The Arlington Talent Pilot Program
Build Your Experience, Build Your Career
Do you have a passion for software engineering but need experience to get started in an exciting new career? Are you tired of seeing entry-level jobs requiring two years of experience? The Arlington Talent Pilot Program helps aspiring software engineers gain the essential skills and experience they need to grow their careers by connecting them with Exelaration for a temporary, full-time paid role.
In partnership with Arlington Economic Development, Exelaration invites Arlington, Virginia, residents to apply for this experiential learning opportunity focused on preparing you for the next step in your professional journey.
Our second Arlington Talent Pilot Program cohort began in January. We are not accepting applications at this time.
If you’d like to support the program, see our partnership opportunities.
How the Arlington Talent Pilot Program works:
- Prospective Arlington Talent Pilot Program participants will complete the application prior to the deadline.
- Selected applicants will join the Exelaration team full-time for 12-20 weeks. The next cohort starts in spring 2023.
- Through this program, participants work with Exelaration’s expert tech consultants on real client projects to learn skills in software development, testing, and more.
- Following program completion, participants will be highly equipped to pursue a long-term career in the tech field.
Introducing the Arlington Talent Pilot Program
Sponsor & Partnership Opportunities
Help us build a stronger tech community by supporting the Arlington Talent Pilot Program through events, networking, projects, donations, lectures, and more!
Arlington Talent Pilot Program Partners
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who is eligible to join the Arlington Talent Pilot Program?
This program is open to Arlington residents ideally with prior study (see next question) in software development fundamentals. We’re looking for self-motivated individuals who are able to work well in team environments.
What qualifies as “prior study” in software development fundamentals?
The Arlington Talent Pilot Program seeks participants passionate about tech and would like to see you’ve taken the critical first steps to begin a career in the industry. Free online courses, such as Coursera, Udemy or Codecademy, self-study books, or even boot camps on software development fundamental concepts are good examples of prior study. You’ve also exercised your passion and tested your new skills with volunteer work and/or personal projects you can show.
Is Exelaration qualified to mentor those developing their career?
Exelaration is proven successful in training early career developers. Our alumni have gone on to work for Fortune 500 companies and outperform many of their peers. Why? Our full-time experts are not only technologists, they’re passionate teachers too. In fact, we’re the #2 technology internship in the U.S. Learn more about our history.
How long is this commitment?
Participants are expected to work 30-40 hours per week during business hours for a minimum of 12 weeks.
Is this a paid opportunity?
Yes. Arlington Talent Pilot Program participants are paid $20-$24 per hour.
Featured Learner
Harold Wolfinger
Harold is a member of the Arlington Talent Pilot Program flagship cohort. According to Harold, much of his success is owed to the experts that helped him along the way, and his focus on accelerating his capacity to reciprocate those investments. Harold trusts Exelaration’s mission, leadership, and corporate culture to take his tech career to the next level.
“Arlington County deserves much credit for partnering with Exelaration. This program is about more than just software development; it’s about moving the needle for young people and parents, finding ways to broaden economic opportunities and change life trajectories. Exelaration provides the tools and the guidance, you just need to focus. It’s rewarding work. Plus, the Venture X offices are great!”
“The tech world has made careers in the field seem so unapproachable and complex that it’s built a self-fulfilling barrier of intimidation and exclusion. The Arlington Talent Pilot Program gives emerging engineers the experience and confidence they need to overcome this obstacle.”
– Steve Cooper, Exelaration CEO
Our Clients Include:
