrive in their new journeys.
From University to the Cube: Building Careers, Fostering Connections
In the fast-paced world of technology, ensuring a steady influx of skilled professionals requires initiatives that inspire and nurture talent early on. A thought-provoking session at NonStop TBC 2024 explored aspiring tech professionals’ journey, from sparking interest at schools to equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the workforce. The session was delivered by three inspiring HPE NonStop women: Shauna Evans from EMEA, Shanice Abigail from APAC, and Lucrecia Krause from NORTH AMERICA.
The speakers emphasized the importance of engaging with students as early as middle and high school. They shared HPE initiatives worldwide managed by HPE University hiring, where HPE IT Professionals volunteer to speak at schools, sharing their passion for technology. These speaking opportunities are designed to ignite curiosity and pave the way for future innovators. HPE has many opportunities for mentors to extend into universities, where seasoned professionals work alongside university professors to create enriching experiences. Mentoring sessions with students involve storytelling where professionals share their journeys—how they overcame challenges and identified skills. These mentorships aim to assist students in collaboration with HPE University, which is responsible for recruiting for internships and early career jobs.
Internships are a cornerstone of early career development, and the session celebrated the success of the strong internship and university hiring program. Shanice and Shauna shared HPE NonStop interns updates: 22 interns last year; and 14 of them secured full-time positions, while the others are set to return. The program demonstrates the effectiveness of nurturing talent. Additionally, the discussion extended to partner organizations that also offer internships, amplifying opportunities for students like Gravic and XYPRO for future NonStop professionals.
Acknowledging the competitive nature of traditional internships, the session unveiled an innovative solution that HPE is participating in, called micro-internships. Lucrecia shared how these shorter job-simulation experiences allow students to gain valuable skills and earn badges of completion, which they can proudly display on LinkedIn. Micro-internships equip students with hands-on experience and give HPE University recruiters visibility, enabling them to identify promising candidates for future opportunities. https://www.
After the session, the audience engaged in Q&A with Casey Taylor, VP and GM of HPE NonStop, and Gravic shared information about their solid internship program. The audience also heard from several people who transitioned from internships to careers with HPE. Lucrecia spoke about her experience as an HPE early career university hire 20 years ago. Cindi Hailes was an intern 35 years ago and was then hired. Shauna was an intern for multiple years and was hired. Shanice was also an early career hire. HPE has had this program for years, showing HPE’s commitment to bringing IT talent.
What’s next?
There was also a session for the NSU40 (NonStop Under 40), an Interest group for NonStop professionals under 40. This group was created in 2016 and has always had a strong presence at NonStop TBC.
Shanice and Shauna are currently compiling and gathering useful information for a new Special Interest Group called “New to NonStop.” Stay tuned for more information, the launch of a GitHub, and mentorship pairing opportunities managed by Paden Holenstein.
Connect also has a scholarship fund called Future Leaders in Technology for college students seeking degrees in STEM.
Supporting the talent pipeline through a scholarship fund is a meaningful way to invest in the future of technology, including NonStop. By providing financial assistance to students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds, this initiative breaks down barriers to education and fosters opportunities for growth. Connect offers two scholarships each year to deserving students.
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