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The Arlington Talent Program

The region’s need for software developers and cybersecurity experts is immense, but new careers are stifled by businesses that require two years of experience for entry-level tech roles. The Arlington Talent Program remedied this disparity by helping aspiring technologists get their foot in the door of a great career.

This program, created in partnership with Arlington Economic Development, connects emerging tech talent with a temporary paid role at Exelaration. Participants gain the skills and experience they need to grow their careers through the power of experiential learning under the guidance of expert mentors.

The Summer of Cyber

The summer 2024 cohort focused on cybersecurity services. These included:

  • Cybersecurity Checkup: our teams conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify potential vulnerabilities in your digital defenses
  • Risk Management Strategy: proactively safeguard your sensitive data, systems, and networks from potential cyber threats with a customized strategy
  • Vulnerability Scanning: identify weaknesses in your networks or systems that could be exploited to gain unauthorized access.
  • Incident Response Plan: develop a comprehensive strategy for responding to security threats, minimizing the impact on your business operations

How the Program Works

The Arlington Talent Program connected early career developers and cybersecurity analysts with a temporary, full-time role at Exelaration. Participants gain the essential skills and experience they need to grow their tech careers under the guidance of expert mentors.

Here’s how we did it:

  1. Prospective participants filled out their application and completed the interview process.
  2. Selected applicants joined the Arlington Talent Program for a paid, full-time software developer role for 12 weeks.
  3. Throughout the 12-week program, participants worked with Exelaration’s expert tech engineers on real client projects to learn skills in software development, testing, and more through experiential learning.
  4. Following the program, participants are equipped to pursue a long-term career in the tech field. Some participants may be invited to continue working on a client project with Exelaration.

Applications Are Now Closed

The Arlington Talent Program is currently closed for applications.

Applicants must:

  1. Live in Arlington or Alexandria, Virginia, and be able to report to our Arlington office three days per week
  2. Be able to commit to the 40-hour program for 12 weeks (May 7, 2024 – July 26, 2024)
  3. Have access to a computer and reliable wi-fi
  4. Have their GED, high school diploma, or equivalent
  5. Legally live and work in the U.S. without need for future employer sponsorship
  6. Successfully complete a background check if accepted

See Arlington Talent in Action

Initial Program Results

The Arlington Talent Pilot Program’s preliminary results are more than numbers; they’re real-world achievements reflective of each participant’s personal and professional growth. We are proud to report:

  • A 100% program completion rate
  • The majority of participants are now full-time tech employees
  • An average 26% pay increase for all participants, which will continue to increase with time
  • An average increase of 11 working hours, or 38% work rate increase, per week

Become an Arlington Talent Program Sponsor

Building up Arlington’s tech community is a group effort. While Exelaration is the expert in engineering and mentoring, we’re partnering with select organizations to give participants the most well-rounded program possible. Through events, networking, projects, donations, lectures, and more, you can help make our community even greater.

Learn More

A Thank You to Our Partners

 

Featured Participant

Munira Tabassum

Munira joined the Arlington Talent Pilot Program in 2023 to learn from industry experts and enhance her skillsets as an IT professional. Following program completion, she was hired full-time as a technologist for Arlington County.

“The program has made it very easy to improve my skillset and helped me grow as a better engineer. It’s an amazing place to start your tech career. You feel valued while working with industry experts that help you gain experience to guide you in your future projects.”

 

The tech world has made careers in the field seem so unapproachable and complex that it’s built a self-fulfilling barrier of intimidation and exclusion. Exelaration gives emerging engineers the experience and confidence they need to overcome this obstacle.

Steve Cooper

Exelaration CEO