Curiosity to a career in tech, supporting rangatahi into the industry

Summer of Tech believes that volunteers play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of tech superstars, especially those coming from underrepresented communities such as women, migrants, career switchers, Māori and Pasifika, LGBTQIA+, and people with visible and invisible disabilities. 

In our 2022 programme, we had 207 volunteers generously contributing 500+ volunteer hours in various capacities (bootcamp presenters, super mentors, alumni panels and career clinics support). Without the generosity and dedication of our volunteers, we would not be able to provide the same level of support and opportunities for early career candidates to succeed in Aotearoa's tech industry.

It is essential that the next generation of tech professionals can see themselves reflected in the industry, and volunteers are an integral part of making that happen. Volunteers' contributions are invaluable in helping to create a more inclusive and accessible tech industry for all. 

- Yekti Crow, Industry Engagement Manager, Summer of Tech.

Here’s Ryan Bircham's story, he’s a Software Engineer at Whip Around and a Alumni turned Volunteer at Summer of Tech. 

Tell us about your background, how long have you been in Tech?

As a 23-year-old Maori software engineer with two years of full-time work experience under my belt, I sometimes feel like my past struggles are overlooked. During my high school years, I faced a major obstacle when my family didn't have internet access at home for several years. This made it extremely challenging for me to keep up with computer subjects and stay motivated, especially considering that many of my peers had the advantage of having internet access. 

At the time, I found it difficult to put in extra effort by staying after school at the library or visiting friends' homes to work on my computer-related projects. However, as I got older and my mother's financial situation improved, I was able to overcome this challenge. Looking back, I now understand that all the extra effort I could have put in would have been well worth it, even if it meant working ten times harder than my classmates. To anyone who has a passion for technology, I would encourage you to explore it and never let a lack of resources hold you back. With determination and hard work, anything is possible.

What have you achieved or enjoyed the most about volunteering at Summer of Tech? What challenged you, and how have you grown from your volunteer experience?

I think my favourite thing about volunteering at Summer of Tech is always the hope and recognition you can provide to someone. A lot of budding students don't realise how great they are, so it's great to be able to give them reassurance. I think that the most challenging thing is meeting students with a lot of drive, that don't really know what to do with themselves, and trying to have them understand all their options and weigh them out, as a lot of them wanna jump immediately on the first thing you say, which might not be best for them. Maybe option two or three might be better, but because I said one thing first they are just so keen they do it without thinking about the others first.

I think the biggest growth for me is understanding how much words can influence people so much, especially students who are at the stage coming into Summer of Tech. Just a few words can really influence how this person is going to spend their next few months, even who they talk to, and how they feel about it all. Really taught me to be very dutiful and reverent because no matter what front people are putting on, I believe they all still can have some insecurities on the inside.

Has Summer of Tech helped your professional or personal development? Please elaborate

I think professionally Summer of Tech volunteering helps me a lot, I get a lot of practice talking to people who are from all backgrounds, and get to learn how I can best work with these different types of people. Not to say work is all about jokes and fun, but it helps a lot knowing a certain joke may not land with some groups or something that I think is super dry, will absolutely smash someone out of the park. Really helps getting to know how the different types of personalities and cultures mix.

Could you share a little bit more about your experience as Māori in tech?

I've worked for a number of tech companies now, a few big and a few small but I don't think anyones ever really done anything different for me, not that I would want them to either. I think just the sheer number of overseas talent we have here makes it really easy to blend in if you don't wanna identify, but I'm quite open and just will often say it when I intro myself as people from Asia, or the US for example are normally quite interested and its a good talking point.

How do you think the industry can adapt to create an environment where Māori can thrive and succeed?

I think to a large extent if the industry want to improve the number of Māori coming through, it starts earlier than university. When I was at school we did have a computer science class, and we did have big tech companies for visits. I think that just needs to increase, get the younger generation from smaller schools interested too, make sure they understand the pathways to get to you if that's what they want.

I think from my time in industry Māori are doing great once they are there, just as anyone else, the issues with numbers are all happening earlier.

What advice do you have for any Māori candidates who are interested in exploring a career in tech?

If you're looking for an invitation, your curiosity in computers and tech is the only invitation you need for a career. You just need to be able to look at all these different solutions in the space, security, web, devops, ai, data and if anything sparks your curiosity then you have enough to have a career. All you need is curiosity to ask the questions and you can have a career.

Thank you for sharing your inspiring experience and story with us, Ryan.