Need a Tech Job? You can find it in Boston, and The Career Combine will help.
Recession. Lack of investment. Weak retention of Boston-educated workers. Blah. Blah. Blah.
Two local organizations providing resources to the tech, innovation and entrepreneurial communities are sick of these terms, and they’ve stepped up to the plate with an answer.
Greenhorn Connect and MITX announced today that they not only believe there are enough companies hiring here to keep some of Boston’s best college students in the area, they’re actually doing something about it:
The Career Combine, happening April 13 at the Back Bay Events Center, promises to bring local students and recent grads together with a whole slew of companies, big and small, in an effort to “connect great talent with innovative companies.”
“I’m pumped to be doing this with MITX, but frankly, it shouldn’t matter who’s name is on the job fair, because this is something the community needs and has really needed for some time,” said Greenhorn Connect CEO Jason Evanish in an interview last night. “I know it sounds cheesy, but we’re just really excited to be able to make this happen.”
Evanish points to the fact that just 29% of Massachusetts-educated startup founders go on to create their companies in-state as reason enough to back this event. He says he believes if more of the greatest minds coming out of Boston-based institutions can find their first employment here in the state, they will be more likely to start companies here when their skills and savvy come to a head.
As for why MITX is backing this play, President Kiki Mills points to the non-profit trade organization’s recent Hiring Intentions Survey, which revealed that 95% of responding companies are planning to hire in 2010. Among those respondents, companies are looking to hire an average of 6 employees each this year.
These hires aren’t just going to be the super techies you might expect. The Career Combine hopes to reflect that by including innovative companies in the area who are looking to hire marketing, creative and other non-high-tech postitions.
“This event is not only about connecting job seekers with open opportunities in the industry – it is also about educating them on the vibrant community here in New England,” wrote MITX Program Director Jaime Reynolds in an Email to BostInnovation. “One of the largest reasons students leave New England is because they simply don’t know about the companies and the job opportunities available here. To that end, there will be several educational panel discussions about the industry and the skills needed to be successful in finding a job – as well as Resume Reviews and Office Hours.”
The best part? The event is free to job seekers.
Companies looking to hire will have to pay $1,000 to attend, but of course, as MITX is known to do, they’ll make it more affordable for startup founders. Companies with fewer than 15 employees will be able to get on the floor for a discounted fee of $350.
Also chipping in to make this thing happen (in the role of presenting sponsor) are the folks at Microsoft New England, led by our friend Gus Weber.
For more information on The Career Combine, check out Greenhorn Connect’s blog post from today, detailing ways to get involved. You can also keep tabs on the MITX website. Both sites will keep you informed about the panels, showcases, schedules and partners as they receive confirmation of them.
Tags: Company News
