Nordstrom is sponsoring and helping to launch a new Product Management course track at Atlanta-based Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Morehouse College as part of its ongoing investments in Black talent.
Starting in the spring 2023 semester, Nordstrom leaders and technologists will teach and mentor students in this new Product Management track, which includes two courses:
- Computing Career Exploration: This one-credit course focuses on preparing students for technology careers at enterprise companies by giving them direct access to industry professionals who will share their experience and knowledge.
- Introduction to Tech Product Management: This three-credit course focuses on what products are, the role of Product Managers and what career paths exist in Product Management. The goal of the course is to teach the principles of Product Management and what it takes to be successful in this profession.
“We see opportunity to increase diversity and representation in technology, and by partnering with Morehouse College, we hope that we can create more pathways for Black technologists and future leaders,” said Ian Heisser, Senior Director of Engineering at Nordstrom in a statement. “Product Management is one of the fastest-growing roles in technology and is critical to enhancing our customers’ experience. It’s critical that our product managers reflect the diverse group of customers we serve. We look forward to working directly with the students and building an even deeper connection to the Atlanta market.”
Students attending colleges within the Atlanta University Center Consortium and broader Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education network of schools also will have the opportunity to register for the courses.
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This new coursework partnership is part of Nordstrom’s ongoing efforts to invest in and hire Black talent. Earlier this year, Nordstrom participated in HBCU Battle of the Brains, where Nordstrom employees coached students from Fisk University and Morehouse College to first and second place. Nordstrom also celebrated the recent HBCU Classic with a VIP cocktail event and Pop N’ Shop at its Nordstrom NYC store. Nordstrom said it also continues to actively recruit at HBCUs and employs hundreds of HBCU alumni across its corporate and store teams.
“The partnership between Morehouse and Nordstrom is notable for two reasons,” said Dr. Kinnis Gosha, Executive Director and Chief Research Officer of the Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing at Morehouse College in a statement. “One, it will allow those underrepresented in technology to be exposed to different roles in the technology workforce. Two, fashion is a significant part of defining culture. Understanding the role technology plays in the success of a fashion retailer will help attract and retain technologists of color and will create new pathways for them to thrive in the technology workforce.”
At Nordstrom, the product organization has been critical to delivering on the company’s Closer to You strategy through innovations in merchandising, experience, productivity and fulfillment.
