What strategies do you recommend for understanding where we would like our career to go? I've been in my role for more than two years, and enjoy it, but I’m looking for ways to grow and am unsure where to start. I would also like to mention I am a full-time, remote employee.
Navigating your career direction involves two key aspects: fit and feasibility. Fit is about what energizes you and aligns with your values, while feasibility revolves around assessing your skill set and qualifications. To kick-start this process, start by exploring fit. Where do you envision your career in a decade? Whose career path resonates with you? Next, evaluate your feasibility. What innate talents do you have, and what skills do you need to develop?
Can we discuss the differences between challenges of women in a technical role vs. in a nontechnical role? For those of us in the parts of a tech company where there is still a 1-4 or 1-5 ratio of women to men, we have unique challenges.
In environments where women are significantly outnumbered, biases and feelings of isolation can be pervasive. To address this, it is important for women to prioritize building connections with at least one trusted colleague who can provide support and understanding. Additionally, when it feels safe, I advocate for proactively setting goals with managers and actively seeking out consistent feedback. By doing so, you establish a clear track record and proactively showcase your performance, rather than waiting for acknowledgment from leadership. Using these strategies, women can navigate their environment more resilient and effective even amid gender imbalances.
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