QueerTech

10 weeks

9 live sessions

virtual experience

About QT Access

QT Access is a 10-week cohort style program designed to provide queer individuals with professional skills necessary to break into the innovation economy while guiding them through a journey of professional reflection, self-discovery, resilience building, and growth. Our aim is to increase professional and personal confidence, demystify the job search process, increase value alignment, and create access to a supportive and queer aligned professional network.

QT Access is the first program in QueerTech's newest initiative, the QT Academy!

Learn Together in a Safe Space

Connect and collaborate with fellow QTs in a space that encourages openness, vulnerability, empathy, and growth to foster your authentic self.

Create Personal and Professional Value Alignment

Learn to identify and align your personal values to your professional goals and how to create a plan that helps your navigate the many opportunities and figure out which ones are right for you.

See Yourself

Learn, connect, and be inspired by our network of amazing speakers, mentors and professionals.

Grow your...

Confidence

Professional Network

Digital Brand & Portfolio

Our first program starts February 15, 2023

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT APPLIED OR SHARED THE APPLICATION!

The application deadline was January 20, 2023

Program Structure

This is a 10-week program consisting of:

1 week of pre-program reading and preparation exercises
(9) 2-hour live sessions facilitated via Zoom
Wednesdays, February 15 through April 12, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 pm Eastern
Weekly reflection and development exercises
(outside of sessions)
Attendance to the Qareers Virtual Fair
March 29-30, 2023
Weekly time investment of 3-4 hours

The program will be led by Jess Malz, QT Academy Principal Facilitator, the QueerTech core team, as well as other experts from the QT community.

Important Program Dates

January 20	Participant Applications Deadline
January 31	Mentor Application Deadline
February 1	Cohort Participants Finalized
February 15	Live Sessions Begin
March 29 & 30	Qareers Virtual Fair
April 12	Final Live Session and Cohort Completion

Would you like to be a Mentor or Export for the program?

Check out the Mentor & Expert FAQ!

Mentor FAQ

Content Overview

Week 1	Program Kickoff and Orientation
Week 2	Self Awareness - Understanding your motivations and reactions
Week 3	Power Pose - Build and leverage your confidence
Week 4	Creating Your Digital Personal Brand
Week 5	Mastering the Job Search
Week 6	Unlock the Power of a Strong Network
Week 7	Mastering the Interview
Week 8	Thriving at Work
Week 9	The Path Ahead - Program conclusion

Am I eligible for this program?

Canadian citizens, protected refugees, or permanent residents living in Canada who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+
Students in final year that are graduating in Spring 2023
Bootcamp students who completed their training and ready to enter the job market
Individuals looking to start a career in a tech company (must have less than 3 years of work experience)
Must be 19 years of age or older to participate

Program Commitment

Commit to 2 hours training sessions for 9 weeks + prep and homework of 1 hour
- Participants who miss 2 sessions will be subject to removal from program
Participants must complete their profile on
- https://queertech.getro.com/talent-network#content
Pay a participation fee of $49 once accepted into the program
Agree to the Program Terms & Conditions

FAQs

Why QT Access?

Research shows that 80% of jobs are filled through networking with up to 70% of job openings never getting published publicly. This number show the power of professional networks and the value of being a part of one. For many 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, accessing these networks come with risks.

Data has shown that :

• 55% of Queer people working in Canada do not find their workplaces to be inclusive.
• 57% of respondents said they are not “fully out” at work.
• 22% worried about a hostile work environment.
• 15% concerned about losing out on career opportunities.
• 26% reluctant to apply for certain jobs because of how they identify.

Who is QT Access for?

This program was crafted for queer members of our community who are bootcamp participants, student & recent grads or anyone struggling to find a job.

How long is the program?

The program will be 10 weeks long, starting in February 2023.

What is the time commitment?

You will need to commit for 18 h in session and 10-15 h for asynchronous learning.

I'd like to participate, but I need assistance with the fee, are there scholarships available?

We do have a limited number of scholarship spots available. Should you need assistance with the participation fee, please indicate during the application process.

The program is not quite the right fit, are there other QueerTech programs I can participate in?

We are always evolving and producing programs, events, and activities that focus on creating access to tech for queer individuals, creating and supporting queer leaders in tech, and fostering queer entrepreneurship. Keep connected via the newsletter or check out our upcoming events at queertech.org/events!

I have more questions

You can contact the QT Team for any questions not found here.

Program Partners

Thank you to our program partners!

QT Access is the first program in QueerTech's newest initiative of