Inspired by a recent post by Yemurai R on Career Disappointment due to following the career path of someone else and quitting when it doesn’t go to plan in the shortest timescale possible, I felt strongly to put my two cents in. Yem told no lies in her post and she was right to address the issue. So many people have unrealistic expectations of a career change into tech based on the recent ‘social media hype’ of the ‘break into tech within X months’ movement, and then feel like a failure when it doesn’t happen as they thought it would and give up quick.

However, I don’t think its the ‘hype’ alone that has led people to set these unrealistic expectations of being able to announce they broke into tech in X short months. I think a lot of it is also to do with people not willing to do the other important work that’s needed to lay strong foundations before you commit to this roller coaster of a journey to transition into tech…

The inner work

Whose goal is it anyway?

Is it YOUR tech career goal to be in X role in Y area in tech, or someone close to you said it was a cool role, or an influencer on said platform hyped up the role so it must fit you too? Taking the time to get clarity on your goals will set you up for a smoother journey from the outset and ensure you will be investing all this time into pursuing a role that actually matched your values and personality, etc, for the RIGHT reasons.

What’s holding you back?

Why haven’t you achieved goal this before? This requires a lot of self reflection and digging into the past, present and the future, that a lot of people are just not willing to go there because it’s uncomfortable. I remember getting cussed once by a client who came to me for coaching help, but initially refused to look into the past, and sure as hell didn’t want to face what was really holding them back. My response was how do you expect to move forward and create a career and life of your dreams, if you’re not willing to explore and identify what causing your limiting beliefs and sabotaging up your progress. The answer is already inside you, you just need to be willing to invest the time to uncover it to move forward with your goals with full intention and freedom from the mental hold.

Have you set a realistic deadline for success?

The keyword here is ‘realistic’. When I ask some people what they tried and how long for before they concluded it hasn’t worked out, i’m sometimes sat scratching my head like who in the world told you that was a realistic target. Don’t get me wrong some people have been successful in a quick period, but not everyone’s journey is the same and not everyone has the same time and resources to throw at this journey so everyone’s results will be different and its not realistic to set your career goal and timeline based on someone else’s journey.

When I reel off a list of things to find out:

– what they’ve actually tried to achieve the goal

– have they asked anyone in that area of tech they want to get into for feedback

– have they networked with people in the area they wanted

– have they used the ‘gold mind’ that is LinkedIn effectively to help them make meaningful connections,

– have they posted about what they want and declared in public what they are looking

– have they regularly been a bit vulnerable and showcased stuff

the answer is usually ‘no’ to some or most of those points… and I’m sat there sometimes scratching my head about how they expected to achieve their goals in the timeframe they put pressure on themselves to because they’ve not achieved it.

I also have to say switching on the ‘open for work’ logo or adding ‘aspiring XXXXX’ to your title alone ain’t going to get you very far very quickly in most cases.

This is a marathon not a short distance sprint, and you got to believe in yourself yes, but also do the work to learn the stuff relevant to the role, but also just as important to do the work to bet on yourself and use that vulnerable uncomfortableness you may feel to put yourself in a position to attract the right opportunities to you.

A lot of people are just not willing to come outside of their comfort zone to achieve that, and hence blocking and sabotaging your own blessings.

Anyway I said what I said, let me rest my head.

More power to you x

P.S. If you need help to do the ‘inner work’ and help putting together a realistic action plan for getting into tech, check out my career coaching programme for women who want to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech

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For many women seeking to make a career change into tech, the journey may seem both exciting and daunting, but in the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry, the possibilities are vast, and the opportunities are endless.  

The key lies not just in finding a role but in discovering where you truly fit, aligning your values and personality with your chosen tech path. 

As a Tech Career Coach and Tech professional with experience in many different roles (more recently as an Application Development Manager and former Mobile Developer), I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this alignment. 

Here’s 8 things to focus on when trying to work out a suitable tech related role and where you fit in the tech industry.

1. Self-Reflection: Unveiling Your Transferable Skills

Before diving into the multitude of tech roles, start by recognizing and celebrating your transferable skills.  Coming from a different industry doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch.  Consider your experiences in project management, communication, problem-solving, customer service and leadership. These skills are highly transferable and sought after in the tech world.

2. Identifying Core Values: Your North Star in Tech

Tech isn’t just about code; it’s about values. Identify your core values, the principles that guide your decisions and actions. Are you passionate about innovation, collaboration, or social impact? Understanding your values will help you align with tech roles and organisations that share your vision.

3. Exploring the Tech Landscape: Beyond Coding

Tech is a vast ecosystem with roles that extend far beyond coding. Explore areas such as product management, user experience design, project management, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. Each role requires a unique set of skills, and finding the right fit involves understanding your strengths and interests.

4. Networking: Learn from Those Who’ve Walked the Path

Connect with women who have successfully transitioned into tech roles. Attend networking events, join online communities, and seek time to have a chat with someone.  Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights and guide you in making informed decisions about your tech career.

5. Skill Development: Closing the Gap

Identify the skills required for the roles that resonate with you. Leverage online courses, workshops, and bootcamps to upskill. Many resources offer flexible learning options to accommodate career changers. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.

6. Personality Fit: Balancing Passion and Proficiency

Consider your personality traits and working preferences. Are you detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving? A role in quality assurance or data analysis might be a great fit. If you thrive on creativity and human-centric design, exploring user experience or product management could align with your strengths. If you are a people person, a role as a scrum master may be right up your alley.

7. Test and Iterate: Embrace the Learning Journey

Making a career change is a dynamic process. Don’t be afraid to test the waters. Engage in projects, internships, or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience. As you navigate your journey, be open to iterating your path based on your evolving interests and insights.

8. Invest in yourself: Get the Right Support to Achieve Your Goal Quicker Than You Would Do On Your Own

If you are really not sure what role is for you and how to achieve your tech career goals or struggling to create a realistic plan to keep yourself focused, find a reliable career coach to support you on your journey.  Ideal a career coach with experience in the tech industry who can share those lived experiences and willing to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly, and guide you in the right direction. Rather than it being another cost to folk out, you look at the results and value they are providing and see this as an investment in yourself and your future career and lifestyle.

The tech industry is not a one-size-fits-all landscape. It’s a diverse ecosystem that thrives on the unique contributions of its professionals. Your journey into tech is a story waiting to be crafted—one that reflects your values, utilises your transferable skills, and aligns with your passions.

As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that the tech industry should be enriched by diversity and welcomes those who bring a fresh perspective. Your unique background and experiences are assets, and by working out where you truly fit in tech, you’re not just changing your career—you’re contributing to the vibrant tapestry of innovation. 

If you need the support of a good career coach feel free to reach out and book a discovery call via this link Only a few slots left now up to the end of the year, so book in as soon as possible to ensure this time next year your career potential looks a lot different than 2023.

Here’s to discovering your unique place in the world of tech! 

#TechCareerChange #WomenInTech #CareerTransformation

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The Challenges We Face

1. The Gender Gap:

The tech industry has long been plagued by a gender gap. As a woman, entering a room dominated by male colleagues can be both intimidating and isolating. It’s essential to acknowledge this reality while striving to bridge the divide.

2. Stereotypes and Bias:

Stereotypes persist. The notion that certain roles are more suited for men can cast shadows on our capabilities. Overcoming these biases requires not only personal resilience but a collective effort to challenge and change outdated perceptions.

Embracing Our Unique Strengths

1. Collaboration and Communication:

Women often excel in collaboration and communication, vital skills in tech teams. Embrace these strengths, recognising that diversity in communication styles fosters innovation.

2. Problem-Solving Prowess:

Tech is about problem-solving, and women are excellent problem solvers. Whether it’s debugging code or tackling complex projects, our unique perspectives contribute to creative solutions.

Practical Tips for Success

1. Find Your Tribe:

Seek out communities of women in tech. Whether online or in-person, having a supportive network provides encouragement and valuable insights.

2. Support Matters:

Connect with a coach who has navigated the challenges you face. Their guidance can be instrumental in shaping your journey and providing a roadmap for success.

3. Continuous Learning:

The tech landscape evolves rapidly. Stay ahead by embracing a mindset of continuous learning. Online courses, workshops, and industry events are excellent avenues for growth.

Celebrating Our Wins

1. Acknowledge Your Achievements:

In a demanding field like tech, it’s crucial to pause and acknowledge your achievements.  Celebrate your successes, no matter how small.

2. Be Your Own Advocate:

Don’t shy away from advocating for yourself. If you’ve achieved a milestone, share it. Your accomplishments contribute to the broader narrative of women thriving in tech.

The Future We’re Building

As women in tech, we’re not just navigating the current state of the industry; we’re actively shaping its future. By persistently breaking barriers, celebrating our unique strengths, and fostering a supportive community, we contribute to a tech industry that reflects the diversity and creativity of the world it serves.

Embrace the Journey

Navigating the tech industry as a woman is an ongoing journey—one that requires resilience, courage, and a commitment to authenticity. By supporting each other, advocating for change, and celebrating our victories, we’re not just navigating; we’re steering the course for a more inclusive and innovative future.

So, to all the women navigating the tech seas, keep sailing. Your journey matters, and your presence is transforming the industry for the better.

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I’ve always believed in the transformative power of words. They have the potential to inspire, ignite change, and drive individuals and organisations to new heights. This belief is the driving force behind my passion for public speaking, particularly when it comes to delivering talks for corporate companies and women audiences.
I believe one of the best decisions I made was investing time and some of my salary in developing my public speaking skills.

1. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

As an IT professional, I’ve witnessed the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry.  It’s a challenge that can’t be overlooked. To address this issue, I’ve made it my mission to promote diversity and inclusion in tech. Speaking to corporate audiences provides a platform to discuss the importance of creating workplaces that are open, diverse, and inclusive, not just for the talent they attract, but also for the ones they need to retain.  It’s a chance to shed light on the talents and potential that often go untapped, just because of gender. Through my talks, I aim to inspire organisations to embrace change and create opportunities for all.

2. Fostering Empowerment and Confidence

Empowerment is a word that holds immense significance. For women in tech, confidence is often the key to unlocking their full potential, and the thing that is lacking.  The path to success in the tech industry is not always straightforward, and it’s marked by moments of self-doubt. When I speak to women audiences, I strive to instil confidence and self-belief. I share stories of individuals who have overcome barriers, who have dared to defy norms, and who have emerged as leaders in the tech world. My talks are a source of motivation and encouragement, a reminder that every woman has the capacity to excel in tech, irrespective of the challenges they may face.

3. Sparking Meaningful Conversations

Public speaking is not a one-way street. It’s an opportunity for me to connect, engage, and converse with audiences. When I deliver talks, especially for corporate companies, it’s not just about delivering a monologue; it’s about sparking conversations. I encourage questions, discussions, and the sharing of experiences. These dialogues lead to deeper insights and create an atmosphere of learning and growth.

4. The Ripple Effect

The impact of a single talk can be far-reaching. It’s the ripple effect of empowerment. As individuals leave my talks with newfound inspiration and insights, they take these lessons back to their workplaces and communities. The impact multiplies. In the corporate world, it can lead to more inclusive policies and increased support for women employees. In women’s networks, it can foster mentorship, sponsorship and mutual support. This, to me, is the true essence of my work.

5. Nurturing Leadership

Leadership isn’t defined by gender; it’s defined by the qualities and actions that drive change. When I speak, I aim to nurture hidden leadership qualities in all my listeners, many of which probably don’t realise themselves as a leader.   Whether I’m speaking to a corporate audience or a group of women in tech, I emphasise the significance of leadership. It’s not just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about leading by example, fostering teamwork, and inspiring others to be leaders in their own right.

My passion for delivering talks to corporate companies and women audiences is rooted in a deep desire to drive change, foster empowerment, and create opportunities. It’s a way to contribute to a more diverse, inclusive, and confident tech industry. Through words and stories, I aspire to create a future where every woman has the opportunity to shine in tech, and where every corporate organisation values and harnesses the full potential of its workforce, and through sharing lived experience of the good and bad of the mission to improve diversity and inclusion in tech and highlighting the benefits it has on business, they will have the willingness to adapt their organisational culture to support and nurture more women in the tech space.

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Transitioning into tech from a non-technical background can be a daunting process. It can feel like a major career change that requires a completely new set of skills and knowledge. However, with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to successfully transition into the tech industry and build a rewarding career. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and strategies to help make this career change into tech a reality.

Identify your transferable skills

The first step in transitioning into tech from a non-technical background is to identify your transferable skills. These are skills that you have developed in your current or previous jobs that can be applied to a tech role. Some transferable skills that are highly valued in tech include problem-solving, project management, communication, and teamwork.

By identifying your transferable skills, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to a tech company even if you don’t have a technical background. This can give you the confidence to pursue a career in tech and show potential employers that you have the skills necessary to succeed.

Get educated

While you may not have a technical background, it’s important to gain knowledge and understanding of the tech industry. This can include taking online courses, attending tech events, and reading industry publications. This will help you build a foundation of knowledge and demonstrate your commitment to the industry.

In addition to gaining knowledge about the industry, it’s also important to gain technical skills. This can be achieved through coding bootcamps, online courses, or self-study. This will give you a foundation of technical knowledge and show potential employers that you are serious about making the transition into tech.

Build a network

Networking is a key component of any successful career change. This is especially true in tech, where the industry is constantly evolving and new opportunities arise frequently. Building a network can help you gain insights into the industry, learn about job opportunities, and connect with mentors who can offer guidance and support.

Some ways to build a network in tech include attending tech events, joining online communities, and reaching out to people on LinkedIn. 70% of roles in tech are not advertised, so by building relationships with people in the industry, you can gain valuable insights and increase your chances of finding a job in tech.

Gain experience

Experience is key to any successful career change. While you may not have a technical background, there are ways to gain experience in the tech industry. This can include working on personal projects, volunteering for tech-related organizations, or taking on freelance work.

By gaining experience, you can demonstrate your technical skills, build a portfolio of work, and show potential employers that you are committed to the industry. This can increase your chances of finding a job in tech and help you make a successful transition into the industry.

Be open to learning

Finally, it’s important to approach the transition into tech with an open mind and a willingness to learn. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there will always be new skills to learn and new technologies to master. By being open to learning and willing to adapt to change, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to a tech company and build a successful career in the industry.

Transitioning into tech from a non-technical background is possible with the right mindset and approach. By identifying your transferable skills, gaining knowledge and technical skills, building a network, gaining experience, and being open to learning, you can successfully make the career change into tech. So, take the leap and start your journey into the exciting world of tech.

If you are a woman (or you know of one) who feels frustrated in your current job, and wants to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech, book a complimentary discovery call with me to find out how I can help you on your journey to a fulfilling career in tech https://dionnecondor-farrell.com/career-coaching-programme-for-women-into-tech/

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After 4 years as a High School teacher she decided to quit because she wasn’t enjoying it anymore, and decided she wanted to be a Software Engineer. 

The teaching job was seriously limiting the amount of time she could spend with her young family.  She needed more flexibility.

She initially signed up for a 12-week coding bootcamp that focused on Python development with a well established bootcamp provider and it came with a guaranteed job placement at the end.

She successfully completed the bootcamp and got her certificate.

The job replacement never materialised… she was pi**ed.

She waited around for another opportunity that was to be organised by her bootcamp provider.

She quickly realised they were messing her about.

This really knocked her confidence and she started to doubt herself.  

When she came to me she was lacking confidence in herself so badly that she wasn’t putting herself out there to apply for jobs, and some serious limiting beliefs were holding her back.

She was hiding from recruiters who had been reaching out to her on LinkedIn.  She was playing small.

She was adamant she wanted to be a Software Engineer,  but had started doubting whether that would materialise.

She was self sabotaging.

So how did she turn things around:

She decided to invest in the Confidence Coaching programme, that helped her to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech, through a soulful exploration of mindset, skillsets and next steps.

She committed to attending every coaching session, doing the homework and a lot of self reflection.

After each coaching session she sensed a shift in her mindset.

By week 2 she was ready to let go of the expectations of others to get her a job, and was ready to accept responsibility for her own job search.  

By week 3 she was feeling more confident and had more clarity.  She realised she had more transferable skills than she first thought that would be valuable to a tech company, and that opened her up to a larger range of roles in tech to consider that she’d never even dreamed of before.

By week 4 she was ready to accept the confidence boost interview challenge.  It helped to boost her confidence even more, and she learned so much from going through the process with each one.  

Over the next few weeks she was taking on more challenges out of her comfort zone but with a positive attitude, and learning from each outcome.

She took the advice and tips on how to raise her profile, and she eventually got approached to interview at a large tech company that she found interesting and felt really aligned with her values.  

She went through the stage 1 interview with ease, then flourished during the stage 2 interview and was allowed to focus on a topic that was close to her heart.  Then stage 3 with a bit of additional coaching support along the way she was able to smash the final interview.  

SHE GOT THE JOB! 

With a bit more advice and guidance given on negotiating her worth, she managed to secure a bigger bag than was initially expected, increasing her previous base salary by 50k (135%), with the total compensation package at a whopping 264% increase on her previous salary if you take into account all the stocks and benefits.  Woo Hoo!

She’s gone from 4 years as a High School teacher to becoming an Associate Solutions Architect.  A role that is more aligned to her purpose and passion and that allows her to mix her teaching background with interest in the software delivery process.

The investment in the programme and in herself seriously paid off. 

She achieved this job offer within 4 months of completing the formal part of the Confidence Coaching Programme.  And to top it off, the role is fully remote.

You can imagine how happy I was to receive her confirmation message (see photo below)…

The comment she sent on her first day of the new job had me fighting back the tears… 

“Thanks for making me believe in my potential. It’s a very happy day for my family today”

Are you a woman who is frustrated in your job?

Do you lack confidence in yourself to make the career change you desire?

Has a career change into tech been on your wish list for the longest, but you don’t know where to start?

Do you want to increase your salary, and believe a career change into tech is the way for you?

Have you been sabotaging your own career change dreams?

The Confidence Coaching programme could be just what you needed all along.

Click and book a discovery call now to discuss how the Confidence Coaching programme could help you kickstart your tech career journey. 

#coaching #careercoaching #careercoachingforwomen #careerdevelopmentcoaching #womenintech #diversityintech #careerchanger #careerintech

The post Confidence Coaching For Career Change Into Tech: She Got The Job! first appeared on .

Someone reached out to me today who is trying to pursue a career change into tech.

They asked if I could help them get their first role in tech.

When I get requests like this, before I even consider taking them on as a coaching client, I always take some time first to look at their current profile, just to see how they are currently promoting themselves.

I do sometimes wonder why people are not utilising the free online tools to their advantage to help them achieve their career change into tech goals. 

For example, LinkedIn is a gold mine of career change into tech opportunities if used correctly.

If you are on a career change into tech journey and you’ve gone to the trouble of spending weeks and months investing time and/or money into learning the skills you need for your dream role in tech, please consider investing a bit more in updating your online profiles to help attract the opportunities you are looking for.

Here’s 5 tips to help you stand out a bit more from the crowd when pursuing a career change into tech and looking for your first role in tech:

Linkedin is like a shop window for recruiters and hiring managers to see what talent is out there, so it only makes sense to utilise this free tool effectively, certainly while they are still offering quite broad useful functionality for free.

Update, Update, Update

Before you reach out to people asking if there are any opportunities, please, please, please update your profile to reflect the current state of play. 

Have you recently completed a 6 month coding bootcamp? Show that you achieved this. Heck, add a photo of the certificate as proof if you are open to sharing.  

Have you just completed an internship? Paid or unpaid it doesn’t matter.  Add this to the experience section.

Did you volunteer on a tech project to help your local church, charity, local small business or even your sister’s side hustle? Update your profile to reflect this. Just because you didn’t get paid and it my have took longer to complete than expected, it doesn’t mean it’s not valuable experience?

If you think hard enough you will have some previous relevant experience somewhere somehow that you can add to your profile. If you haven’t, think of a personal project that you can focus on building and learn the skills you need as you go along. There’s plenty of resources out there to get you started. Showing a bit of vulnerability by documenting the journey from the start may bring a lot of opportunities your way.

Work That Headline

Please, if you have just completed a tech related degree, bootcamp or you did a self taught course that has given you the skills to write code, you are not an ‘Aspiring’ Developer or ‘Training to be…’  

Please call yourself what you want to attract ‘Full Stack Developer’, ‘Backend Developer’, ‘Mobile Developer’, etc.  

Showcase Your Sh*t

If you have worked your behind off putting a portfolio together, please stop hiding it.  Put a link to it on your profile so recruiters and hiring managers can check it out.  

Whether that’s your own portfolio website or something like Github, please share the link. 

You can simply add this link in the Contact info section of LinkedIn. To stand out even more you can use the Featured Section on your LinkedIn profile to Highlight it. Also consider listing any projects you have worked on (personal projects or projects for companies/churches/charities, etc) into the Projects section.

Open for Work

Utilise the Open for Work indicator on your LinkedIn Profile.  People are not psychic and will not know you are looking for a role in tech or the type of role you are looking for if you won’t tell anyone about it.  There is no shame in putting yourself out there and telling people you are looking for your first role after completing your degree, bootcamp or self study course.

Did you know that around 70% of jobs in tech are never even advertised so it pays to network and use whatever tools you can to show you are ready. The least you can do is consider switching on the Open for Work indicator and updating your headline and About section with what role you really want.

Get Posting

The majority of people on LinkedIn seem to be lurkers.  If you’re looking for your first role in tech you need to come out of the shadows. I also encourage my coachees to post a declaration on LinkedIn and other social media platforms when they kick start their tech career journey. 

A lot will shy away from the challenge, but the ones that do open themselves up to a multitude of offers of support and potential opportunities. You never know who is lurking who can help connect you to someone who can help you get your first role in tech.

Hope this helps you get a little closer to achieving your first opportunity in tech.

If you need more guidance for creating or enhancing your LinkedIn profile for career change into tech success, I’ve created a very easy to follow LinkedIn Audit Checklist to help you achieve this. It is printable or you can download in and fill in it on your computer and save it.

The post Career Change Into Tech: Are You Utilising Your Profile For Success? first appeared on .

Find the courage to apply for roles you have no business applying for.

That means:

– you may not have all the experience required

– it’s a big step up from your current role

– despite this, you believe it’s a good fit for you and you’d be good

3 things are likely to happen:

1) you’ll surprise yourself, get through to interview, get offered the job.

2) you’ll surprise yourself, get through to interview and not get the job. You’ll learn a big lesson about the interview process, and what is required to focus on. You’ll be better prepared next time.

3) you get ignored – nothing lost, nothing gained, it wasn’t meant for you. Move on to the next.

Either way, apply!

I did this myself earlier this year. While I was still a senior dev with no formal managerial experience, I applied for an engineering manager role with a tech stack I’d never used, that had a 7 stage interview process, and 4 of their interviews were crammed into one afternoon with only 5 minutes break.

Made it to the 7th stage, and then got told I didn’t get the job :-(. I was ready to retire after that lol, the process was so exhausting.

But…

I learnt so much from that process.

I learnt that:

– I can do most things that are thrown at me that are outside of my comfort zone.

– I know more than I think I do, and that I give myself credit for

– I’m already a leader, even if I wasn’t in a formal leadership role when I applied.

– My voluntary experience is just as powerful as any formal experience. Don’t discount that website or mobile app you developed for your church or a local charity, as it’s still a product you shipped and is being used. Don’t dismiss that tech event you organised with a team that you brought together, to deliver workshops for 25+ to learn how to code. Don’t forget about that talk you did in front of an audience of 10 – 100+ (it doesn’t actually matter how many people were there), to share your knowledge on a new technology you are interested in and helped influence the direction of a project.

You have plenty to talk about in an interview from all the experience that you have had without being in a formal role related to the job you are applying for.

– It doesn’t matter if you don’t have experience with the tech stack used by the company you are applying for. Learning one programming language well, you can pretty much work out other languages.

– Thank God for all the times I had to pair with colleagues on a coding task in the past and hated it. Little did I know it was preparing me for having to pair with someone I have never met before.

Ok I didn’t get the job, I sobbed and let go of that pretty quickly. But I got so much more out of applying and failing to get an offer.

Don’t give up, the right role and company is out there for you. Hopefully won’t make you go through 7 stages of nonsense to prove you are good enough. Remember no matter what the outcome, there is always something to learn.

Just Apply!

photo credit: wocintechchat

Need help making a career change into tech… I help women, who are frustrated in their current jobs, build the confidence to make a career change into tech, and process their careers, through a soulful exploration of mindset, skillsets and next steps. Book a discovery call with me here http://confidencecoaching.dionnecondor-farrell.com

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This one is an additional resources to compliment the Business Mentoring programme that I am currently participating in. Check out Self Made book by Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole here https://amzn.to/3QKedQr

This one I bought years ago in Paperback and ready through most of it then apart from the one section I didn’t think was relevant at the time – Selling. Year later I realise its a chapter I probably should have taken seriously so I’ve making up for it now and listening to the audiobook version. Check out Brian Tracy’s book No Excuses here https://amzn.to/3HzMwFu

This book is the second book by Bianca Miller-Cole and Byron Cole, followup after more experiences and feedback from readers and mentees after the first book. This second book is definitely speaking to the things I have been experiencing recently. Check out The Business Survival Kit book here: https://amzn.to/3Na45Nv

This book I bought after attending a training course Financial Freedom and Passion and Profits from Property, hosted by the lovely George and Sarah Choy. It’s definitely helped me make a few changes and take up some new habits in regards to budgeting and money management. Check out Retire Now by George Choy and Sarah Choy here: https://amzn.to/3y6cAFq

I bought this book years ago and never got around to using it until 12 months ago. I haven’t read it cover to cover yet, but used it more like a reference book and jumped into relevant chapters I needed to help me prep for specific interview. I love Gayle’s style of writing as its easy to read and really engaging so far. Check out Cracking the Coding Interview book by Gayle Laakmann McDowell here: https://amzn.to/39zH20W

Bought this Leading Quality book by Ronald Cummings-John and Owais Peer on kindle ages ago so I could read it while commuting. Covid had other ideas and I’ve avoided the commute as have been working at home since 2020. Only just rediscovered this one so only just started reading it. Since I’m in a leadership role now I thought it would be wise to invest some time in developing myself in this area. It’s pretty good so far. I’m hoping I’ll be able to implement some of the things it suggests to improve the quality of the product I’m involved with delivering to the public. Check out the Leading Quality book here https://amzn.to/3zKOEZ9

So these are some of the books I’m currently reading or listening to for career development and personal development. What are your favourite books that you are reading at the moment? And have any of them impacted your career/work/business/life?

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I’ve been so busy that I forgot to even celebrate (or cry) on 4th June, the actual anniversary day.

LinkedIn has got me here all in my feelings. Reminiscing about the good times, and vex about the not so good times. In truth it’s been a rollercoaster of a journey the last 15 years, especially the first 10 years, but everything happens for a reason, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without these experiences and lessons in life and career.

Here’s 5 things I’ve learned from spending 15 years at the same company in tech:

Never stay in the same team too long

I spent the first 10 years in the same team, doing the same things day in day out, until the role changed focus abruptly. Nightmare. But when I eventually moved to a new team within the department it felt like I was working for a brand new company… Modern tech, fresh faces, new ways of working, new projects. It was a blessing. I moved teams a few times until I found the tech, project, and product I really enjoyed working on and felt proud of. Finally found my passion too… Mobile Development.

In order to survive even 10 years at the same company it’s wise to move around the department/company so that you get a better understanding of the business and different domains. This also helps to build good relationships in different areas with key people, relationships that you can leverage later on in your tech career.

Never stick to one technology stack

Whatever you do, never focus on one technology for the majority of your career. I made the mistake of being territorial about Java because it took me so long to be taken seriously as a Java developer that I was damn well going to be a Java developer for life… Little did I know I was cutting myself off from lots of opportunities to grow, and to work on other exciting products. When I finally opened my mind to other technologies new opportunities came thick and fast to widen my knowledge and experience, and I became a better developer because of it.

It’s your responsibility to keep up with the ever changing technology

Don’t get comfortable or complacent, especially after learning your first major tech stack (in my case Java). 10 years in the same team working on the same thing will keep you in your comfort zone. If you have the opportunity to regularly learn new technologies and apply them to your existing project and in your existing team then that’s great. However, if not, at least make the effort to do some skills development or at least have an awareness of what tech is new out there, and find out what opportunities are available in other teams with your department or company to get to use them.

Promotions are not handed to you on a plate… You need to do the work and have a positive mindset

I have to admit I was a bit naive in this space… Throughout most of my career I thought someone would tell you when you are ready for promotion and it just happens. That’s not exactly the case… And it took me 12 years to come to that realisation. You have to take responsibility for your own career development and put a plan together (with assistance from your manager if they care and/or are willing to support). Know what you want in life and career and create a plan to get there. Once you’re clear on what you want, start taking ‘inspired’ action and go along about it with a positive mindset. I don’t know for sure why, but the help, assistance, encouragement, and opportunities will start to appear when you least expect it. Mindset is everything. If you are struggling with this, get help from a coach or therapist until having a positive mindset becomes the norm. Also surround yourself with like minded people who are on a similar journey to you.

Not everyone is for you, but there are some great cheerleaders and supporters too. Know the difference

Tech careers can be very competitive. Most people in tech are generally decent humans and will celebrate your achievements and encourage you to push on and achieve more, and that’s great. Unfortunately, there are those who will smile in your face, but just hate to see you achieving, progressing and getting the recognition you deserve. (Could also be known as Frienemies). Please don’t waste your time or energy trying to convince said people of your worth. It’s their issue not yours. Keep on keeping on! Focus on build a thriving career in tech and building good relationships with the ones that cheer you on.

BONUS – Never turn down opportunities you feel you are not ready for

I’ve let so many opportunities slip through my fingers it’s unreal… and the feeling of regret is painful. However, at the 12.5 years point as a Senior Developer at the same company, my mindset started to change. I was encouraged by a colleague to consider applying for a leadership position, one of the roles I’ve been doing for the last year. If I tell you I tried my hardest to run from this opportunity, but many people pointed out that I had already been leading people in many ways for many years and I just needed to focus that energy and do it with intention to have influence and make a difference. My feelings were that I’d just got comfortable working on the technology and product I loved, and was I really going to stop doing what I love everyday for a role I wasn’t 100% convinced about. It took me a further 12 months to accept they were right, and I should put myself forward, which I begrudgingly did. Blocked in my first attempt (that’s a long story for another day), paused on my 2nd attempt due to the pandemic, but as they say 3 times a charm so I tried again. 15 months after taking that leadership role on, I’m still involved in contributing to a product I love, and being able to create career development opportunities for people who want to grow their tech careers. And it is so satisfying to help make that happen. Damn it!

Overall its been a good 15 years, but I the last 5 years have been great for the most part, and I’m immensely proud of the products I have contributed to and the team I work with. Here’s to the future.

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