The narrative surrounding employment for those with felony convictions has long been bleak, with many believing that doors remain closed once a criminal record is established. However, this perception is slowly but surely changing, particularly within the tech industry. While challenges certainly exist, the opportunities are far greater than many realize. A growing movement is helping those with felony convictions not just find jobs, but build successful, meaningful careers in technology.
The Myth of the “Unhirable” Felon
One of the most persistent myths is that individuals with felony convictions are “unhirable.” This myth is perpetuated by outdated hiring practices and a lack of awareness about the value that formerly incarcerated individuals can bring to the workforce. However, the tide is turning as more employers recognize the benefits of hiring from this overlooked talent pool. According to a study by the Brookings Institution, 82% of managers are open to hiring workers with criminal records, especially when they have the necessary skills and qualifications. This shift in attitude is critical, as it opens up pathways to employment in industries like technology, where skills and experience often outweigh a clean background check.
Tech Industry: A Field of Opportunities
The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with a demand for skilled workers that far outpaces the supply. This demand creates opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds, including those with felony convictions. Many tech companies prioritize skills and experience over traditional credentials, which can level the playing field for those who have acquired technical skills through non-traditional means, such as bootcamps, online courses, or self-study.
According to the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the U.S. tech industry added more than 227,000 jobs in 2022, and this growth shows no signs of slowing down. Furthermore, the tech industry’s emphasis on merit-based hiring provides a unique opportunity for individuals with felony convictions to prove their worth through their skills and work ethic. In a survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 81% of business leaders and 74% of HR professionals believe that workers with criminal records perform just as well, if not better, than those without records in similar roles .
Real Stories, Real Success
Beyond the statistics and reports, real stories from formerly incarcerated individuals highlight the potential for success in the tech industry. For instance, individuals who have gone through Persevere’s program have gone on to secure jobs at leading tech companies, become entrepreneurs, and even mentor others who are just starting their journey. These stories are powerful reminders that with the right support, education, and determination, individuals with felony convictions can overcome their past and build successful, fulfilling careers.
Consider the case of a Persevere graduate who, after completing his training, was hired by a major tech company as a software developer. His past was not a barrier; rather, his skills and the portfolio he built during his training spoke for themselves. His story, like many others, is a testament to the power of second chances and the willingness of the tech industry to give people those chances. Persevere’s own success, with a recidivism rate of less than 2% in Tennessee after serving over 750 individuals since April 2019, further underscores the effectiveness of targeted training and support for individuals with felony convictions.
Overcoming Barriers Beyond Felony Convictions
It’s also important to recognize that while a felony conviction can present significant challenges, it’s not the only barrier to employment that individuals face. Many people encounter obstacles such as gaps in employment, lack of access to education, or the stigma of age or disability discrimination. However, just as with felony convictions, these barriers can be overcome with the right strategies and support.
For instance, tech companies are increasingly valuing non-traditional pathways into the industry, such as coding bootcamps and online certifications, which are accessible to those who may not have a conventional educational background. According to the LinkedIn 2023 Workplace Learning Report, 74% of companies globally are looking to fill skills gaps by reskilling and upskilling their current workforce, which includes hiring individuals who have taken alternative paths into tech .
Moreover, programs like Persevere and partnerships between companies and nonprofits are providing a structured pathway for individuals facing various employment barriers to gain the skills and experience needed to succeed. These initiatives prove that with the right approach, even those who might have been considered “unemployable” in the past can build successful careers in technology.
Building a Future Together
The conversation about employment for individuals with felony convictions is changing, and it’s up to all of us—employers, educators, and community leaders—to keep pushing forward. By continuing to advocate for second chance hiring and investing in skills training, we can ensure that more people have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute to our rapidly evolving tech industry. The success of formerly incarcerated individuals in technology not only benefits them personally but also enriches the companies they work for and the communities they serve.
Conclusion: Changing the Narrative
The narrative that finding employment in the tech industry is nearly impossible for individuals with felony convictions is not only misleading but also harmful. It discourages talented individuals from pursuing careers in technology and perpetuates a cycle of hopelessness. The reality is that with the right skills, support, and opportunities, individuals with felony convictions can and do succeed in the tech industry.
By discrediting the naysayers and highlighting the successes of second chance hiring programs, we can change the narrative and encourage more individuals to pursue careers in technology. The tech industry’s merit-based culture, coupled with the growing demand for skilled workers, makes it an ideal field for those looking to rebuild their lives after a conviction. It’s time to recognize that a felony conviction does not define a person’s potential, and with the right opportunities, anyone can achieve success in the tech industry.
Citations:
• Prison Policy Initiative. “Out of Prison & Out of Work: Unemployment among formerly incarcerated people.” https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/outofwork.html
• CompTIA. “Cyberstates 2023: The Definitive Guide to the Tech Workforce.” https://www.cyberstates.org
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Charles Koch Institute. “Workers with Criminal Records: A Survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Charles Koch Institute.” https://www.shrm.org/ResourcesAndTools/hr-topics/talent-acquisition/Pages/Second-Chance-Hiring.aspx
• Brookings Institution. “Labor Market Experiences After Incarceration.” https://www.brookings.edu/research/labor-market-experiences-after-incarceration/
• LinkedIn. “2023 Workplace Learning Report.” https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report
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