Nathan Miller, Founder and CEO of Rentec Direct, industry-leading property management software for real estate professionals.
In an era where technology is reshaping industries at a pace we’ve never experienced before, our future depends not only on innovation but also on the people driving technology forward. Championing the goals, aspirations and development of emerging generations of tech talent is a strategic investment in the future of our industry.
With tech jobs projected to grow at about twice the rate of the overall workforce over the next decade, I believe today’s business leaders have both an opportunity and a responsibility to guide, support and shape a community of dynamic, ethical and forward-thinking innovators. Here are five strategies I have found to be effective for empowering aspiring tech influencers and driving the evolution of the tech industry.
1. Supporting Mentorship And Knowledge-Sharing
Seasoned entrepreneurs have a wealth of insights and lived experience that can be invaluable for emerging talent—especially when it comes to navigating challenges, capitalizing on opportunities and making strategic decisions. By engaging in or establishing mentorship programs, taking on advisory roles and participating in networking opportunities, you can provide young professionals with the guidance, connections and real-world perspectives needed to accelerate their growth and build a strong foundation for success.
Mentorship doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone—business leaders can encourage their leadership teams to contribute, as well. For example, several members of my leadership team serve on boards, sit on committees or hold volunteer leadership positions that allow them to share their industry expertise with the broader community—young professionals included. By fostering mentorship and knowledge-sharing at all levels, we can collectively empower the next generation of leaders.
2. Investing In Education
Businesses can play an important role in shaping the future of tech by actively investing in initiatives that support the next generation of innovators. In my experience, prioritizing funding for programs like scholarships and startup incubators can not only foster fresh ideas and disruptive new technologies but also provide young professionals with the resources they need to develop their professional skills. These investments can help bridge the gap between education and industry while cultivating a strong pipeline of skilled talent.
At my company, one of our core values involves fostering talent here in our regional tech sector. One of the ways we make this a reality is by offering a scholarship program that provides financial assistance to students pursuing technology-related degrees in our home state. Through this program, I’ve seen how even modest scholarships can make a meaningful difference in removing financial barriers and building a more diverse, inclusive and skilled workforce. By prioritizing investments in education, companies can go beyond supporting individual careers, helping to drive long-term innovation and industry growth.
3. Bridging Academics And Industry
As touched on above, one of the biggest challenges for graduating students entering the tech industry is navigating the gap between classroom learning and the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace. While an academic education certainly provides foundational knowledge, real-world experience is essential for preparing students—especially in the ever-evolving tech industry. Consider implementing initiatives like boot camps, technical training programs and other collaborations between your business and universities to help close this gap and ensure that graduates are workforce-ready.
Internship programs are another powerful way to offer hands-on experience and allow aspiring tech professionals to gain knowledge in real-world settings. While interns are developing their problem-solving skills and starting to build their professional networks, your business can benefit from their fresh perspectives and innovative thinking.
You can also participate as a guest lecturer, develop an apprenticeship program, collaborate on capstone projects or contribute to curriculum advisory boards to help give students exposure to real-world problem-solving and industry expectations. For example, our Director of Operations serves on the business advisory committee at our local community college and regularly guest-lectures as part of their introductory business course. By engaging with academia where possible, businesses can further contribute to developing a skilled and innovative talent pipeline.
4. Encouraging A Continuous Learning Culture
Don’t overlook the emerging leaders who are already part of your team, including those who might be early on in their careers and still discovering their full potential. Creating a culture of ongoing growth and professional development is important for preparing your team to stay ahead of shifts and new developments in the fast-paced tech landscape.
Consider providing access to training programs, workshops, certifications or industry events that can help young professionals refine their skills and stay competitive. At my company, we conduct weekly all-hands training sessions to keep the entire team up to date on the latest features and best practices for our software platform.
Additionally, be intentional about creating opportunities for younger talent to share their ideas and take on leadership roles. Invite them to lead presentations, contribute an article to your company blog, take the lead on an internal project or represent the company at an industry event to help build confidence and credibility. In my experience, recognizing the contributions of emerging talent and providing them with opportunities to take ownership can accelerate their development as future industry leaders.
5. Emphasizing The Importance Of Ethics
Today’s tech leaders have a unique responsibility to instill a strong ethical foundation in the next generation as technology continues to impact nearly every aspect of our daily lives. I’ve found that championing responsible technology use—particularly in areas like AI, cybersecurity and data privacy—encourages innovation that is both forward-thinking and socially responsible.
I believe business leaders can and should facilitate discussions on ethical dilemmas, integrate ethics-driven decision making into training and embed accountability into company culture. By prioritizing integrity as highly as innovation, businesses can help shape the industry to be trusted by and beneficial to society.
Final Thoughts
From my observations, the future of the tech industry will bank on the development of a new generation of innovators who are skilled, ethical and adaptable. Leaders who invest in nurturing and empowering emerging talent today can help shape the direction of tomorrow’s industry, ensuring that our future is dynamic, responsible and full of possibilities.
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