As the tech industry navigates through a season of adjustment, Ramsey County is declaring May 2025 as Tech Month, a celebration of the sector's impact on the local economy. Even with slowed growth, tech jobs still represent close to 4% of the county's workforce, offering both strong wages and promising career prospects, Ramsey County reports.
This year, albeit the number of entry-level job postings has seen a decline, an increased demand for tech skills is observed across various job titles and industries. As part of Tech Month, a variety of resources and events are on the docket aimed to foster connections within the community and highlight the contributions of tech. Among the scheduled activities, tech job resources are available through Job Connect, while Ramsey County Libraries offer drop-in computer and tech support, and up-to-date labor market reports can keep job seekers informed.
The event lineup includes discussions on the interplay of trust and transparency in Artificial Intelligence and networking opportunities for industry professionals. For example, "Trust vs Transparency in AI," sponsored by Lab651 & Recursive Awesome, invites participants to delve into how AI systems can be designed to be equitable and trustworthy. To support tech workers, MN Bytes & Brews, hosted at St. Paul Brewing, promises an evening of informal networking and industry chat over drinks.
Highlighting the role of innovation in public good is the "For the Public Conference," a two-day event focusing on collaboration and advancements in technology for the betterment of society. Another marquee event, "Enterprise Rising Conference" at CHS Field, offers startups the chance to learn from successful founders about business growth strategies. In addition, aspiring entrepreneurs and tech aficionados can attend the "Open Source North" conference at the University of St. Thomas, a gathering dedicated to application developers and tech experts.
Moreover, the month will showcase a range of training opportunities and workshops aimed at different facets of the tech landscape. These include a session on the Small Business Innovation Research & Small Business Technology Transfer programs, as well as a webinar titled "Drive for 5: Unlocking High-Growth Career Pathways," focused on critical career fields in the technological realm that do not require advanced degrees, as outlined by Ramsey County. With comprehensive coverage of the tech sphere, Tech Month is set to offer an enlightening and engaging experience for all participants interested in the future of technology and its integral role in the community.
