Chris Carmen / August 22, 2016
With recent announcements of expansions and relocations of tech companies to Indianapolis, there has been an increase in the demand for top talent, particularly with computer science skillsets. The new Silicon Prairie is gaining recognition for its tech sector and business-friendly environment, grabbing the attention of not only local but nationwide millennials.
The demand for tech-related employees has allowed companies and organizations such as TechPoint to become creative in the recruitment and retaining of Indianapolis talent. The Indianapolis-based technology initiative has been diligently working to promote Indy’s tech sector, specifically through the individuals that populate it. They created the Tech 25, acknowledging the city’s top tech ‘builders’ who have encouraged growth within their company. Talent Network is another program created to support and guide those seeking to move to Indiana with the intention of entering the tech workforce. However, TechPoint’s main focus appears to be targeting the youth interested in pursuing a career in technology. They not only have initiatives for college students, but also one that begins when students graduate and work full-time.
The two major programs TechPoint has designed specifically for young tech talent are the IndyX Tech Fellowship and the Xtern internship experience. The IndyX Tech Fellowship focuses on recent graduates looking for a tech program to begin their career. The Xtern program targets college students across the country. With a paid internship, free housing in Indianapolis, networking and social events, and an impressive selection of host companies make this internship program one that is highly sought after. In fact, over 900 applications were submitted for this past summer. The applicants were not only Hoosier natives; interns came from 18 different states.
With the engaging experience the interns receive, they are being drawn to Indy post-grad, according to TechPoint’s CEO Mike Langellier. The city is an ideal fit for recent college graduates due to its affordability, job availability and great culture. Furthermore, CNBC released their list of the best ‘starter cities‘ for college graduates in 2016 and Indianapolis ranked #2 overall based on affordability, amount of college graduates and job availability.
As a result of the increased demand for top talent, businesses are rethinking office space, evolving from an asset from which to do business, to an asset used to attract and keep the new economy employee. Companies are beginning to redesign their offices or relocate to new locations that are more conducive to attracting young talent. Further, they are adding features such as Varidesks, adjustable desks allowing employees to stand while working, and casual activity areas to redesigned offices. The open concept environment makes communicating easier and employees are encouraged to interact.
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