In today’s episode we meet Jonathan Swindell, the CEO of HBCU Hub. He began developing this app as an undergrad at Grambling State University and now works full time using his talents to connect high school students with their ideal HBCU. We learn from his perspective as a business owner in the tech industry.
Jonathan highlights how diverse hires bring a boost of culture to their organizations because they come from different backgrounds and have different insights. Finding this talent is not difficult if you look in the right places. He doesn't believe that a CS degree should be required for software engineering jobs because coding can be self taught. History has shown countless examples of people (ex. Bill Gates or Steve Jobs) that built successful tech conglomerates without a degree. Jonathan points out that the tech industry requires a lot of trial and error and you often don't know what you don't know. For this reason the apprenticeship model would work well in this space, because it allows the apprentice to work alongside an experienced mentor and provides a safe environment to fail. In regards to retaining employees, Jonathan advises companies to establish an environment that induces creativity and reminds employees that their decisions within the problem solving process is appreciated. Organizations that are open to challenge the status quo are the ones that progress forward.
Jonathan Swindell is the CEO of HBCU Hub, an organization dedicated to help high school students apply, prepare, and get accepted by their dream HBCU. He is an experienced Application Developer with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Research, SQL, Sales, Project Management, and Innovative Problem Solving . Jonathan earned a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology from Grambling State University.
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