Why Mentorship Alone Isn’t Enough for Women in Tech

Women in tech continue to face unique challenges, from underrepresentation in leadership roles to a lack of visibility for promotions and high-impact projects. In mentorship vs sponsorship, mentorship has long been encouraged as a way to support career growth, it’s only part of the equation. However sponsorship is the missing piece that many women overlook, but it can be the key to unlocking real career advancement.

So, what’s the difference between mentorship vs sponsorship, and why do women in tech need both? Let’s break it down.

Mentorship vs Sponsorship: What’s the Difference?

It’s probably helpful at this point to distinguish between Mentorship and Sponsorship for those who don’t know the difference.

Mentorship: Guidance, Advice, and Support

A mentor is someone who provides guidance, shares experiences, and helps navigate workplace challenges. They offer advice on career development, work-life balance, and skill-building. Mentors are invaluable for:

• Offering insights on professional growth
• Providing constructive feedback
• Helping with confidence-building and navigating workplace culture
• Sharing lessons from their own experiences

However, mentorship alone has its limitations. While mentors offer guidance, they don’t always have the influence to actively advocate for you in key career moments.

Sponsorship: Advocacy, Visibility, and Career Advancement

A sponsor is someone in a position of power who actively advocates for your career progression. Unlike mentors who advise from the sidelines, sponsors use their influence to:

• Recommend you for promotions, leadership roles, and high-profile projects
• Open doors to new career opportunities
• Advocate for your salary increases and career advancement
• Help build your credibility within the organization

While a mentor helps you strategise, a sponsor helps you get a seat at the table.

Why Women in Tech Need Both

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Despite progress, women in tech often face biases that limit their career growth. Mentors can help women navigate these challenges, while sponsors actively challenge the status quo by advocating for their success.

Increasing Representation in Leadership

Sponsorship is critical for increasing the number of women in leadership roles. Studies show that men are more likely to have sponsors than women, which contributes to the leadership gap. Women need sponsors who will champion their growth and help them move up the career ladder.

Gaining Access to High-Impact Opportunities

Women in STEM fields often get stuck in support roles rather than high-impact, revenue-generating projects. A sponsor can ensure that talented women are given opportunities to showcase their skills and lead important initiatives.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Having a mentor can help build confidence and skills, but having a sponsor expands your professional network and exposes you to influential decision-makers who can elevate your career.

How to Find Mentors and Sponsors

If you’re a woman in tech looking to advance your career, here’s how you can build relationships with both mentors and sponsors:

Seek out mentors within your industry who can provide guidance and share their experiences. These can be leaders in your company, industry professionals, or even peer mentors.

Identify potential sponsors, leaders who recognise your talent and can advocate for your growth. Build a strong professional reputation, consistently deliver excellent work, and seek opportunities to engage with influential leaders.

Be intentional in networking. Attend women in tech conferences, join professional networks, and actively participate in discussions that highlight your expertise.

Communicate your career goals. Sponsors need to know your ambitions so they can help position you for opportunities that align with your aspirations.

Women in tech deserve not just advice, but advocacy.  While mentors provide essential guidance, sponsors help ensure that women receive the opportunities they’ve worked hard for. By actively seeking out both, women can accelerate their careers, break barriers, and take their place as leaders in the industry.

If you’re looking for more insights on career development and advancement strategies, let’s connect. Reach out to me today to discuss how to take your career to the next level.

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International Women’s Day (IWD) isn’t just another event on the calendar, it’s a time to celebrate the achievements of women, reflect on progress, and have honest conversations about what still needs to change. Over my years in the tech industry, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to create spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired. One of the best ways to do that? Bring in a keynote speaker who has lived it, someone who has faced the challenges, broken through barriers, and is ready to share real, relatable insights.

A speaker with a tech background can add a powerful layer to your IWD event. Tech is an industry where women are still underrepresented, and hearing from someone who has successfully navigated that space can be a game-changer. It’s about more than just inspiration it’s about showing what’s possible.

Representation Matters, It’s Hard to Be What You Can’t See

Women in tech often face unique challenges, such as imposter syndrome, workplace bias, and the constant pressure to prove themselves. Having a speaker who has been through it and come out the other side is incredibly powerful. Representation isn’t just about filling seats at the table; it’s about making sure every woman in the room believes she belongs there.

Inspiration with Actionable Takeaways

The best keynotes don’t just motivate, they equip people with real tools to move forward. Whether it’s strategies for navigating male-dominated industries, tips for advocating for yourself, or ways to build a support network, a great speaker ensures attendees leave feeling empowered and ready to take action.

Encouraging Companies to Bridge the Gender Gap

When companies invite speakers who have lived and breathed these challenges, it sends a clear message: “We’re listening, we care, and we want to do better.” A diversity and leadership speaker doesn’t just inspire individuals; they also challenge companies to rethink policies, mentorship programs, and career growth opportunities for women.

How to Choose the Right Keynote Speaker for IWD

If you’re leading the charge in planning your company’s International Women’s Day corporate event, here’s what to look for in a speaker:

• Authenticity & Lived Experience: Choose someone who has actually worked in the industry and can speak honestly about both the struggles and the wins.
• Engaging & Relatable Storytelling: People connect with stories. A speaker who shares real experiences will create a deeper impact.
• Actionable Advice: Look for someone who can offer practical takeaways, not just inspiration, but real steps attendees can take in their own careers.
• Audience Engagement: A great speaker doesn’t just talk at the audience, they interact, ask questions, and encourage conversation.

Topics That Resonate

For an impactful International Women’s Day corporate event, consider these topics:

• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome & Thriving in Male-Dominated Fields
• Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Future of Tech
• The Leadership Gap: Helping Women Advance in Tech and Beyond
• From Entry-Level to Executive: Career Growth Strategies for Women in Tech
• Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Why Women Need Both to Succeed
• Balancing High Performance & Wellbeing in the Tech Industry

Each of these themes is rooted in real experiences and is designed to spark conversations that matter.

FAQs

Where can I book a speaker for International Women’s Day?
There are many ways to find a great keynote speaker, through speaking agencies, LinkedIn, personal websites, or industry networks. If you’re looking for someone with a strong tech background who understands the challenges women face in this field, start with women who have lived it.

Why should I hire a women in tech keynote speaker for International Women’s day event?
A women in STEM keynote speaker brings lived experience, practical insights, and inspiration. This combination makes for a highly impactful and memorable event.

What should I expect from a keynote speech at an IWD event?
A great talk isn’t just about inspiration, it’s about connection. Expect real stories, hard-earned wisdom, and actionable takeaways that leave attendees feeling empowered.

How do I make my International Women’s Day event engaging?
Beyond a keynote speech, consider panel discussions, interactive Q&As, and networking opportunities to keep employees engaged and the conversation going.

Let’s Make Your International Women’s Day Event Unforgettable

If you’re looking for a tech industry speaker for diversity events who can inspire your employees, spark meaningful conversations, and leave a lasting impact, let’s talk. I bring real experience, real stories, and real strategies that resonate.

Check out Dionne’s speaker page here. Contact Me to Book Your International Women’s Day Keynote Speaker

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So this happened on Wednesday… Delivered a solo keynote talk on Transforming Tech Careers at J.P. Morgan in Blackfriars for the Black Tech Achievement Awards Finalists networking event they were headline sponsoring. The room was packed with key leaders and employees from J.P. Morgan and other organisations so as a women in tech keynote speaker it was the ideal opportunity to highlight this problem…

that there is a serious problem in tech…

That out of 3 million tech professionals in the UK, only 26% are women, and to my shock and disbelief the lowest representation of underrepresented groups are black women at 0.7%…

0.7% ya know. The stats are ridiculous.

Seems crazy when women are heavy consumers of digital products and 79% of in-app purchasing decisions are made by women… you’d think they’d want to have more of us involved in the design, development and delivery of digital products to make sure needs of diverse customer user base are met.

After debating with many people over the years about why women in general, and especially black women, are so underrepresented in tech, during the talk I highlighted a number of viewpoints from these debates (the attitudes on women in tech from individuals and senior leaders at organisations), and highlighted what I’ve uncovered and experienced during my own tech career journey, and how I’ve helped women build inner confidence to make a career change into tech or progress their existing career in tech through my tech career coaching company Techfidence.

It was important to highlight my own struggles with getting people at organisations to take me seriously as a software developer since it was a regularly held shock view that a black woman could possibly be interested in tech and actually made a success of achieving her goal. Also highlighted my first key project at the start of my career and the most recent project when I decided to pivot my career into the Mobile space as a senior Android Developer then transitioning into leadership of the same development team. A rollercoaster of a journey.

Great to share a real example of one of my coaching clients who transition from Teacher to Associate Solutions Architect within 5 months of completing my coaching programme, achieving her dream job and role that matches her personality, values and desired lifestyle.

Shared some strategies for those transitioning into tech or wanting to progress their career, and ended with a bit of advice.

The talk was well received and resonated with a lot of people and inspired a lot of further deeper conversation about the issues of lack of women in tech and what can be done about it.

Really enjoyed the event and enjoyed delivering the talk as a women in tech keynote speaker. It was great to chat to many key leaders at J.P. Morgan after the talk, and meet some of the other BTA Awards finalists.

If your organisation needs a women in tech keynote speaker to inspire your employees or audience direct message me about public speaking services.

#keynotespeaker

#womenintech

#diversityintech

#careercoachingforwoman

#speaker

#techcareercoaching

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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

The post Uncovering Your Ideal Tech Role and Where You Fit in the Tech Industry: A Guide for Women Making a Career Change first appeared on .

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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When organising a corporate Black History Month event focused on women in tech, one crucial element to consider is booking a professional speaker.  Why it is vital to bring in a professional speaker for your corporate black history month event and what are the benefits they can offer to make your event a resounding success?

Inspiring and Motivating Attendees

A professional speaker with expertise in the tech industry and a passion for diversity and inclusion can ignite inspiration and motivation among event attendees. Through their captivating stories, personal experiences, and insights, a skilled speaker can empower women in tech, encourage career growth, and foster a sense of belonging within the industry.  Their ability to share powerful narratives and thought-provoking ideas will leave a lasting impact on attendees, motivating them to strive for excellence and embrace their potential.

Expertise and Industry Insights

Booking a professional speaker for your Black History Month event allows you to tap into their wealth of knowledge and industry insights. These speakers are well-versed in the challenges and triumphs faced by women in tech, providing invaluable advice and strategies to navigate the industry successfully. Their expertise can cover a range of topics, including leadership, career development, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of diversity. By sharing their expertise, a professional speaker can equip attendees with practical tools and actionable takeaways that can positively impact their professional journeys.

Networking and Connections

A professional speaker often has an extensive network within the tech industry.  By booking a professional speaker for your event, you not only provide attendees with an opportunity to learn from an industry expert but also offer a platform for networking and establishing valuable connections.  The speaker’s presence can attract other professionals, including influential leaders and mentors, who can offer guidance and support to women in tech. Building a strong network is crucial for professional growth, and a professional speaker can facilitate these connections, creating an environment conducive to collaboration and mentorship.

Adding Credibility and Prestige

A professional speaker adds a layer of credibility and prestige to your Black History Month event.  Their established reputation and expertise lend authority to the topics discussed and elevate the overall event experience. When attendees see that industry experts are participating in the event, they perceive it as a significant occasion worth their time and attention. This credibility not only enhances attendee engagement but also strengthens your company’s reputation as an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

Booking a professional speaker for your corporate Black History Month event focused on women in tech is a strategic decision that can amplify the impact of your event. From inspiring and motivating attendees to providing industry insights, fostering networking opportunities, and enhancing credibility, a professional speaker brings immense value, making your event an unforgettable experience of empowerment and learning.

Contact Dionne Condor-Farrell Today

Dionne Condor-Farrell is a successful tech professional and professional speaker who has transcended obstacles, burst through barriers and carved out a niche for herself in the tech industry. If you want your black history month event to shine, get in touch with Dionne today by emailing bookings@techfidence.co.uk.

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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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Last week I did something important that I didn’t even realise I’d get an opportunity to do so quickly as part of my new role as an Agile Development Lead (aka Engineering Manager)…

I made my first promotion decision last week since taking a step into leadership, by conducting successful interviews for the position the week before.

It’s amazing the impact a leader can have on another person’s career direction and life/lifestyle.  

As a leader, you can choose to be supportive and nurturing and help people to develop, or you can choose to be an arse, be jealous and/or insecure, and hold people back from progression, usually for no reason than to stroke your own ego.  I choose the former!

I’ve realised recently I’m now I have take a step into leadership I am now in a position where I can create opportunities for people to grow (albeit they need to put the work in to achieve it). 

I admit I’m not easy, and I won’t help everyone, especially those who show no interest whatsoever in taking responsibility for their own career development.

You see the thing is, your career development is your responsibility. Let me say that louder for the people at the back… YOUR CAREER DEVELOPMENT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY!

You cannot, should not, sit around waiting for your employer/boss/manager to care about your career development…  Why?

Because it’s rare.

On the odd occasion your leader does care about your career development, and you care about it too, here’s 5 things you need to consider doing:

• You need to get clear about where you see yourself in 1, 3, 5 years time, and how you think you can get there… what does your future look like for you.
• You need to be vocal about your career aspirations, especially when your leader asks you about them
• You need to tell them about the type of work you are passionate about doing
• You need to be honest about the type of work you hate doing.
• You need to be willing to ask for help.

BONUS… And, most importantly, you need to accept help/opportunities to grow when they are offered.  Even when you don’t feel ready for them.

Hopefully your boss/leader/manager will care enough to find a way to create/find opportunities to help you grow, but if not, you should follow the same steps above to make yourself aware of what you really want, and take action to create your own opportunities.   Remember, opportunities come in many shapes and sizes, and no opportunity should be dismissed hastily.

I feel super proud of my team member for taking responsibility for their career development, being open minded, and being resilient.

Creating opportunities to help people grow and shine, and then witnessing them take that opportunity, rolling with it, and shining brighter than you could ever have imagined, is definitely the satisfying side of taking a step into leadership for me.

Hopefully I get to witness that again.

It’s been emotional!

#leadership 

#career 

 #development 

#careerchanger 

#technology

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