Elevating Your Tech Career Through Community: Insights from Tech Elevator’s Panel Event with DocuSign
At Tech Elevator, we believe in empowering our students and alumni to excel in their tech careers, not only through rigorous training, but also by fostering a strong sense of community and professional networking. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a panel event in collaboration with senior developers from DocuSign. The event, “Elevating Your Tech Career Through Community,” provided a valuable platform for our students and alumni to gain insights on leveraging their professional networks to pave successful career paths. If you weren’t able to make it, we summarized five key takeaways from the event.
1. Embrace the Journey to Management
Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager can be a transformative journey. Recognizing that growth and development as a people manager takes time and dedication is crucial. Don’t be discouraged by the learning curve; it’s okay to take incremental steps and evolve into a successful manager over time. Equally important, if management is not your desired path, embrace your passion and strengths, and pursue roles that align with your interests.
2. Cultivate Relationships and Seek Mentorship
As social beings, building meaningful relationships is key to professional growth. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, seek mentorship from team members, and actively engage with your colleagues. However, it’s essential to approach mentorship with respect and be proactive in providing feedback to your mentors, creating a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and support.
3. Seize Professional Development Opportunities
Every opportunity for growth matters. Engage with external communities beyond your organization to expand your network. Collaborating with diverse minds can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the forefront. Embrace continuous learning and never stop seeking opportunities to grow beyond your internal network.
4. Embrace Diversity for Innovative Solutions
Creating a sense of community and fostering collaboration can lead to the generation of innovative ideas. Different work styles and environments should be celebrated, as they bring unique strengths to the table. Embrace diverse perspectives and seek feedback from colleagues to enhance your projects and achieve the best possible outcomes.
5. Thrive in Tech Regardless of Background
The tech industry welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds, and success is not confined to a specific educational or technical foundation. Dan Schnelzer, an inspiring example, transformed from a welder and electrician to a full-time software developer. His journey exemplifies that a fulfilling tech career is within reach, no matter your background.
“[Tech Elevator’s] program was both challenging and awesome! There was so much information to learn, but also so much support from my classmates and instructors. No one wants to see you fail. Even with the challenges and workload, it was still very rewarding to build things and see them come to life. I felt a great sense of accomplishment at the end of each week with how much we achieved.” – Dan Schnelzer, Tech Elevator Graduate
The “Elevating Your Career Through Community” panel event with DocuSign offered valuable insights into the power of building relationships, seeking mentorship, and embracing diversity in the tech industry. Embrace the journey to management, seize every professional development opportunity, and remember that success in tech knows no boundaries. Together, we can shape a more inclusive and innovative tech world where everyone’s potential thrives. Let’s pave the way for a brighter future in technology, regardless of your background or expertise, because anyone with passion and determination can excel!
Ready to elevate your tech career and join our inclusive community? Don’t miss out on the opportunities waiting for you at Tech Elevator. Apply now and discover how we can help you thrive in the dynamic world of technology.
Written by Elizabeth Brake, Tech Elevator’s Director of Revenue Operations and Strategy