Professional Experience
Work on real-world projects that demonstrate applied problem solving.
You can earn certifications. You can complete assignments. You can learn the theory. But employers increasingly want something else: proof that you can apply your skills in real-world situations. That's where many students, recent graduates, and career changers get stuck.
TechStep Foundation helps bridge that gap by providing supervised opportunities to work on real cybersecurity, data governance, AI, compliance, and technology projects that directly support community organizations.
Your degree proves what you learned. Your experience proves what you can do.
Many aspiring professionals face the same problem: employers ask for experience, internships are limited, competition is increasing, and technical knowledge alone is no longer enough.
The challenge is not learning. The challenge is demonstrating what you've learned.
77% of recent graduates say employers expect more experience than an entry-level candidate should reasonably have, and 75% say there are too few true entry-level openings. Source: Cengage Group, 2026 Employability Report (Sept 2026).
At TechStep, participants don't work on hypothetical exercises. Through our supervised clinic model, you contribute to projects that help nonprofits and community organizations improve cybersecurity, strengthen data governance, manage risk, and prepare for responsible AI adoption. Every project creates value for a real organization while helping you build professional experience.
Every project serves a dual purpose: helping you build professional experience while helping community organizations strengthen their technology, cybersecurity, and AI readiness.
Work on real-world projects that demonstrate applied problem solving.
Receive guidance and feedback from experienced practitioners.
Build documented project experience that can be discussed during interviews.
Learn how to work with stakeholders, document findings, present recommendations, and collaborate within teams.
Develop the judgment and practical understanding that come from applying knowledge in real environments.
Employers Want Evidence — Employers increasingly evaluate candidates based on their ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, and apply knowledge in real-world situations. TechStep is designed to help participants develop and demonstrate those capabilities.
Participants gain access to the Stepping Stone workforce platform, the supervised technology and risk clinic, mentor guidance from experienced practitioners, and exposure to real community impact projects. Our goal is simple: give participants the opportunity to practice before employers ask them to perform.
What You Leave With: documented project experience, professional references and mentorship, exposure to real organizational challenges, portfolio-ready work, greater confidence entering the workforce, and the ability to demonstrate impact, not just potential.
TechStep Foundation exists to help emerging professionals move beyond learning and into practice, because careers are built not only on what you know, but on what you have done.
Your degree proves what you learned. Your experience proves what you can do.
Ready to see what this looks like in practice — hours per week, engagement length, and how to apply? See For Students →. If your program isn't yet a TechStep partner, have your faculty advisor see For Universities →.