Meet Jason, Software Engineer, in the Neurodiversity Program at Dell Technologies 

Jason F. | Software Engineer 2 | Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Originally Published: April 10, 2023

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

My name is Jason, and I am a Software Engineer with a Master of Computer Science degree. I lived my whole life in the small city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, and I grew up around computers as my father also graduated with a Computer Science degree. In high school I learned I had a knack for programming and pursued it to college. I got diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum in high school, but I do not see it as a weakness. I believe that natural ability with programming logic is in part due to my neurodiverse mind.

Can you tell me about your current role and your team?

I am a Programmer for the SalesWorks and SalesQuest tools used internally by Dell Technologies. I am part of the Performance Analytics Group (PAG) team.

What drew you to Dell Technologies?                        

While my mind is good with programming, interactions such as job interviews are much harder. I found it hard to show my strengths in these cases. I also worried about stigmas around disclosing my condition to interviewers. However, when I met with a recruiter from Horace Mann Educational Associates (HMEA) that was partnering with Dell and learned about the program, I was thrilled. At last, I found a potential employer that not only understands how my mind works but also sees it as a strength.

What is your favorite part of the Neurodiversity Program at Dell?

It gives people like me the opportunity to show our strengths and the time to demonstrate results beyond just a typical interview process.   

What was your situation like before applying to the program?

Directly before the program, I had been unemployed since the small business I worked at went out of business. Many people like me are either unemployed or underemployed. 

How was the Neurodiversity Hiring Program at Dell different from other job interviews you had?

The main difference was that I did not need to explain my condition to the interviewers. They were all informed in advance on what differences to expect from us, which allowed me to focus more on selling my strengths rather than explaining my awkwardness. The program helps train us in communication, design thinking, presentation, and teamwork skills and even helps assist those not hired.

What are the best ways members of the Dell community can be allies, offering our support and advocating for Autism Awareness this month?           

My main hope is to see the program expand, so I hope all of the Dell community can learn about how neurodiversity could be helpful in their teams. More people in Dell learning about the program would be my hope!

Are you a part of any Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at Dell? 

I joined True Ability soon after I started at Dell, an ERG that supports individuals with disabilities, their family members, and caregivers. I have also tried to be available if the Neurodiversity Program ever needed volunteers to speak to the new applicants in the program.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy RPG video games with a small group of friends every evening.

For more information on the Dell Technologies Neurodiversity Hiring Program and life at Dell, visit the program page and our stories.