Building a pipeline: The case for hiring junior developers

Any hiring manager in a technology company knows that the hardest problem to solve is hiring. There never seem to be enough experienced developers available at any given point in time. But many of those same hiring managers will say, "We don't hire junior developers." Tech team-builder Wade Minter makes the case for why your company should hire and train junior developers.

In today’s technology industry, hiring is job #1. With investment comes expectations for growth, driven in large part by hiring developers to move your product forward. Look at the job board at any technology conference, and it will be filled with companies competing for developers. Money, perks, titles—the in-demand software developer can have it all! However, many of those same companies will summarily dismiss the idea of hiring junior developers, especially if they are not from a big-name computer science program. The reasons why these companies avoid junior developers are varied and include: If your company has ever said, “We just can’t find any good developers out there,” followed shortly by “Sorry, we only hire experienced developers,” then you’re part of the problem. Wouldn’t you rather be part of the solution? The good news is that there are effective ways that you can help your company, grow your pipeline of talent, and build a more diverse technology team. Tech team-builder and hiring manager Wade Minter makes the case for why your company (yes, yours) should have a process for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and developing junior-level talent. Wade dissects common arguments against hiring junior developers and provides tips and strategies on how to sustainably build a development pipeline inside your company. A relevant proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time to plant a tree is now.” Attend this session and start planting the seeds of an amazing technology organization in your company today.