Working in Tech - NHTI and Blackbaud

Two points of focus for us today (Day 2, Tuesday):

• What are some options to get directly to work in a technology career?
• How does a thriving software company operate?

New Hampshire Technical Institute - Concord, NH

In the morning, we visited New Hampshire Technical Institute, heard about their certificate programs and 2+2 offering (2 years for an Associate degree, then a transfer to another school to complete a Bachelor degree in 2 more years), and toured their campus - including the new Beverly Grappone Center with state-of-the-art medical training facilities for nursing and dentistry. We also saw facilities for mechanical engineering, computer network management, and software development. NHTI has expended significant resources on increasing availability of true lifelong learning programs, with "students from 18 to 68 years of age."

NHTI - Concord, NH

NHTI's partnerships with local businesses create scholarship opportunities, lead to career placement, and ultimately yield and/or attract adjunct faculty with current, relevant experience that benefits NHTI students.

Mr. LaCroix and Mr. Fay joke about Streck's tie-tying skills: Apparently the 30-minute drive to Concord didn't give him enough time to prepare. Lauren Mercier from NHTI Admission is ready to show us around; and Kyle, Keenan and Jone are eager to get started.

Lathes, presses, and other equipment in the Mechanical Engineering wing are cleaned and ready to use.

Taka is very interested in the network lab, where racks of computer networking equipment await configuration and testing by the students enrolled in Network Management classes.

Mr. Fay's nurturing personality has motivated him to consider a career in nursing.

Some student comments:

• "If you pursue a career in the tech industry, you need to constantly commit yourself to learning. The industry evolves quickly." ~ Keenan
• Kyle observed "how the school used the old machinery. We are all very familiar with new products and it is good to learn with old products too."
• Taka expanded his horizons: "I was only thinking of inventing or designing something or managing the industry, but there were actually tons of different ways to utilize the technology. This experience has broadened my view."
• Jun "learned that education--regardless of size or name--never stops and helps us innovate and develop. Also, I learned that I can pursue different jobs and fields no matter what age."

Blackbaud - Bedford, NH

In the afternoon, after a hearty meal at Friendly's in Concord, we traveled to Blackbaud. New Hampton School hosts the newhampton.org web site with Blackbaud; uses the onCampus learning management system for all students and families; and runs the business and development offices with Blackbaud's Financial Edge and Raiser's Edge, respectively. Bedford is the base of Blackbaud's K-12 division, most of which is comprised of the recently-acquired company WhippleHill. We were welcomed with open arms and given the royal treatment during our visit by some of the most senior and high level employees in the division. Our group appreciated a rare opportunity to discuss intimate details of the software development process and the daily operations of Blackbaud as not only an agile software company but also a force for social good with a strong demonstration of commitment to developing talent and giving back to the community.

Group photo by Blackbaud's core values.

Blackbaud reception area group photo.

Streck contemplates daily cubicular existence mindfully.

This is the face of a technology savant.

Our group hearing about the software development process from Jackie Christensen, Senior Product Manager; and Kelsey Warren, Director of Product Development.

A small meeting assembled in an adjacent room and developers considered the timelines for upcoming projects.

Tim and Mike shared their career stories and gave our group a clear picture of daily life at Blackbaud. Our effervescent hostess Victoria led us on the grand tour, including comfortable work and lounge zones, high-tech conference spaces, and well-appointed refreshment stations.

Jared is amazed by what Mr. Fay is saying, Streck is sure there's a joke in there somewhere, Victoria listens politely, Keenan dutifully scribes the conversation, and Kyle stands clear.

The entire group was thankful to have the insider's view of a day in the life at a busy software development company, as their comments below indicate:

• Jun: I learned that in tech companies, communication among the employees and between the company and its customers are very important for the company to improve. I also learned that time management is crucial to the success of tech industries, given that the world is changing so fast around us.
• Streck: "Visiting Blackbaud was very interesting. It was really cool to see a group of individuals working in a tech office to achieve certain goals."
• Jone: "I’ve got a better understanding of how a real tech industry separately work in different departments and the whole system of it. I learned from what Blackbaud employees said of the company about how does it feel to be in the workplace with so many teammates. Helped me to prepare for my future."
• Taka: "This experience gave me an actual idea of working in the tech industry. There was a strong community among the workers, and they seemed to enjoy working there. I learned how a tech company make itself better: they get their feedback from their customers and the managers come up with some ideas and implement as soon as they can: so, this company will keep growing and I found it really interesting."
• Kyle: "[Visiting Blackbaud] was very cool. We got to go to a company that treats their employees very well by having a lounge and a kitchen in the office. All the employees liked to work there and were all very enthusiastic about their jobs."
• Jared: "Blackbaud was my favorite part of my day. They painted an amazing picture of the tech in my mind. I learned of some internships that I might apply for too."
• Keenan: "LinkedIn Profiles are very important tools that can be your first impression in the interview process. Goals in the Blackbaud company are created at the management level and are filtered down to individuals based on their position."
• With the many facts Karina compiled in her writeup about today, she includes these comments: [Blackbaud is] one of the leading software companies in New England. Blackbaud has been named as a leading employer for diversity by Forbes – America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2018. We talked to several representatives of the company, who were happy to share their stories with us. 

We had an informative, productive and tiring day!