In this episode of Tech Together, Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman delve into a rich conversation with Hillary Spreizer, President of the Latitude Group.

Hillary shares her serendipitous journey into the tech industry, starting in IT recruiting during the 2007 recession and rising to leadership at the Latitude Group.

She highlights the significant shifts in tech employment, noting the decreased average tenure from 5-7 years to 2-3 years and how this impacts employer strategies. Hillary also discusses the Latitude Group’s focused approach on mid-market IT staffing and the importance of understanding client needs to place the right talent.

The conversation touches upon the challenges and strategies of diversity in hiring, the impact of AI and automation on the workforce, and the crucial need for building a robust talent pipeline in Minnesota.

Spreizer also advises newcomers to the tech industry to remain adaptable and to leverage every learning opportunity, emphasizing that diversified skills and experiences are valuable assets in the dynamic tech landscape.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:21 Hillary's Journey into Technology01:19 Changes in the Tech Industry03:08 About the Latitude Group04:08 Current Trends in Tech Recruiting10:20 The Importance of Data and Integration11:34 Preparing for Tech Roles16:47 Diversity and Inclusion in Tech20:35 The Influence of Background on Professional Perspective21:12 Educating Candidates on Market Value21:39 Addressing Diversity and Inclusion in Hiring23:39 Challenges in Hiring Early Stage Talent26:29 Building a Strong Talent Pipeline in Minnesota29:59 The Importance of Retaining and Promoting Talent34:27 The Future of the Tech Workforce39:13 Rapid Fire Questions