Virtual I Experience Oregon Tech

Virtual I Experience Oregon Tech

On Monday, May 4th from 9:00 - 10:30 am Technology Association of Oregon introduction to Oregon’s exciting and growing tech industry during the Virtual Experience Oregon Tech.

Virtual I Experience Oregon Tech is open to students and job seekers who are interested in hearing directly from recruiters and leadership about their product or service, company culture, and internships and job openings - either now or in the new future.

FEATURED COMPANIES

Nike

SurveyMonkey

Twenty Ideas, Inc.

U.S. Department of State

FIND THE PRESENTATION HERE

FOLLOW UP ANSWERS

How do you view the importance of non-technical skills, communication, writing, leadership, relationship building, etc?

Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm - U.S. Department of State
"For the Department of State, these skills are critical. We articulate the “dimensions” we seek in all our job candidates on our website: https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/specialist/12-
dimensions/. We ask all candidates to write personal narratives that articulate how they have exhibited these qualities as an initial part of their applications."

What does mentorship and support look like for new employees at each company; how professional development is strategized on an individual level

Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm - U.S. Department of State
We offer a workplace that values and rewards leadership, collaboration and innovation, and personal and professional development. In the Department of State, every new employee is offered an opportunity to connect with a mentor, who can help guide them through their career. Each new employee also has a career advisor, who helps them with making assignment choices and training. Employees receive regular skills and knowledge training, and as they move through the ranks, the Department of State provides leadership and management training to help employees transition to each new role they may play.

How important is having an internship prior to working post-graduation? When do internship applications open for summer 2021?

Connor Snashall - Nike
"
I’d rank it very high but not 100% critical and internships open in August 2020."

Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm - U.S. Department of State
"A student internship is not essential for work with the U.S. Department of State, but it does give interested candidates a fantastic opportunity to experience the work and the lifestyle. Internships are in the United States and at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world! The U.S. Department of State summer 2021 student internship applications will be accepted in September 2020. For more information, visit: https://careers.state.gov/intern/student-programs/"

What areas do you recommend studying to prepare for future positions?

Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm - U.S. Department of State
"
People take all different paths into the Department of State. What matters to us is what people learn from their different experiences and what individual skills they acquire along the way. When we hire, we look for the dimensions we know make for good Foreign Service Officers and specialists. We look for people with a variety of educational and experiential backgrounds. We do, also, have a recommended list of courses for study and readings to prepare: https://careers.state.gov/downloads/."

How the companies hire a diverse workforce and encourage non-dominant voices?

Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm - U.S. Department of State
"
The U.S. Department of State prioritizes seeking adventurous, adaptable, well-rounded strategic problem-solvers, from diverse educational, geographic and cultural backgrounds and perspectives, who want to make a contribution to our global society. We have long-standing programs that seek to enhance the diversity of the Foreign Service, principal among them the Foreign Affairs IT, Pickering, and Rangel Fellowships. Our Director General has also prioritized addressing barriers to advancement and supporting professional development and career advancement opportunities for a diverse workforce. The U.S. Department of State also encourages individualism in its workforce and offers several employee organizations to help strengthen and support its diversity. These organizations help advise and support the Director General’s efforts to enhance and diversify our workforce. If anyone has questions or would like a one-on-one consultation, they can reach out directly to Micaela at DIRNOrthwest@state.gov."

What certifications/trainings are useful for prospective product managers?

Connor Snashall - Nike
"Agile, SCRUM, Kanban are all good ones!"

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Don Ramsey
Jobseekers Host

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Mike Biglan, M.S.
CEO
Twenty Ideas, Inc.

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Amanda Radice
Senior Recruiter - Product, Design, PMO
SurveyMonkey

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Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm
Diplomat in Residence – Northwest
U.S. Department of State

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Kristen Saeli
Technical Recruiter
Nike

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Connor Snashall
Senior Technical Recruiter
Nike

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