Toronto, Canada – Nov 8, 2023

In a groundbreaking move, the Diverse Talent Training Program (DTTP) is proud to announce a new initiative offering a $10,000 scholarship for Black Canadians and new immigrants to delve into the realms of Web Development and Product Design (UI/UX).

This transformative initiative is set to empower 300 Black professionals and new Canadian immigrants, addressing the underrepresentation of these groups in the dynamic fields of Web development and Product Design (UI/UX). The program aims not only to close the skills gap but also to diversify the Canadian tech workforce, unlocking substantial economic opportunities for participants.

‍

Addressing Key Issues:

According to Mo’ Ekujumi, Founder & CEO at SkillHat, the initiative aims to tackle two crucial problems: increasing coding and design proficiency and reducing the Black wage gap. Contrary to the misconception that coding is widespread, only ~0.5% of the world is proficient in it. A study by the Brookfield Institute reveals that Black tech workers not only face underrepresentation but are also the lowest paid in the industry.

Why Inclusion Matters:

Apart from the proven benefits of diversity, it also makes economic sense. McKinsey reports show that U.S. companies with higher racial diversity are 35% more likely to have higher financial returns. The initiative addresses the potential loss of over $350 billion in tech job wages for Black households by 2030, as highlighted by the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility.

This innovative program is poised to revolutionize the tech landscape by fostering diversity and inclusivity, tackling workforce challenges.

Key Program Dates:

• Application Start: November 9, 2023
• Application Deadline: December 5, 2023
• Program Commencement: January 8, 2024

Why Apply?

This is more than just a scholarship; it's a life-changing opportunity! Joining the DTTP and SkillHat initiative means being empowered to create cutting-edge websites and apps, equipped with skills in crafting intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces, and becoming part of a vibrant, diverse professional community.

Benefits You Can Expect:

• Government-Backed Scholarship: Access world-class training without financial barriers.
• Employer Matching: DTTP and SkillHat will match you with employers who value your newly acquired skills.
• Mentorship: Gain insights and guidance from seasoned professionals committed to your success.
• Hands-On Experience: Engage in real-world projects to set yourself apart in the job market.

Your Future in Tech Begins Here:

Don't miss your chance! Apply on November 9th, 2023, and kickstart your journey toward a successful career in Web development and UI/UX design.

Join us on this exciting journey to reshape the tech industry and unlock your full potential. Apply on November 9th, 2023, and let's build a brighter, more inclusive future together!

‍

Toronto, Canada, 2nd August 2023 - SkillHat, an award-winning global edtech firm, has launched its innovative 9-Week Founder Accelerator program, designed to transform startup dreams into reality.

The SkillHat Founder Accelerator is a 9-week immersive program that provides Entrepreneurs with high quality tech talent & coaching necessary to navigate the challenging startup journey from ideation to launch.

‍

Current state: Traditional Entrepreneur support programs provide coaching & mentorship, but no product team to support non-technical Founders. Software outsourcing services provide developers without any Founder advisory.

Solution: SkillHat Founder Accelerator provides both an engineering team from the SkillHat alumni pool, and expert Founder coaching from Entrepreneurs In Residence.

The engineering team will include a software developer, product designer, product manager, and other alumni from SkillHat Tech bootcamps. By overcoming the pain points of limited resources, lack of a team, and uncertainty, participants can rapidly launch market ready web & mobile apps in a short time.

‍

Key Program Features

🔍 RESEARCH

Gain valuable customer insights, understand target audiences, and validate business ideas to build a strong foundation for success.

💡 PROTOTYPE

Gain valuable customer insights, understand target audiences, and validate business ideas to build a strong foundation for success.

💻 DEVELOPMENT

Gain valuable customer insights, understand target audiences, and validate business ideas to build a strong foundation for success.

🚀 LAUNCH

Gain valuable customer insights, understand target audiences, and validate business ideas to build a strong foundation for success.

‍

SkillHat's Founder Accelerator has garnered praise from successful founders who have achieved remarkable milestones in their entrepreneurial journeys. Ayodele Pompey, CEO at SmartTem, shares his experience:

"If you're an individual founder with great ideas, and you are serious about starting a company, you should join this 9-week program to build your MVP. You'll find potential co-founders and early talent in the process."

Connect and Apply Now:

For more information about SkillHat's 9-Week Founder Accelerator program and to apply, visit skillhat.ca/foundershub

About SkillHat:

SkillHat is a diverse talent incubator training motivated professionals in tech skills, and placing them in strategic roles at innovative companies. Startups & Enterprise leverage our constantly growing pipeline of alumni to proactively hire, ramp up project teams, and align with DE&I initiatives.

‍

‍

Your network determines your net worth.

I’ve had more great opportunities come to me from networking than when I had to cold apply. It’s much easier to land a job at the world’s most desirable companies through referrals.

So many times I’ve received calls like “hey we met a few months ago at x conference, and I have an opportunity I think would be great for you”. People remembered me because I made an impression. Read more if you want to learn how.

Ps: The next big networking event to be at is BFUTR – the largest networking event for Black Tech professionals in North America.

Networking can be nerve-wracking, especially for professionals who don’t have sufficient networking experience.

Here are some tips that have helped me network effectively;

Before the Event

1. Dress sharp. Being well dressed boosts your confidence.  Looks matter – a lot. I aspire to be the best-dressed guy everywhere I go, and I can tell you people get drawn to me because of how well-dressed I am.
2. Look at the speaker/ attendee list to determine who you might want to connect with before you even arrive. It’ll give you a lay of the land.
3. Get familiar with how to pull up your LinkedIn QR code for people who want to connect.
4. Practice your intro /elevator pitch. Make it about your personal brand, not necessarily the company you work for. Here’s mine: “Hi I’m Mo. I’m an impact Entrepreneur launching the underrepresented to dream careers in tech. I’m a Director at SkillHat”.

At the Event

1. Wear a name tag or sticky so people see your name and title before they talk to you. People are more likely to remember your name when they can see it.
2. Walk into the room with confidence. Lots of people check their phones when they walk into a room. Don’t look at your phone, don’t look down at the ground, and don’t slouch to try to be invisible lol :joy: (we can see you), it makes it look like you lack confidence. Walk in slowly, with your chest out and a smile. Look around the room, make eye contact with some people, decide where you would like to go and move straight there.
3. When you meet someone new, ask open ended questions. Don’t ask closed questions like “Are you enjoying the event”? Once the person answers with yes, or no it creates an awkward silence. Instead, ask questions that begin with what, why, or how. For example, I like to ask “what speech resonated most with you, and why?” or “what are you looking forward to at the event today?”
4. Give, Give, Give. Make sure to give to others before you ask. Don’t start off with “I’m looking for a new job”. Give your empathy, give your attention, give your advice. How?? Well, you need to ask questions about them such as “What’s your biggest goal and what challenges are you facing in achieving them?” or just ask “How can I help you?”. I know it could feel ridiculous offering to help someone you just met 30 seconds before, but trust me, try this and watch their face light up. You’ll automatically position yourself as a resource, not a leech.
5. Make your mission/goal clear – You may be looking for a new job, or looking to grow your Business. At this point, you’ve built some rapport so you want to mention exactly what you need.
6. Connect on social media – LinkedIn is the go-to, but if you felt a strong connection, go the extra mile to ask “what’s the best way to connect with you? They might say Twitter or Instagram. Connect there as well. Go where the people are.
7. If you have a Business card, hand it out, but the social media connection is so much more important because it allows you to continue to interact with new contacts consistently – which is what it’s about. Most people will eventually throw the Business card away.
8. Know when to end the conversation. Here are a few signs the person is ready to move on to the next – you see them looking at their shoes, their toes are facing a different direction, and they’re looking at their watch more than once a minute. At that point, thank them for the conversation and wish them a great time at the rest of the event. Or do # 9 below.
9. Leverage the new connection right there. Ask “who else do you think I should talk to?”
10. Remember to smile through it all.

Post Event

You’re probably exhausted from all the talking and connecting but this is where the magic really happens. Re-connect within 24 – 48 hours of the event and send a message to each new connection you made. Send a simple note like “Hi this is (Your name) It was nice to meet you at x event. Have a great day”.

I’m really excited about networking in person with you at BFUTR. BPTN events are always so well organized and the quality of people is excellent.

The tickets are premium priced but the hosts asked me to hook up my network with 50% off tickets.

Click the link to Register: BFUTR

Apply the code to get 50% Off – BFUTR50

Good luck!

‍

Aspiring change managers may find it difficult to draw a clear line between Project Management (PM) and Business Analysis (BA). Both roles are complementary, but distinct in their purpose and responsibilities. If you like project work and business improvement, but you’re unsure what role you would be best suited for long-term, this upcoming webinar will help you clearly identify where to go.

Register here

In this webinar, we will explore:

• Difference between Project Management & Business Analysis
• How the Project Manager & Business Analyst work together
• Pathways to getting into either role
• Salary expectations for each role
• Personality traits better suited for each role

Facilitator - Mo’ Ekujumi, PMP CSM

Mo’ Ekujumi is a highly skilled executive, with over 10 years of experience as a Project Manager & Business Analyst. Leading teams at City of Toronto, Mastercard, Andela, Marsh & SkillHat, he manages high-performing teams leading mission critical product development. He is a Director at SkillHat - where he leads the development & delivery of immersive courses, teaching high in-demand technical, strategic & leadership skills.

In this webinar, Mo’ will be sharing his experience within Project Management & Business Analysis capacities, discussing the non-obvious nuances of each role, backed with data from industry reports and forecasts.

About SkillHat

SkillHat provides instructor-led, expert training to help motivated professionals attain dream careers. Our immersive, hands-on courses teach cutting-edge, high in demand, technical, and strategic skills which produce resilient careers.

Leverage our expert instructors’ decades of global experience to springboard your career. Pivot, transition and grow, with a mentor by your side.

[zohoForms src=https://forms.zohopublic.com/info4058/form/EventRegistration/formperma/geSrw-fye8uWpKyCYfeQjwN8B5xTDaZKgJDOX06S_I4 width=100% height=600px type=js autoheight=true urlparams= /]

Project Managers need to have a strong blend of technical intelligence (IQ), emotional intelligence (EQ), and work ethic (WQ).  This article details some of the soft skills and traits a Project Manager must possess to set him/ herself apart.

1. Understand scope

One of the best skills a Project Manager (PM) could have is the ability to understand, and communicate scope. 

Scope refers to: What is being delivered, and the work required to deliver it.

Scope drives schedule, and budget, so it’s critical to nail down scope, to create realistic expectations. The better you understand the scope, the better you’ll see the Project risks. Don’t cut corners here. 

Understanding scope starts with asking the right questions and validating all assumptions. Begin with the end in mind to clarify the purpose of the project. Ask ‘the 5 Ws’ - Who, What, Where, When, and Why?

2. Communicate tactfully

As you communicate scope and hold others accountable, it is important to communicate tactfully and gracefully. Ensure you’re communicating the constraints and carrying stakeholders along, verbally, and in writing. 

You’ll need to be firm when stakeholders suggest work that is out of scope. You’ll need to redirect your team when they veer in the wrong direction. 

In these situations, It’s not only about what you’re saying, but also how you’re saying it.

90% of the project manager's time is spent communicating so ensure you’re utilizing the right communication tools & techniques, such as visualization, stating facts, wrap-ups/summaries, and asking open-ended questions. 

Be kind, show empathy and utilize collaboration language over negotiation language.

Also, choose the right context - evaluate if something is best communicated in a meeting, a work board or an instant message/ chat.

3. Stakeholder Management

Know your project stakeholders, and their interests. A Stakeholder is anyone who is impacted by your project. 

PMs will have multiple stakeholders across technical and business teams. You will need to understand the lingo of both teams, so you can be the bridge between them.

Additionally, some stakeholders may have unique needs or impediments that require more time to manage. Spend the time to learn about your stakeholders so you will be able to communicate in the language that they understand, to get the desired response or buy-in. 

A good tip for quick wins is to engage people in their areas of interest.

‍

This article is Part 2, of a two-part series listing 11 life principles anyone could apply to find the most important thing in life. What is the most important thing in the world you could possibly discover? Read Part 1 of Finding The Most Important Thing to find out. In continuation, read Part 2 below.

6. Be Mentally tough, always.

Mental toughness is the ability to manage and overcome doubts, and circumstances that prevent you from succeeding. Mental toughness is about grit, resilience, and self-confidence.

Learn from the Lion. The Lion is not the tallest, fastest, or even the strongest animal in the jungle, but the Lion has the most self-confidence. The Lion sees himself as a King, never backs down from a challenge, and moves majestically towards all goals. This is why he is the King of the Jungle. If you will achieve anything worthwhile, it won’t come easy. There will be obstacles, competition, and naysayers. You need to learn to be mentally tough to overcome.

Mental toughness also means self-discipline. Discipline is doing what you need to do, when you need to do it, regardless of how you feel.

I recommend the book — No Excuses!: The Power of Self-Discipline by Brian Tracy if you want to learn Discipline and Mental toughness.

7. Understand the Power Law.

The Power Law is also known as the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule.

80% of the results you achieve come from only 20% of the work. What this means for you, is that whenever you start a key initiative, identify the 20% of your actions mandatory for success, and focus on these. It doesn’t mean you ignore the other 80%, but it means you must be absolutely clear on the top 20% of work necessary to drive the outcomes you want.

It could be things like starting work early, consulting experts, or spending time with your customers /users. The Power Law also means that 80% of the world’s wealth, is owned by 20% of the people. Ultimately, most of the benefits accrue to the top. This further stresses the importance of specialization, becoming part of the top 20% in the world at something.

8. Mentorship.

You can’t buy experience. Experience allows you make sound decisions, and prevents you from making significant mistakes. However, as you grow in your career, you still need to make bets and move swiftly, with limited experience. Without experience, the next best thing is mentorship. A Mentor is someone who’s past is your future. Find mentors who have achieved all that you want to. Spend time with them, make your ambitions known, ask questions, sow into their lives, take their advice and you will move faster in life.

You don’t need to have one mentor for all things. You can have different mentors who guide you, on different life dimensions, including career, spirituality, technical, and leadership opportunities.

9. Have multiple, complimentary sources of income.

You’ve probably heard that you should have up to 7 sources of income, but, what you may not have heard is — make your income sources complimentary. Making your income sources complimentary means that as one business succeeds, it can boost the success of the others. I learnt this from Paul C Brunson. He has over 8 sources of income, including being a Public Speaker, and an Author. When his books sell, he is invited to more speaking engagements. As his speaking engagements increase, he has more opportunities to sell his books.

10. Never stop learning.

The day you stop learning is the day you become obsolete. Know everything about one thing, and one thing, about everything. Learn in all the ways available to you; watch TED talks, read books, listen to podcasts, watch documentaries, take certification courses

The best way to learn is not in an academic fashion listening to a teacher. The best way to learn is to DO. Get your hands dirty with new things often. During the COVID pandemic, with stores closed, I bought gifts for family & friends online but could not wrap them at the mall, so I went on YouTube and learnt how to wrap them myself. They came out beautiful. In 30 minutes I had learnt a new skill, and I felt great. Research shows that mastering a new skill provides a type of satisfaction known to lower stress.

11. Work on Small teams with big goals.

New graduates often ask me — “Should I work in a big company, or a small one? Where will I learn the most?†I’ve worked with many companies of varying sizes. I’ve worked in companies with 7 employees, 70 employees, and 75,000 employees. I’ve found that how much you learn may be tied to the company you work with, but more importantly — the team you work with. Working in small, specialized teams with big goals is a great way to start a career. It could be tougher to make a visible impact when you’re working on a large team. It may also be easier to slack off, and not do any meaningful work. Small teams keep you accountable, and big goals stretch you to achieve a lot with a little. You’ll also be more motivated.

At the beginning of this article, I asked — what is the most important thing in the world you could discover? The most important thing to discover, is Yourself.

Next I’ll be sharing more life principles around Health & Lifestyle. If this was beneficial, please comment & share. Thanks for reading.

Originally Posted on Medium