Economic uncertainty was one of the defining traits of 2022, but as 2023 rolls around, the greater Boston area’s tech industry is still standing strong — as is its demand for top talent.
Massachusetts has the highest concentration of tech workers, and the industry has the third highest impact on a state’s economy nationwide, according to a 2022 Mass Technology Leadership Council report. The need for talent will continue to grow in the coming years, as 143,000 tech workers are expected to enter retirement by 2027.
2027 may seem like a ways off, but for companies with their eyes trained on the horizon, the quest for securing and training new talent will begin soon — if it hasn’t already. For software engineers, identifying and securing a role at a new company can be a lengthy process that revolves around an array of considerations.
The highest-quality information often can’t be found on a job posting or company website; it comes straight from those who have already navigated their organization’s hiring process and are already attuned to the work culture and environment.
Built In Boston spoke to professionals at Arcadia and Robin to learn what drew them to their current employers and hear their advice for fellow engineers who might be interested in joining their teams.
Arcadia provides a unified, actionable fabric of health information for customers. The company’s platform delivers insights for advancing care, research, growth and success.
What initially drew you to apply for an engineering role at Arcadia?
After five years at my previous employer, I went back into the job market in 2022 and knew I wanted a new challenge. I knew I wanted to help build or sustain a good product in a place that embraces a positive approach to development. When looking for a new position in my career, I always look into the business itself. I learn as much as possible and cross it with what I know I am capable of and what I would like to learn. Challenging yourself in this industry or daring yourself to learn something new will keep you fresh and on the path to success in this field, more often than not. That is why when I applied to my current position, I knew it would be a challenge and a great learning experience with a great team and a good product behind them as well as a company culture unlike any other.
What was the hiring process like, and how was it different from other experiences you’ve had?
When I began the hiring process, everything was being done virtually. I initially met with our company recruiter and had very casual conversations about the position and workplace culture. Then, I met my now-director via remote meetings, and a more traditional interview process began.
I could not tell you a single point in the interview process where it felt any different than being in person, and I believe that to be a testament to how well the modern workplace has adapted to remote business. I met with several other members over the week for second and third interviews, where I was essentially tested on my knowledge (which is very common practice), and — as far as I can tell — my willingness to learn!
Get ready to hit the ground running, but embrace the obstacles, take every challenge head-on and have a few laughs along the way.”
What advice would you give fellow engineers considering applying for one of your team’s open roles?
Be good at what you know, and be willing to learn what you do not. Be willing to take chances and willing to make mistakes along the way. Get ready to hit the ground running, but embrace the obstacles, take every challenge head-on and have a few laughs along the way.
Robin is a workplace platform that provides employees with the tools they need to make the best use of their physical and virtual workspaces.
What initially drew you to apply for an engineering role at Robin?
I was looking for a position that offered me a new challenge in a different workspace. I was contacted by someone in the company about applying for a position and started researching Robin to learn more about the product. It was different from what I was currently doing and seemed really interesting, but what really got me to apply was the reviews of the culture and camaraderie at Robin, which was a big consideration for me. I always look for a place where I can learn new things, be around really smart people and have an amazing work culture.
What was the hiring process like, and how was it different from other experiences you’ve had?
It was different from previous employers that I’ve had because it involved more discussion on design principles and previous experience. This was a nice deep dive into intellectual conversation on how to design a new system and also gave me an idea of how they handle these discussions. There also were technical questions and what I would do to handle those situations. It was relaxing and didn’t seem as taxing as other interviews I had been in.
If you want to join a fun and innovative company that has an amazing work culture, then look no further.”
What advice would you give fellow engineers considering applying for one of your team’s open roles?
Just apply! If you want to join a fun and innovative company that has an amazing work culture, then look no further. There is no reason to be hesitant or nervous. Robin is extremely comforting, and I believe you may even see how great of a company it is even more after the process.
