Hey Tech Lady,
In efforts to help ease my transition from nonprofit & education to tech, I am reaching out to ask for some advice on how to make that leap? Any best practices, things to look out for or avoid? Ideas on where to find mentors (I have made some blind connections on LinkedIn, semi-fruitful). I have started applying for opportunities, and will be looking for internships as well as apprenticeships, but I find that first-hand advice is truly invaluable.
— Gabrielle Hodgson, Creative Director, via email submission.
When I look back at my career path, it wasn’t a straight and easy trajectory. I tried a multitude of jobs on my way through the labyrinth that secreted my true calling writing code. Tons were epic fails that made me miserable, but a few were key steppingstones that led to the technical roles I loved, and ultimately, to where I am today as VP at Forbes. Before finding those techie roles I thrived on, I tried my hand as a server, bartender, house cleaner, administrative assistant, video store clerk, graphic designer, lifeguard, and swim instructor, to name a few. Navigating through is never perfect and you should expect to make a few mistakes along the way.
At first glance, this seems like a complex and highly specific question, but it can be simplified into something we can all relate to: how do I get where I want to be? There are obvious answers such as gaining expertise through training and certifications, but for me, networking has proved the most valuable of them all, though the approach may vary depending on where you are in your career.
EARLY CAREER
If you’re just starting out as a professional, or you’re working towards a career change, but haven’t gotten your foot in the door quite yet, seek out connections via social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Connecting with individuals is a good idea, but also connect with organizations and companies you consider industry leaders. Look for those unicorns that celebrate a combination of both your field and something that makes you unique. Women in Tech (WIT) is an example for me, as someone in technology who identifies as female. A little looking and you’ll find your niche. If you get stuck, you can always write your favorite Tech Lady.
Look for either junior or intern opportunities you can apply to. Do your homework and figure out who the hiring manager or recruiter is and if possible, write them directly to express interest. It works, and to prove it, in recent weeks I passed on the names of several Jr Engineer candidates who pinged me on LinkedIn and they’re now setup with interviews. Hiring managers won’t curse you for contacting them, and if they do, you probably don’t want to work for them anyway. So don’t be shy.
Another perk you can take advantage of are organized mentorship programs. Just this past week, I saw Girls in Technology’s (GIT’s) Mentor-Protégé Program mentioned on Twitter and applied to be a mentor. Monitor relevant organizations that offer professional support and apply to be a mentee to gain individualized help.
Continue reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiedelgado/2022/10/08/hey-tech-lady-network-it-baby-and-how-to-do-it/?sh=2a5c86b94616
In efforts to help ease my transition from nonprofit & education to tech, I am reaching out to ask for some advice on how to make that leap? Any best practices, things to look out for or avoid? Ideas on where to find mentors (I have made some blind connections on LinkedIn, semi-fruitful). I have started applying for opportunities, and will be looking for internships as well as apprenticeships, but I find that first-hand advice is truly invaluable.
— Gabrielle Hodgson, Creative Director, via email submission.
When I look back at my career path, it wasn’t a straight and easy trajectory. I tried a multitude of jobs on my way through the labyrinth that secreted my true calling writing code. Tons were epic fails that made me miserable, but a few were key steppingstones that led to the technical roles I loved, and ultimately, to where I am today as VP at Forbes. Before finding those techie roles I thrived on, I tried my hand as a server, bartender, house cleaner, administrative assistant, video store clerk, graphic designer, lifeguard, and swim instructor, to name a few. Navigating through is never perfect and you should expect to make a few mistakes along the way.
At first glance, this seems like a complex and highly specific question, but it can be simplified into something we can all relate to: how do I get where I want to be? There are obvious answers such as gaining expertise through training and certifications, but for me, networking has proved the most valuable of them all, though the approach may vary depending on where you are in your career.
EARLY CAREER
If you’re just starting out as a professional, or you’re working towards a career change, but haven’t gotten your foot in the door quite yet, seek out connections via social media such as LinkedIn and Twitter. Connecting with individuals is a good idea, but also connect with organizations and companies you consider industry leaders. Look for those unicorns that celebrate a combination of both your field and something that makes you unique. Women in Tech (WIT) is an example for me, as someone in technology who identifies as female. A little looking and you’ll find your niche. If you get stuck, you can always write your favorite Tech Lady.
Look for either junior or intern opportunities you can apply to. Do your homework and figure out who the hiring manager or recruiter is and if possible, write them directly to express interest. It works, and to prove it, in recent weeks I passed on the names of several Jr Engineer candidates who pinged me on LinkedIn and they’re now setup with interviews. Hiring managers won’t curse you for contacting them, and if they do, you probably don’t want to work for them anyway. So don’t be shy.
Another perk you can take advantage of are organized mentorship programs. Just this past week, I saw Girls in Technology’s (GIT’s) Mentor-Protégé Program mentioned on Twitter and applied to be a mentor. Monitor relevant organizations that offer professional support and apply to be a mentee to gain individualized help.
Continue reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/katiedelgado/2022/10/08/hey-tech-lady-network-it-baby-and-how-to-do-it/?sh=2a5c86b94616
