On the surface, one may not immediately recognize the similarities and strengths that distinguish both professional athletes and programmers. Similar to fútbol (for all the non-fútbolistas/os, I’m referring to arguably the greatest sport in the world: soccer), software development is a team sport and one that takes years of practice. That’s not to say that a developer or a defender couldn’t be successful on their own – of course they could, but each profession is highly collaborative in nature. 

So why do athletes, like Martín, make the best engineers? Easy. Athletes, more than anyone, know the importance of continuous improvement. They know that even if they are the best player on the field today if they stop practicing, it won’t last long. Software Development is no different. The best programmers are willing to learn new things, commit to practicing their craft, and know the value of team and community.

Martín is a first-generation graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has played for the U.S. Men’s National team, puts his family first, and has continued to impress the Tech Talent South team since he joined us. You can find him on LinkedIn, and Twitter.


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Alec is many things: a Northwestern graduate, a VFA Fellow, a musician, a successful business owner, and an all-time favorite amongst the team at Tech Talent South. Alec has a passion for Blockchain technology and the decentralized web as well as being an advocate for artists. He brings a liveliness and positive attitude to whatever setting he is in. He’s one of those people you can’t help but wish to be friends with. 

Alec believes that working as a team has the greatest impact for the collective good. He has experience in sales, marketing, programming, teaching, and has been a musician for over 13 years. You can find him on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.


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University of North Carolina Chapel Hill grad and successful Audio Engineer Josh Masters on how the pandemic forced him to pivot his career. Josh shares how the Tech Talent South’s Graduate Accelerator Program and Full-Time Code Immersion course came into his purview at exactly the right time providing him with a new skill, alternative career paths, and a virtual community of friends and learners.


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The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a massive cultural shift from primarily in-person work and education to widespread virtual work and learning. As of June 2020, 42% of Americans were working from home full-time, and across the country, students from elementary schools to universities are studying virtually. For most, this sudden change in work/school lifestyle has been a massive disruption to the routine and familiar norms of in-person interactions and relationships. Even nine months into the first stay-at-home orders in the U.S., many of us are still navigating the confusing and exciting world of virtual work. 

So what are some of the most common challenges of virtual work, and how can we succeed despite them?


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