Resources and insights

CITI Founder, Zachary Novak shares his essential 4 Steps to land your dream role In tech. This guide will help you navigate skills development and networking with intention, so you can secure a fulfilling career in the tech industry.

Discover 5 EDI tips that could create significant progress in fostering inclusivity and innovation within Edmonton's tech industry.

The CITI Summary from the Spring 2024 Tech Talent Tour. Discover what’s holding back diverse professionals from finding meaningful employment.

A letter from our founder, Zachary Novak. Sharing where CITI has come from, what we have accomplished and where we are going next.

Discover the fascinating history behind the concept of "ikigai" . Learn the history of this Japanese philosophy's origins and how it evolved into the popular four-circle diagram we know today—this is an insightful exploration that might just change how you view purpose and fulfillment.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a city into a top-tier tech hub? Discover how Vancouver is rising as a top tech hub with insights from CITI and Vancouver Startup Week.

Are you curious about the tech industry and the careers within it? Look no further! The Best Careers You Never Knew Existed is a podcast in collaboration between CITI and SAIT. This podcast is a guide for new opportunities, industry insights, and technology and innovation trends. We are going to highlight 5 episodes from the podcast, spotlighting the speakers and key takeaways from each one. Focusing on careers including product marketing, UX design, and Customer Success.

After delving into PMI.org's report titled “Pulse of the Profession 2024”, CITI member, Jeremy Rivard, shares his insights on the crucial role of enablers in driving project success. He discusses understanding enablers and how you can support them for success in your organization.

After a sudden career shift from over two decades in the oilfield to software development due to a pandemic layoff, Tracy embraced change and found a new purpose at CITI. His journey illustrates the power of adaptability, self-reflection, and the importance of community support in overcoming challenges and pursuing personal growth. Tracy's story is a testament to resilience and the willingness to learn, positioning him for future opportunities in an ever-evolving job market.

Barbara transitioned from environmental engineering in Brazil to front-end development in Canada, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. Her journey underscores the importance of embracing change, learning from setbacks, and the power of community support in career transitions. Barbara's story is an inspiration for those contemplating a new career path.

For this years (2024) International Women's day we hosted three events. In the spirit of continuous learning and sharing, we have compiled some key insights and highlights from the discussions and activities that unfolded during the events.

Ksenia Soldatova highlights the shift in celebrating International Women's Day, stressing the importance of advocating for women's equality and empowerment. With extensive HR experience, she acknowledges progress in gender equity but underscores the need for ongoing efforts. She advises young women to seek mentorship and self-advocacy, emphasizing continuous support for women's advancement.

Careers In Technology and Innovation (CITI) is actively working to bridge the diversity gap in Calgary's rapidly growing tech industry. Following a successful four-part event series, the Tech Talent Impact Series, which resulted in over 50 hires from more than 450 jobseekers, CITI has outlined actionable recommendations based on comprehensive data and insights gathered. These focus on four key areas: Mentorship, Leadership Development, Career Growth and Professional Development, and Community Engagement.

Kareem's transition from petroleum engineering to software development underscores the importance of adaptability, networking, and community support in career development. His involvement with CITI highlights the value of meaningful work aligned with personal values. Kareem's journey reflects resilience and the significance of professional communities in achieving career goals.

Learn about Minaoar's transition from tech management to pursuing a master's in machine learning, followed by a return to the tech industry in Canada. Key to this journey were strategic networking, selective job applications, and leveraging resources like CITI and executive coaching. Minaoar's experience, marked by adaptability and continuous learning, offers insights and inspiration for professionals navigating career changes, especially in new environments.

Meet Radka, a remarkable woman who took an extraordinary journey from working in the legal field to the exciting world of technology and innovation. This wasn't just a job change; it was a big shift in her career and life.

After facing a layoff from his tech job, Alex Zaitsev used the setback as an opportunity to pursue his dream of relocating from Europe to Canada. He prioritized personal networking over traditional job applications, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn and the Calgary IT Community (CITI) to build meaningful connections within the tech industry. Through proactive engagement, continuous learning, and sharing his expertise, Alex eventually secured a role at Kidoodle.TV, underscoring the significance of networking, adaptability, and a positive mindset in career success.

Think it's too late to pivot? Think again. This blog goes into the incredible journey of Jean Armstrong, who was able to re-enter the workforce after leaving it or over two decades.

Ever wonder what a career pivot looks like? Everybody's journey is different, but it is a life-changing experience for most people. Whether you are considering one or not, Adrian's blog shows the peaks, valleys, and learnings in his journey.

The history of CITI!