While Autumn may seem early to begin thinking about summer jobs or future careers, it is actually the biggest time of year for hiring.
Many students are aware of the importance of beginning their career search now but are not sure where to begin or are afraid they don’t have enough information to search correctly.
Pathrise, a backed startup company, aims to help students find careers in tech. The company provides a plethora of free, public information. People who are accepted into the program, though, are paired with mentors who provide close guidance throughout every step of the process.
When founders Kevin Wu and Derrick Mar joined forces one year ago, they were frustrated with how difficult it is to join the workforce and find careers in tech independently. It’s challenging to break into the field without access to a strong network and solid credentials.
Not everyone has equal access to big networks or the ability to build a strong resume of experiences, but that does not mean the person is not more than qualified for the job.
In founding Pathrise, Wu and Mar aimed to level the playing field and help anyone find jobs in tech and other fields. This aim includes helping minorities who are underrepresented in tech find opportunities that would be a good fit.
Accordingly, part of Pathrise’s manifesto statement asserts, “Everyone should have a chance, no matter what they studied, which school they attended or how much money they have. Incredible people come from everywhere. Given the opportunity and some guidance, we believe people can do amazing things.”
The application process is simple: applicants must fill out a survey, complete an assessment and then they are interviewed over the phone. After these three steps, a decision is made within 24 hours. Pathrise seeks to mentor people who are excited and motivated to learn.
Once accepted into the program as a fellow, students are given guidance through every step and with great success. On average, their application response rates triple, their interview scores double and during the negotiation stage their salary increases by 20%, according to data gathered by Pathrise.
Wu and Mar also intended to share their information in a way that was not overwhelming or intimidating which it seems they have done with much success.
“I realized just how ‘human’ the entire job process can be. Before, the job pipeline was this blackbox where I had to submit my application and hope the ATS lets me through,” said Chaitanya Mattey, a current fellow. “But then, Pathrise showed me the things that go on under the hood and shared multiple ways to influence the process, and make sure a human, at least, takes a look at my application.”
To compensate for all of this guidance, Pathrise uses an Income Share Agreement (ISA). Fellows do not pay a cent for their ongoing one-on-one mentorship, information and opportunities until they have found a job and started earning an income. Then they pay 9% of their first-year salary over the course of the next six months.
Lizzie Kreitman, the content lead for Pathrise says, “The ISP aligns the incentives between us and the fellow.”
In other words, the fellow getting a good, high-paying, steady career is in the best interest of both themselves and the program.
If you are entering the job search, apply to become a Pathrise fellow or utilize their free information and tips that they have posted online at pathrise.com.
