What Tips Do Baltimore Tech Leaders Have for Aspiring Developers?

Baltimore's tech scene is about to blow up. It's like a whole new world of opportunities for all the coders and techies out there. The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is predicting that Baltimore's tech workforce is going to grow, even after some setbacks in the past.

And that's not all, Maryland's tech industry is contributing a whopping $36.6 billion to the state's economy, which is like, over 8.9% of the total! That's insane.

This move is all about making healthcare more accessible and improving health outcomes across the country.

And this market could be worth a staggering $70 billion globally by 2030. Talk about a game-changer!

But what really sets Baltimore apart is its tech community.

These peeps are all about collaboration and diversity. According to studies by UpSurge Baltimore, the city is leading the charge in confronting historical exclusion and promoting inclusivity in tech.

So, if you're looking to kick-start or level up your tech career, Baltimore is the place to be.

With a vibrant, nurturing community and significant job growth on the horizon, this city is a no-brainer. Stay tuned, 'cause we're about to dive deeper into the insights and experiences of Baltimore's tech leaders.

The tech scene in Bmore is poppin', but that's not even the best part. The real flex is in the diverse crew of bosses who are killin' it, coming from all kinds of backgrounds.

Let's start with my guy David Troy.

Dude straight-up taught himself to code, built his own tech community from the ground up, and now he's the big cheese at 410 Labs and Mailstrom. Talk about a glow-up!

Then you got Heather Sarkissian, who went from working for the feds to being the CEO of MPWR Coaching.

That's what I call a career pivot!

• David Troy: Self-taught coder turned CEO of 410 Labs
• Heather Sarkissian: From Defense Contractor to CEO of MPWR Coaching

Jess Gartner, the boss lady behind Allovue, was a teacher before she started a company that helps schools manage their finances.

Who said you can't turn your side hustle into a full-time gig?

And let's not forget the companies that are straight-up killing it, like EcoMap Technologies, founded by the late Pava LaPere Charles Thomas, and CyDeploy, which is using AI to shake up cybersecurity.

These companies are proof that Bmore is a breeding ground for innovation.

The moral of the story? There's no one-size-fits-all path to success in tech.

Whether you're like James Martinez from Hartman Executive Advisors, who bootstrapped his startup, or Richard Williams, the President of Gabbart Communications, who's leading innovation at an established company, Baltimore's tech scene has room for everyone.

Just ask LaPere Thomas, whose story is a prime example of how this city can help you level up, no matter where you're coming from.

"there is no single route to tech leadership"

Name	Company	Background
David Troy	410 Labs	Self-taught Programmer
Heather Sarkissian	MPWR Coaching	Defense to Tech Transition
Jess Gartner	Allovue	Educator Turned CEO
James Martinez	Hartman Executive Advisors	Startup Bootstrapper
Richard Williams	Gabbart Communications	Innovation Leader

These stories aren't just inspirational; they're a testament to Baltimore's status as a tech hotspot, where visionaries from all walks of life are sparking economic growth and opportunity.

So what are you waiting for? Get in on the action!

Baltimore's becoming a hot spot for tech talent, and the city's tech leaders have some dope advice for anyone trying to get in the game. Delali Dzirasa, the founder of Fearless, credits his success to mentors who showed him the ropes in the business world.

Like, most of the six Baltimore tech leaders basically say that mentors who gave them guidance and encouragement were key to their career growth. That's in line with what 85% of tech execs said at the Baltimore Tech Summit – that solid programming skills, especially in security and management, are super important.

Networking is still huge, and events like TechBreakfast and BaltTech are great places to make connections in the industry.

Eventbrite lists over 50 tech networking events in Baltimore every year, so the community is definitely thriving. And mentorship in tech is a big deal too – people who have mentors tend to get better job placements.

For example, the UMSOM's office of Faculty Affairs and Professional Development helps new faculty advance their careers and get support.

More and more Baltimoreans are also turning to coding bootcamps like Nucamp for tech courses – enrollments went up by 30% last year.

According to the tech leaders, aspiring developers in Baltimore should focus on mastering languages like Python, JavaScript, and SQL, hit up the local tech meetups, and find mentors.

Tech is always changing, so learning is a never-ending journey, but it opens up opportunities for innovation. With these tips from the city's tech pros, the next generation of Baltimore developers can navigate the tech industry like bosses.

Trying to make it in the tech game in B'more? Let me break it down for ya.

The city's tech scene has been blowing up, with dev roles for newbies skyrocketing by 15% last year.

Baltimore tech industry is where it's at, and the Baltimore Development Corporation says we're sitting pretty in the Mid-Atlantic, ripe for tech growth and innovation.

But to really ball out, you gotta know where to look:

• Networking Events: The Greater Baltimore Tech Council has over 30 meetups lined up, perfect for rookie developers to rub elbows with the big shots.
• Education and Training: Bootcamps like Nucamp, plus Johns Hopkins University courses, will school you on what the industry wants. 85% of Nucamp's B'more squad land tech gigs within 6 months of graduating, so you know it's legit.
• Job Resources: Sites like 'Baltimore Tech Jobs' will point you in the right direction for scoring a sweet tech role. They've got job fairs and workshops to help you slay those interviews.
• Incubators and Startups: Programs like the BuyIntoBmore initiative and Emerging Technology Centers will nurture your entrepreneurial dreams. They've already helped over 350 companies thrive in the city's startup ecosystem.

As Karen Smith, a Baltimore tech boss lady, says, "You gotta strike while the iron's hot." And with the Baltimore Tech Hub about to blow up predictive healthcare tech, Maryland is gonna be swimming in tech roles by 2030.

Tap into these resources, learn from the city's tech gurus, and you'll be coding like a pro in no time.

The Baltimore tech scene is about to experience significant growth! With jobs opening up rapidly in some stable industries, Baltimore is calling all aspiring code developers with substantial opportunity.

Backed by the state's booming economy, tech sectors like IT and biotech are driving the growth, and the city's tech landscape is set to advance significantly.

Moreover, thanks to the federal Tech Hub designation combining AI and biotech, Maryland's $470.2 billion GDP in 2022 is receiving a major boost.

• Emerging Tech Hotness: Cybersecurity and health tech are experiencing rapid growth, with job openings skyrocketing for those specialized skills. Maryland's recent Tech Hub status is helping the region secure significant federal funding, opening up millions in global market opportunities.
• Innovation Zones: Fueling this growth are incubators and accelerators emerging all over, fostering innovation rapidly. Collaborations between the government, businesses, and schools are creating more spaces for tech creativity and entrepreneurial opportunities to thrive.

The job outlook for tech professionals is looking very promising, outshining national averages, especially for software development roles ready to grow significantly.

This aligns with Baltimore's mission to build a tech ecosystem focused on learning and advancement. As one tech leader put it,

"Baltimore is a melting pot of tech talent, innovation, and opportunity—making it an ideal environment for future developers to make their mark."

Ultimately, if you have the insights from Baltimore's tech leaders and the drive to immerse yourself in the city's dynamic tech scene, the opportunities are vast and excellent! The future for Baltimore's aspiring developers is shining bright, illuminated by cutting-edge tech, economic growth, and a supportive community eager to uplift the next generation of tech pioneers.