61. The Difference Engine

Join Charlie Gleason, a designer and developer at Heroku, as he interviews two people representing The Difference Engine: Kimberly Lowe-Williams, its founder and Executive Director, and Rachel Marro, a recent graduate. The Difference Engine is a Chicago-based nonprofit with the goal of empowering professionals from nontraditional backgrounds to launch their careers in tech. They do this through an apprenticeship web development program, mock technical interviews, and ways to highlight their relevant experience.

Kimberley stresses that The Difference Engine expects applicants to have some familiarity with coding. The programs are designed to help adults with prior work experience navigate the often insular and nepotistic tech industry. One of her biggest tips is to encourage individuals to attend meet-ups, conferences, and other information sessions, to connect with others from similar backgrounds. Rachel concurs; it wasn't until she joined a few Slack groups that she realized her predicament was not unique, and it gave her more confidence in pursuing her career change into tech.

Although just over three years old, The Difference Engine has already placed several apprentices into tech careers. One of Kimberley's goals for 2020 is to involve more corporate sponsorship, in two forms. First, The Difference Engine can guide tech companies in reevaluating their interview practices to eliminate unconscious biases. Second, employees at companies can volunteer their time to serve as mentors for apprentices.

Links from this episode

• The Difference Engine is a non-profit transforming the lives of people through careers in tech
• Women in Technology and Chicago Tech Diversity Initiative are two communities which Rachel also participates in
• Get in touch with The Difference Engine to get involved

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