Hands-On Learning: Inside Futureforce Tech Launchpad
Sophie de Reus
January 08, 2025
Imagine stepping into the heart of San Francisco, surrounded by the towering skyscrapers and the buzz of innovation. For Bailey Williams, a Computer Science student at Pomona College, this became a reality as he embarked on a transformative journey with Salesforce's Futureforce Tech Launchpad (FTL) program. This 10-week immersive experience, designed for underrepresented CS students, offers more than just technical training. It’s a gateway to hands-on projects, personalized mentorship, and cutting-edge advancements in AI and full-stack web development. Bailey's story began with a friend's recommendation and evolved into a pivotal chapter in his career, expanding his skills beyond classroom projects to mastering new tools and AI technologies. Dive into Bailey's journey and discover how the FTL program is cultivating the next generation of tech leaders.
During the program, Bailey's projects were fast-paced and open-ended, giving him a great opportunity to get creative. Whenever he started a new project, he would look for an existing site that performed a similar function to find inspiration and think about how he could recreate it with his own unique twist. This approach helped him learn quickly and adapt to new challenges.
“I gained a really strong foundation in my software engineering skills. I learned how to use tools like React, and learned how to utilize resources such as AI to help me instead of allowing it to do the job for me.”
The Power of Collaboration
One aspect that stood out to Bailey was the program's emphasis on collaboration. The FTL program encouraged participants to share ideas, communicate, and support each other's strengths and weaknesses. Working with peers who had different skills and perspectives made everything more manageable and fun. They supported each other through the challenges and celebrated their successes together, turning the program into a truly rewarding experience.
“It made it a lot easier to complete the projects because you weren't on your own. You were working with someone who was going through the same struggles, but also had different skills from you. ”
In addition to fostering collaboration, the program also provided Bailey with hands-on project experience. One memorable project involved recreating Netflix, which helped him understand the inner workings of such platforms. By breaking down and replicating Netflix's features, he gained practical insights into how these systems operate behind the scenes. This hands-on experience not only clarified complex concepts but also equipped him with the skills to tackle similar challenges in the future.
From School to Corporate
Through the FTL program, Bailey gained an invaluable set of corporate skills, in addition to technical skills. He learned how to set and coordinate meetings, create and deliver presentations, and develop other professional competencies. He has been prepared to launch a successful career in tech, whether at Salesforce or elsewhere.
When asked what advice he has for people interested in this program, Bailey enthusiastically recommended applying, "This has been one of the best experiences I've had, both professionally and personally. I've made many friends and built strong relationships with people at Salesforce. The memories I've created in San Francisco are unforgettable, from playing basketball and visiting the mountains to enjoying Six Flags and watching sunsets at the beach. This journey has been incredible, and I can confidently say that Salesforce is a fantastic place to be."
“They've prepared me to be successful whether it's at Salesforce or not. They pour into you as a person, they pour into you with resources that are backed by a company that's been standing for over 25 years.”
“Definitely apply. Be authentic. Salesforce values the person behind the skills, so being genuine in your application and interviews will give you the best chance of success.”
As he looks forward to returning as an intern, Bailey is excited to continue his journey with Salesforce, equipped with the skills and experiences that have already significantly impacted his career path.
Learn more about the Futureforce Tech Launchpad program.