Getting to know Rob Thomas

For our latest Q&A, we sat down with Rob Thomas, Vice President of Technology Instruction at Launchpad. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, including leadership roles in both commercial and nonprofit sectors, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for empowering students from underrepresented communities. In this conversation, Rob shares his journey into the world of tech education, the challenges students face breaking into the tech industry, and the exciting ways Launchpad is preparing the next generation of tech talent.

Can you tell us a little about your background and how you became involved with Launchpad?

Sure! I’m a dad of three – two boys, 17 and 14, and one little girl who’s 3 years old. In my downtime, I love hanging out with my family, whether we’re watching movies or just laughing at random conversations around the dinner table. I’m a big gaming enthusiast, especially on my PS5, and I’m also into crypto and tech. When I really want to unplug, I leave my phone somewhere and let my daughter’s imagination lead us on fun adventures.

As for my professional background,I spent some time in the military with the U.S. Marine Corp and got my degree in Computer Information Systems with a focus on Forensics. From there, I moved into contract work, spending 15 years in commercial contracts and 2 years in government contracts, before moving into nonprofit work for the past 2.5 years.

My path to Launchpad began when I attended Philly Tech Week in 2023. The tech scene there was unlike anything I’d experienced before.  Everyone was embedded in one form or another with developing tech talent in Philly. They were buzzing with words like “this is the new Silicon Valley, it just hadn’t happened yet” . I felt the energy and saw a sea of people that were passionate about the work and started thinking about how I could attach myself to the movement.  I met Dannyelle, who was a speaker and facilitator at one of the sessions I attended. She invited me to come out as a guest speaker at Launchpad, and from that point on, I kept looking for ways to get more involved.

What challenges do you see students facing in the tech industry today, and how does Launchpad help them overcome these challenges? What tech industry challenges will our students solve for?

One of the biggest challenges our students face is navigating traditional hiring practices, which often prioritize candidates with four-year degrees or those from established universities. This can make it difficult for talented individuals who may not have followed that path to break into the tech industry. Another challenge is access to high-quality tech education that equips students to be competitive in an AI-driven workforce. Many students, especially those from underrepresented communities, don’t have the same opportunities to gain the hands-on experience and skills that employers are looking for.

Launchpad addresses these challenges head-on. Our program is hands-on, skills-based, and competency-focused. We prioritize problem-solving and real-world projects that enable students to tackle industry challenges, develop practical solutions, and build a portfolio that highlights their abilities. By emphasizing targeted competencies aligned with in-demand skills, Launchpad equips students to become competitive candidates ready to thrive in the evolving tech landscape. We’ve partnered with local companies, and through interviews with them in early 2024, we’ve tailored our curriculum to meet their needs. We also couple this technical training with weekly leadership development to ensure our students are not only skilled but also well-rounded and prepared to lead in their fields.

In what ways can local businesses and community members contribute to the development of our tech curriculum?

After months of research, learning, and planning, we’re thrilled to launch LiftOff! One of my first tasks at Launchpad was to help shape our Portrait of a Graduate, where we really dug into how AI will impact our programs.

We’re living in uncertain times when it comes to the future of work, especially with the rise of AI and machine learning. It’s more important than ever that we weave these considerations into everything we do, so we can stay nimble and responsive to the changing landscape.

That’s why we’re putting together a curriculum advisory committee, and we’d love for industry professionals like you to be a part of it! Your insights can help us keep our curriculum relevant and ensure that our students are learning the skills they’ll need to succeed.

We also believe in the power of building social capital and relationships for our students as they enter the workforce. By connecting them with mentors, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences, we can help them navigate their career paths with more confidence. Your involvement could make a real difference in shaping the future of these talented young professionals. Let’s work together to empower them for success in this ever-evolving industry!