Last week, in an exclusive bootcamp, co-presented by Evan Wilson, Head of Data Innovation at Qrious, and Nicky Maaka, Summer of Tech’s Kaiarahi Māori, we provided invaluable insights for aspiring māori tech professionals. The event highlighted the importance of cultural identity in the workplace and offered practical advice for landing your first job in the tech industry. Here’s a summary of the key messages shared during the event.

What Employers Are Looking For: Insights from Evan Wilson

Evan kicked off the session by emphasising the power of diversity, he highlighted how varied teams consistently produce superior outcomes. Evan pointed to Spark, which actively prioritises diversity, noting that embracing diverse backgrounds is not just beneficial, but essential. For Māori and other candidates from diverse backgrounds, this translates into a distinct advantage. Your cultural heritage and individual viewpoints are not only valued but can serve as invaluable assets in tackling the most challenging issues facing the industry. He provided 5 invaluable “cheat codes" to help job seekers stand out in a competitive market:

1. Communication: “It’s all about being able to have a genuine conversation,” Evan emphasised. Employers value candidates who can engage in two-way communication. The ability to show interest in the company and articulate your thoughts clearly sets you apart from the majority of applicants, making it a crucial skill to develop.

2. Collaboration: Demonstrating your ability to work well with others is crucial. “The biggest problems require more than one person to solve,” Evan explained. Highlighting your collaborative experiences shows that you can contribute effectively to a team.

3. Passion and Hard Work: “Passion and hard work go hand in hand,” Evan stated. Employers seek individuals who are genuinely enthusiastic about their field and are willing to put in the effort to excel.

4. Ownership and Resilience: Employers appreciate candidates who take ownership of their tasks and show resilience in overcoming obstacles. “Being able to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges and persisted through difficulties is a significant advantage,” Evan noted.

5. Relentless Curiosity: A curious mindset is highly valued. “Employers look for individuals who continuously seek to understand problems deeply and explore multiple solutions,” Evan shared. 

And one final game-changer that most people overlook: BUILD SOMETHING! While many educational institutions focus on theory, few teach you how to build with platforms like AWS or Microsoft Azure. Yet, these are the tools powering much of today's tech landscape. Whether it's a simple project or a more ambitious endeavour, building something tangible showcases your skills in a way that words alone cannot. This is almost guaranteed to get you an interview!

Embracing Cultural Identity: Nicky Maaka’s Perspective

Like Evan, Nicky emphasised that your cultural identity is a significant asset in the workplace. He shared his journey and experiences, Spotlighting the power of integrating Te Ao Māori and your pepeha into how you present yourself to employers. Here are his key points:

1. Your Culture is Your Superpower: “Your cultural heritage and identity carry mana” Nicky said passionately. Incorporating your Māori heritage into your professional life can enhance your mana and set you apart.

2. Integrating Cultural Identity into Your CV: Nicky advised job seekers to creatively include their pepeha and whakapapa in their CVs. “This could involve adding your iwi, hapu, or marae,” he suggested, making your cultural background clear to potential employers.

3. Promoting Cultural Identity Across Mediums: He encouraged using platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your cultural identity, which can attract employers looking for diverse candidates. “Including your whakapapa in your email signature or having a personal website can further showcase your heritage,” Nicky added.

4. Leveraging Networks and Mentorship: Building connections with māori leaders in your field and seeking mentorship can provide guidance and open doors. Nicky stressed the importance of resilience, encouraging attendees to keep pushing forward despite challenges. “Stay strong, stay resilient, and never give up,” he urged.

Both speakers reinforced the growing demand for diverse talent in the tech industry and the need for more māori voices. Employers are not just looking for technical skills; they are also seeking individuals who bring diverse perspectives and unique cultural insights. For Māori and other diverse candidates, this is an opportunity to shine. Your cultural identity is a superpower that can help you stand out in the job market and contribute to more innovative and effective teams.

As you prepare to enter the workforce, remember to highlight your communication skills, collaborative experiences, passion, hard work, ownership, resilience, and relentless curiosity. Embrace your cultural identity and use it to differentiate yourself. The industry needs your unique perspectives and is eager to welcome you.

Kia kaha, karawhiua, kaua e whakamā—be strong, be bold, and don't be shy. Your journey is just beginning, and your cultural will help guide you to success.