In this digital age with different innovations emerging in droves, how can women keep up and revamp their career, moving it to the next level?
As a woman, you have no doubt worked tirelessly to practice and refine your skills. At this point, you’re ready to level up your career, shake up a few things, and disrupt more as you go.
What can you expect and how can you set a positive trajectory especially in a male-dominated field as the tech industry?
You may find the following principles useful.
Be willing to explore unknown territories
True, the African tech industry is going through a major change. Diving into the unknown territory, though scary, can open huge opportunities.
Whether you are a CEO/founder, marketer, engineer, or data scientist, lots of tech opportunities are out there that need your expertise and unique perspective.
Your willingness to operate in uncertain circumstances coupled with a curiosity to learn and disrupt the status quo can help you thrive and grow in your career.
Find a mentor/ be a mentor
Find yourself a mentor. Your mentor is that person in your corner who gives you advice on how to move from one point in your career to another or helps you manoeuvre a situation.
Don’t be reluctant to ask for advice from those who are more experienced and knowledgeable in any subject you’re interested in. Once your career kicks off, make it a goal to help newcomers get started.
Be visible
As a woman in tech, do not be a wallflower, that is someone who tries to blend in to avoid notice. Instead, be confidently visible!
Depending on your technical expertise, you can move to the next level through different paths. You could be a volunteer for a cause that benefits the underserved communities for instance.
Also, you could become a technical leader for your team or company by being involved in technical forums and contributing to the tech community.
Face obstacles headlong and help others overcome theirs
Rather than shrink away from obstacles, you should regard them as part of what comes with the territory. View the challenges women face as catalysts for change and motivation for helping others advance up the ladder.
Up your game
Do not be limited by your gender. Keep pace with current trends in the industry.
Improve both your business skills and technical know-how. This knowledge will enable you to address existing technology needs, making you a game-changer
Be your own number one advocate
While it pays to be open to constructive feedback, you should be able to process the criticisms in your mind from your inner critic.
Champion yourself the way that you would for a colleague you believe in. There are platforms where you could share your professional stories, challenges, and lessons learned in blog posts or conference talks.
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