Recently named a Best Workplace in Germany by Great Places to Work for the sixth year in a row, Salesforce knows that untapped talent is the future of technology.
Having created the #1 CRM ecosystem to help businesses succeed, the organization continues to invest in creating not only innovative technology but opportunities and access to educate anyone who is interested in learning about the Salesforce products. The Trailblazer ecosystem is a community that provides equal opportunities and access to education to those that historically have been excluded from the tech industry, such as underrepresented minorities, people who have fled areas of conflict, and university students at all levels.
Over the past year, Salesforce’s Germany hub has established and supported different programs and initiatives with the goal to develop Salesforce talent coming from diverse backgrounds. Today we would like to highlight three of them:
Making a Career In Technology Accessible to All
Salesforce Germany participated in the myAbility Talent program, an established career program for students, recent graduates, and academics with disabilities or chronic health issues that require an accessible workplace. For the duration of one semester, 25 participants in the Munich region benefited from comprehensive career coaching and multiple networking opportunities with companies that have an inclusion strategy - like Salesforce. The students received workshops, 1:1 coachings with Salesforce colleagues, job shadowing opportunities and the chance to grow their network within the Salesforce ecosystem. The myAbility Talent partnership gives participants the opportunity to experience Salesforce’s inclusive and accessible work environment, and also ensures that Salesforce continues the commitment to being a great place to work that is barrier-free for all.
“The Salesforce myAbility program helped me to gain insights into the professional daily routine at an IT company. I attended meetings, and was able to build hands-on experience with regards to Sustainability solutions and strategy. Everyone I worked with was very nice and helpful.”
Newcomers Are Welcomed into the Tech Industry with Salesforce Support
Over the past years, there have been various incidents in the world that drove people to leave their countries — and lives— behind to start over in Europe, and choose to relocate to Germany. Blue Road Academy is a program offering those people the chance to start a new career in the IT industry. As a Salesforce collaboration partner, they advance the careers of newcomers with Salesforce training, professional development, and direct connections with top employers from the product ecosystem.
The classroom-based program teaches the technical, in-demand skills newcomers need to start their Salesforce careers - and their new lives. They receive mentorship, skills training and access to a professional network as well as the opportunity to meet with employers for the partner and customers ecosystem who are interested in hiring those talents. So far Blue Road Academy trained 206 participants in Europe, including 30 in Germany, a number which is expected to double by May 2023. Their net promoter score given by their participants is 10/10. Kayode Aigbola, one of the Blue Road Academy’s Berlin Alumni, says of his experience:
“"Blue Road Academy has provided training that has brought renewed hope to me as a migrant in Germany. I came to Germany with a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication, but I have never been able to find my feet due to language and many other restrictions! I first came across Blue Road Academy via Facebook, I applied and got accepted! At the beginning of the Salesforce classes in Berlin, the first initial days of the program were amazing. I discovered a passion that can help me land an interesting career! Since the start of Blue Road’s course, I have been having fun every day! “ ”
Kayode Aigbola, standing second from the right, pictured with his Blue Road cohort, learned valuable Salesforce skills to enhance his career opportunities
Setting Up Germany’s Future for Career Success
Developing talented individuals before they start their professional journey, or when they decide to change their professional direction, and giving them the opportunity to learn Salesforce skills is an integral part of Salesforce’s culture. Salesforce Germany’s collaboration with IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is a keystone of the organization’s academic collaboration in the Salesforce Ecosystem. IU offers Salesforce modules as an elective for more than five Bachelor and Master programs: Salesforce Platform Management and Salesforce Platform Development, and Salesforce Consultant and Salesforce Developer Specialization, respectively.
Because IU offers virtual courses, anyone is welcome to join the program no matter where they are located. Moreover, there are no time restrictions for the students to complete the course, which allows greater flexibility for individuals who are working full- or part-time, are caretakers, or simply learn on their own timeline. Affordable fees and a wide range of scholarship options enable everybody to acquire high-demand future skills. Prof. Dr. Thomas Bolz, IU Course director shares of the partnership:
“We want to drive the digital transformation together and raise general and vocational education to a new level. Thanks to the learning cooperation between IU and Salesforce, we can guarantee the students even more practical relevance.”
Germany is a hub for innovative talent. Salesforce aims to create opportunities for all individuals, from any background, interested in developing technical skills. From free Trailhead trainings to the partnerships with impactful organizations like the myAbility Talent Program, Blue Road Academy, and universities such as IU, Salesforce is dedicated to closing the digital skills gap while always keeping the core value of equality at the center.
Stay in the know with the latest events and opportunities at Salesforce by joining our Talent Community. Learn more about what it means for Salesforce Germany to be named a Great Place to Work here.
