TEKsystems 2022 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in IT Report Reveals Breakthroughs and Barriers

Report details discrepancy between perception and reality of the effectiveness of DEI initiatives for the IT workforce

(HANOVER, Md., December 8, 2022) – TEKsystems, a global provider of technology, business and talent solutions for more than 80% of the Fortune 500, today released its first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IT report. The report examines the perspectives of IT and HR leaders, IT employees and IT job seekers on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts and their impact in the workplace. 

“It’s encouraging to see that many organizations have implemented initiatives to foster more inclusive workplaces across the IT industry and create opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds,” said Faith Johnson, vice president of human resources at TEKsystems. “At TEKsystems, we believe workplaces should reflect the society in which they exist and operate. While we see signs of progress within the technology workforce, this report demonstrates there remains critical work to be done to enact and sustain lasting change.” 

DEI efforts have made positive impacts on organizations, but there are major diversity gaps among IT talent. TEKsystems’ report demonstrates a clear disconnect between perceptions and the reality of programs meant to cultivate a diverse, inclusive culture. While many organizations have demonstrated their commitment to DEI initiatives and seem to understand the importance, they appear to be failing to make systematic changes that garner results.  

“Our findings reveal that more needs to be done to move the needle and impact real change in the IT industry—an industry already facing a shortage of talent,” said Franklin Reed, executive director of global inclusion, diversity and equity at TEKsystems. “We believe more strategy, more intention and more mindset shifts need to occur. We’ve seen organizations enable sustainable change through strategies and networks that advance diverse, equitable and inclusive hiring and retention practices, work culture and values. We must work together to share best practices and drive actual outcomes.” 

The report revealed the good and the bad of the state of DEI in the IT workforce, notably the impacts of DEI programs and the challenges that IT leaders, employees and job seekers continue to face.

Positive Impacts of DEI Programs

• Overall, DEI programs have made company cultures more inclusive and workplaces more diverse.
• Diverse workforces improve employee retention and company performance.
• IT decision-makers typically spend over 10 hours per week implementing DEI policies.

DEI Challenges Faced in the IT Workforce

• Companies tend to have difficulty or the inability to measure impacts of DEI strategies.
• Less than half of decision-makers have advanced or mature DEI policies in place.
• Over half of women working in IT still say they still struggle to fit in.

“Tackling systematic change in the IT industry involves purposeful, innovative approaches powered by partnerships across enterprises. We believe these approaches, however, are not independent from an organization’s business goals—they align and help power business,” said Damien Howard, chief enterprise solutions officer at Per Scholas. “Studies have shown inclusive teams make better decisions, and diverse teams produce more revenue. In partnership with TEKsystems, we’re working to build talent pipelines to help accelerate business, and we’re increasing access to opportunity through rigorous technical training across the U.S., equipping thousands of diverse technologists with the in-demand skills to succeed.”

The full report, complete with additional findings, expert recommendations, and advice for creating an inclusive culture to overcome challenges, is available in an interactive, online experience on TEKsystems.com.

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Our Boldest Experiment Yet: Satellite

New York City is awash with talent, attracting droves from around the globe. Yet, access to the vast array of opportunities within the city remains uneven – and even inaccessible – to all. One of the biggest barriers that exist in the nation’s largest city is commutable distances between boroughs. Entire communities within New York City remain cut off from prosperity geographically, culturally, and economically. The recent COVID-19 pandemic, the accompanying economic downturn, and the present rebound have made stark some of the persistent inequities in the city, prompting calls for action from City Hall, the business community, and others to ensure New York’s recovery is centered on equity and economic mobility. 

In perhaps our boldest experiment yet, Per Scholas has launched our Satellite Model where we embed our programming with a partner organization’s physical location and harness that entity’s connections with the local community, complementary services, and staff to expand access to high-quality tech training and careers. This hybrid approach to training offers remote instruction from Per Scholas’s Bronx or Brooklyn campus to learners in East New York, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. I am so proud that for the first time in our organizational history, we are training in all five boroughs. 

Learners enrolled at a Satellite location experience the same programming and are held to the same high standards as those enrolled at Per Scholas. Staff from Per Scholas and Satellite organizations work collaboratively to provide professional development, learner support, exposure to the tech industry, and career planning and job search assistance. 

Partnering for Impact

Through the generous support of our Founder’s Circle partner Barclays, we’ve developed a report assessing the Satellite Model’s structure, promise, and early learnings. The Satellite Model is designed to tap into and uplift both the New Yorkers who are far too often overlooked as potential technology talent, as well as the rich but fragmented ecosystem of workforce organizations and programs operating in areas of the city that are less accessible geographically to Per Scholas’s campuses. 

Here were our key findings:

• The Satellite Model is broadening Per Scholas’s reach into new communities and addressing unmet demand for locally accessible tech training.
• Learners to date receive what appears to be an equal training experience.
• The Satellite Model incorporates an extensive scaffolding of capacity-building supports to set partner organizations – and the partnerships – up for success.
• A Satellite “ecosystem” is taking shape, linking Satellite partners to one another as well as to Per Scholas.
• Per Scholas and its Satellite partners are building a compelling story about collaborative outcomes and impacts.
• The Satellite Model holds promise for achieving greater efficiencies in staffing and costs in the long run but will necessitate Per Scholas staff to play significant roles in program implementation and administration for longer than anticipated. 

National Potential

“The Satellite Model allows for Per Scholas to meet the growing demand for tech training and will help more individuals launch upwardly mobile careers,” said Deborah Goldfarb, Global Head of Citizenship for Barclays. “Critically, Per Scholas will be able to further break down barriers and create access for learners across New York City and beyond.” 

The Satellite approach could have national implications in the future, beyond New York City. It might prove to be applicable in a market covering a large geographic area with sufficient tech employment opportunities dispersed throughout. If an appropriate community organization in a suburban or rural area can be identified to partner with the Per Scholas campus in a central business district, the Satellite Model is one promising strategy for increasing access to training for more prospective learners. 

On November 15, during National Apprenticeship Week, Per Scholas participated in a White House ceremony celebrating the Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Sprint. The event featured remarks from senior White House and agency officials including Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su and Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense John Sherman on the importance of Registered Apprenticeship in building a skilled and diverse cybersecurity workforce. The signing ceremony recognized a number of representatives from industry associations and training providers, including Per Scholas Chief Training Officer Jasmine Miller.  

“National Apprenticeship Week reminds Americans of the tremendous benefits that Registered Apprenticeships provide to workers and employers,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “A long-honored approach to educating workers and preparing them for stable careers, today’s Registered Apprenticeships are being revitalized here in the U.S. as a proven strategy that equips workers – especially women and other underrepresented and underserved communities – with marketable skills sought in high-demand industries.”

According to the 2022 Cybersecurity Skills Gap report, 60 percent of organizations struggle to recruit cybersecurity talent, more than half struggle to retain qualified people, and two in three agree that a shortage of cybersecurity candidates creates risk for their organization. 

Per Scholas has been offering Cybersecurity training since 2016, first in New York, and today in more than half of our markets nationwide based on demand from both employer partners and learners alike. Yet, we see that our graduates have difficulty breaking into a cybersecurity career without hands-on job experience.

That’s why Per Scholas is so enthusiastic about participating in the Registered Apprenticeship Program, led by the United States Department of Labor. The proven earn-while-you-learn model aims to build a pipeline of skilled workers with a focus on underserved communities. The Registered Apprenticeship Program will enable Per Scholas to partner with employers over a longer on-ramp on 12 months that will provide training, on-the-job experience, and mentorship as a pathway to longer term career advancement. Eleven employer partners formally supported Per Scholas in the application process, with more expressing interest. 

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity can be defined as the practice of protecting systems, networks, critical programs, and sensitive information from digital attacks. Successful cybersecurity attacks can be incredibly damaging to an organization, both financially and reputation-wise. Therefore, it is important for any organization to possess adequate cybersecurity measures in order to protect themselves and their customers. The demand for cybersecurity professionals has increased significantly in recent years as digital information and technology become more and more integrated into daily work, and cyber threats attacks become more sophisticated. Although the main goal of all cybersecurity roles is essentially the same – to keep data and sensitive information safe – there are definite variations in the different roles within the field, and many options to explore for those looking to start a career in cybersecurity.  

Types of Cybersecurity Jobs

As more and more of our information moves online, the need for cybersecurity professionals grows. Cybersecurity is in demand in nearly every sector, industry, and field, making the wealth of cybersecurity career opportunities that one can get involved in very diverse. The role of cybersecurity professionals at a certain organization may also vary, depending on the organization’s size, type, the systems that it uses, and the nature of the security breach being addressed. Once you have earned your appropriate certifications, it can be difficult to choose which path to follow within the field. Here we will outline some popular roles within the field of cybersecurity – although keep in mind that the specific title of the role may vary depending on which organization it is based at.

Security Engineer

Security Engineers develop, oversee, and maintain their organization’s security systems in order to prevent breaches, taps, and leaks of data. They build systems, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to defend against cyberattacks. This role, according to online course provider, Coursera, might involve “implementing and testing new security features, planning computer and network upgrades, troubleshooting, and responding to security incidents.” Alternative titles to this position include information assurance engineer, information systems security engineer, and information security engineer.

Information Security Consultant

Information Security Consultants assess the security and potential vulnerabilities of the software, computer systems, and networks of a business or organization and provide solutions and recommendations on security measures and protection. They may work directly with an organization or take on individual clients on a consulting basis. Information Security Consultants essentially play the role of hackers, determining the ways in which security systems could be breached, and then coming up with solutions for those vulnerabilities and implementing them. The roles of Information Security Consultants include “making recommendations for hardware and software upgrades, performing technical tests like AV or penetration tests and malware analysis, and evaluating all the points in the technology environment where information is at risk.” They also advise clients on the best security practices for their particular organization. It is important for Information Security Consultants to be up to date on hacking trends, methods, and techniques in order to provide the best level of security.

Incident Manager

Incident Managers are responsible for the upkeep and smooth operation of IT systems. They oversee all steps of the incident management process, from evaluation to resolution. According to Freshservice, “an Incident Manager’s job is to respond to incidents when they occur and take any necessary steps to restore service and return the business to normal operations as quickly as possible.” They also record all issues, report them to the appropriate teams, and help to design ways to prevent similar problems from occurring in the future. The umbrella role of “incident management” can include a number of different positions, ranging from IT service desk workers, to call centers, to specialized support teams. Some Incident Managers focus on specific types of issues, while others address the range of issues that arise at an organization. Incident Managers interact with a variety of users and systems on a regular basis, making it a good role for those with people skills and a desire to learn new things. 

How Many Cybersecurity Jobs Are There?

The demand for cybersecurity professionals has increased significantly in recent years as more data and work moves online and cyber threats attacks become more advanced. Reports show that cyberattacks against corporate networks increased by 50% in 2021 compared to 2020, and have continued to rise throughout 2022. Not only are the number of attacks increasing, but the associated damage from each attack is also getting worse as attacks become more sophisticated. According to a study by IBM, the average cost of a data breach (taking into account “the expenses of discovering and responding to the breach, the cost of downtime and lost revenue, and the long-term reputational damage to a business and its brand”) increased 12.7% since 2020: from $3.86 million USD in 2020 to $4.35 million USD in 2022.

The need for cybersecurity professionals is higher than ever. A report by Cybersecurity Ventures, a cybersecurity research organization, found that the number of unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. grew by 350% from 2013 to 2021, from one million positions in 2013 to 3.5 million in 2021. Not only are cybersecurity professionals in high demand, the field is a lucrative one. The average U.S. income for an entry-level cybersecurity analyst is $87,853, and salary increases in proportion to skill level. The high demand for cybersecurity professionals and the relatively high salaries for those in the field make it an appealing job option for many career-seekers.

How To Get Started In Cybersecurity

For those looking to enter into the cybersecurity field, specific certifications are necessary to take on most roles. While possessing a traditional 4-year college degree can potentially give applicants a leg up in the job search, certifications are the main requirement for working in cybersecurity. Certification programs are typically shorter and more narrowly-focused than a degree program, making them an ideal choice for those new to the cybersecurity field, and those already in the field, who want to further their careers.

Certifications are not necessarily required for all cybersecurity roles, but possessing certain certifications indicates to hiring managers that you are proficient in those areas covered by the certification exam. Many companies prefer candidates who have certifications, because it validates knowledge of best practices. Furthermore, because certifications need to be renewed regularly, possessing a valid certification indicates that the candidate’s knowledge base is up to date.

Per Scholas provides tuition-free tech training in a variety of IT fields, including cybersecurity. Per Scholas also covers the cost of certification exams, allowing learners to become certified for no personal charge. We currently offer two cybersecurity-related courses, which allow learners to earn either the CompTIA CySA+ certification, or the CompTIA A+ certification – two highly sought-after certifications in the cybersecurity world. These courses, Cybersecurity and Security Fundamentals, are offered at a number of our campuses across the country. To learn more about the tuition-free training we offer and apply to IT courses that will help launch your career in tech, you may visit our website.

CYBERSECURITY: COMPTIA CYSA+ CERTIFICATION

Our Cybersecurity course, currently offered at 12 of our campuses, gives learners the opportunity to earn the Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+), equipping them with fundamental concepts in security specialities and hands-on training to enter the ever growing field as a cybersecurity analyst. Graduates of this course will be equipped with the knowledge to fulfill a wide range of entry-level technology jobs such as Cyber Security Analyst, Junior Desktop Technician, and Tech Support Engineer.

SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS: COMPTIA A+ CERTIFICATION

Our Security Fundamentals course, currently offered as a hybrid-style course at our Denver campus, provides the opportunity for learners to earn the CompTIA A+ certification, equipping them with cybersecurity fundamentals and hands-on training to gain the initial knowledge and skills to get started in an entry-level security-related role. Security Fundamentals graduates will earn their CompTIA A+ certification and have the opportunity to be hired into a 12- month apprenticeship as a Security Analyst with one of our Activate employer partners.

On October 18, Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala participated in Comcast’s Project UP Partner Summit. The Summit’s discussions focused on deepening relationships to advance digital equity. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Plinio was part of a panel, Spotlight on Digital Skills, joining moderator Michael Collins, VP, JFF; Michael Ellison, Co-Founder & CEO, CodePath; and Jessica Santana, Co-Founder & CEO, America On Tech. During the conversation, Plinio discussed creating a climate where people of color can thrive in tech and how Per Scholas is preparing our learners for the in‐demand tech careers of the future. One highlight from the panel included diversity in the workforce and the steps Per Scholas is taking to ensure we continue to empower our learners with tuition-free tech training beyond the 2020 surge of advocacy for diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the panels, the Summit also included an opportunity for Comcast NBCUniversal’s partners and nonprofits nationwide to network. Per Scholas Philadelphia Managing Director Nikki Pumphrey attended the event and was able to learn about innovations from across the country as well as connect with colleagues in Philadelphia to learn from those promising practices.

Per Scholas Columbus was featured on NBC4! The article discussed how our organization is bringing racial and gender diversity to Columbus’s rapidly growing tech scene, and highlighted our creation of the Tech Women of Color Alliance, which offers training and job placement assistance in the tech industry for women of color.

“We need to make sure that our city represents our citizens, which means that women of color need to be in that space,” Jenn Fowler Howard, our Managing Director for Per Scholas Columbus,  was quoted as saying.

Click here to read the full feature.

Per Scholas Phoenix was featured in the Phoenix Business Journal, discussing Per Scholas’s expansion to Phoenix and how we are preparing our graduates for high-growth careers in tech. Per Scholas Phoenix Managing Director Jaclyn Boyes was interviewed for the article, stating, “this year we are seeing a 100% certification rate and a 95% job attainment rate. Our learners are getting certified and they are getting hired.”

Click here to read the full feature.

Per Scholas is proud to announce that we have been awarded funding from WorkRise, as part of a $2.8 million grant to support innovative pilot studies that test solutions to boost workers’ economic mobility.

This grant will enable Per Scholas and MDRC to understand whether adding alumni advancement coaching services— such as 1:1 coaching, group coaching, employment technical assistance (career plans and résumé reviews), and upskilling referrals—will measurably impact an individual’s trajectory toward a thriving wage, and how these interventions impact different demographic groups.

To read the press release about this tremendous announcement, click here.