Our Black in Tech series features the career path & advice from Black professionals in the tech industry. In this Q&A, Jason Weeks, Sr Software Engineer at Spoiler Alert shares his story.
What inspired you to get into the tech industry?
As an African-American software engineer in tech, I find the ability to create innovative and transformative products incredibly inspiring. My passion for technology started when I saw how transformative it can be in solving real-world problems. I believe that technology can be used to bridge the gap between social and economic disparities, and that's why I got into the tech industry, and specifically my current company, Spoiler Alert. Software engineering allows me to be creative, solve complex problems, and make a positive impact on society. I believe that with the right application, technology can make a significant difference in our world, and I'm proud to be a part of this industry that is changing the world for the better.
What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Spoiler Alert?
I've had an incredible journey in the tech industry, and every position I've held has led me to where I am today. I started my career as a Developer in Residence, where I taught fluency in various programming languages to students who had the desire to turn their ideas into actual web applications. This experience made me realize how much I loved teaching, and I decided to pursue it further.
I then served as an Instructional Associate. I learned how to motivate students to persevere through the challenges of creating web applications, which would eventually lead them to success.
After leaving General Assembly, I joined the Innovation Accelerator team as a Software Engineer, where I developed various in-house applications based on company patents, working with a small remote team. I then moved on to Invicro, where I assessed, improved, and maintained code in a bio-technology environment.
All these positions have led me to my current role at Spoiler Alert as a Senior Software Engineer. Here, I have collaborated on data modeling and system architecture, designed, written, and tested our platform, contributed to the design and implementation of UI/UX, incorporated third-party APIs, and helped lead key features through the development process. I've used various technologies, including JavaScript, TypeScript, React, GraphQL, Node, Express, MongoDB, Mocha, Chai, Kubernetes, and Google Cloud Platform.
Every position I have held has been instrumental in helping me learn and grow, and I am proud to have come this far.
What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional?
I think my success can be attributed to my passion for technology and my willingness to continuously learn and improve. As a diverse professional, I've faced obstacles such as bias and stereotypes, but I've been able to overcome them by staying focused on my goals and building a strong support network.
What types of programs and initiatives does Spoiler Alert have that support diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Spoiler Alert has several programs and initiatives that support diversity, equity, and inclusion. One of these is the company's commitment to building a diverse and inclusive team. Spoiler Alert strives to hire individuals from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and has created an inclusive work environment where all employees can feel valued and supported.
In addition to its hiring practices, Spoiler Alert also offers a variety of employee benefits that promote diversity and inclusion. For example, the company offers flexible work arrangements and paid parental leave, which can help support a more diverse range of employees.
Furthermore, Spoiler Alert has implemented programs that support diversity and inclusion beyond its own workforce. The company partners with local organizations that serve communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the food industry, and provides them with access to its surplus food donation platform. This helps to reduce food waste while also increasing access to healthy food in underserved communities.
Overall, Spoiler Alert's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in its hiring practices, employee benefits, and community partnerships. By prioritizing these values, the company is not only creating a more inclusive workplace, but also making a positive impact in the broader community.
What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry?
My advice to other diverse professionals interested in joining the tech industry is to never give up on your goals, stay true to your values, and build a strong support network. It's also important to continuously learn and improve, as the tech industry is constantly evolving.
While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken. Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?
To make a lasting change, companies and employees can take action by investing in diversity and inclusion initiatives, creating inclusive workplaces, and actively seeking out diverse talent. It's also important to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions and to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging.
