Tech Her Forward

Finding a mentor can be a truly transformative experience, both in your professional and personal life. But where do you even start in finding someone who can guide you along the way? Well, let’s take a closer look at some key steps to help you find the perfect mentor for you.

1. Start with your goals: Before you start your search, take a moment to think about what you hope to gain from a mentorship. What kind of mentor do you need to help you achieve your goals? Having a clear understanding of what you’re looking for will make your search much easier.
2. Networking is your friend: Attend events and conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with people in your field. This will help you expand your network and increase your chances of finding a mentor who is a good fit for you.
3. Do your research: Once you have a list of potential mentors, take some time to learn more about them. Check out their websites, LinkedIn profiles, and any public speaking engagements they may have given. Look for someone who has experience and expertise in your desired field and has accomplished what you hope to achieve.
4. Make the connection: Once you’ve found someone who you believe would make a good mentor, reach out to them with a clear and concise message. Explain your goals and why you think they would be a great mentor. Mention any specific skills or experiences that you admire about them and how a mentorship would benefit both of you.
5. Be persistent, but respectful: If you don’t hear back right away, don’t take it personally. Feel free to follow up, but always be respectful of the person’s time and boundaries. Finding a mentor is a process, and it may take some time to find the right fit.
6. Evaluate the fit: Once you have established a mentor relationship, regularly assess whether it’s meeting your goals and if it’s a good fit for both parties. Open and honest communication is key to a successful mentorship.

Finding a mentor can be a journey, but the rewards are worth it. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to finding someone who can help you grow both personally and professionally!

Losing your job can be a tough blow, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your career. As a woman in tech, you may face unique challenges in a layoff, but with the right resources and support, you can bounce back stronger than ever. As a leader who has seen layoffs firsthand and has close family experiencing the same challenges, I know how hard it can be. But with empathy and practical advice, we can get through this together.

First, take a deep breath and assess your situation. Remember that this layoff does not define you or your worth. It’s simply an opportunity to reassess your career goals and find a new path that better aligns with your skills and values. Here are some practical tips to help you get back on your feet:

1. It’s important to allow yourself time to process and grieve the loss of your job. It’s okay to feel a range of emotions, from sadness to anger to frustration. Talk to friends and family, or seek out a therapist or counselor to help you work through these emotions. It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally during this time.
2. Take advantage of your network: Reach out to former colleagues, friends, and family members to let them know you’re looking for a new job. Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a new job, especially in the tech industry.
3. Update your resume and cover letter: Make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and tailored to the job you’re applying for. There are many resources online that can help you with this, such as Resume.com and LiveCareer.
4. Leverage online resources: Use job search websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster to find new job opportunities. You can also join online groups and communities related to your industry to stay up-to-date on job openings and network with other professionals.
5. Take advantage of industry-specific resources: OBSIDI by Black Professionals in Tech (BPTN) is a great resource for black tech professionals in both the US and Canada. In the US, Tech Ladies is a supportive community for women in tech, while Women Who Code provides coding resources and networking opportunities.
6. Stay positive and persistent: Remember that finding a new job takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a job offer right away. Keep applying and networking, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Canadian Job Resources:

• Obsidi by Black Professionals in Tech (BPTN): https://obsidi.com/
• Canadian job search websites: Indeed (https://ca.indeed.com/) and Workopolis (https://www.workopolis.com/en/)
• Government of Canada’s Employment Insurance (EI) benefits: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit.html
• Canadian job training programs and financial assistance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/training.html

US Job Resources:

• Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/
• Dice: https://www.dice.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
• Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm
• Monster: https://www.monster.com/
• SimplyHired: https://www.simplyhired.com/
• CareerBuilder: https://www.careerbuilder.com/
• Hired: https://hired.com/
• WellFound: https://www.wellfound.com
• Built In: https://builtin.com/

By taking advantage of these resources and keeping a positive attitude, you can find a new job and continue to build your career in tech. Remember, a layoff is just a setback, not the end of your journey. You’ve got this!

Self-improvements books are one of the most accessible ways to expand knowledge and to get a front row view of all the different perspectives and approaches to growth. Each time I read these books I get an extra spark of creativity and motivation to try a new approach. This past year was especially great because I prioritized reading as a way to express gratitude and protect my mental health. Here are 5 great business and self-improvement books to add to your reading list.

‘Designing Your Life‘ is a wonderful book that reinforces the concepts of reinvention and life as a journey. The authors offer up suggestions and the concept of design thinking. To approach life and career with curiosity, a bias to action and reframing. That leads us to answer the question “What do I want to grow into?”

‘The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working‘ is a great reminder for us to take pause and understand where we are in our stages of well-being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. If you are burned out, stressed out, anxious, impatient, losing focus and continue to push at every facet this is a great book. It will help identify and isolate ways we can lean in for better balance and a life with more meaning.

‘Think Like a Monk‘ is life changing. This is the perfect read that you can revisit over and over because there are so many life observances and lessons. This is all about mental clarity, finding meaning in your life and exploring gratitude. This helps you shift the focus to yourself vs external pressures and expectations of others.

‘Strategic Customer Service‘ If you are a leader that works in any service industry this is the title for you. This is a great overview of innovative customer service. It discusses the customer as the center of innovation growth and development. Great insights that touches on the pace of innovation, artificial intelligent and data science in CS and innovation stemmed from disruption. This is one title I will continue to refer back to as I go through the different phases of idea iteration.

‘Nine Lies About Work- A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World‘ stresses the importance of focusing on the support and growth of people and teams vs a top down approach of placing focus on strategy and work culture. The authors discusses paradoxical observances related to corporate culture, plans, goals and leadership. Then provides ways to thrive as a ‘freethinking leader.’

Share your thoughts. Have you read any of these development books. I would love to hear your recommendations.