AS PART OF SHECANCODE’S MISSION TO MOTIVATE, INSPIRE AND SUPPORT WOMEN IN TECH, WE’VE LAUNCHED A NEW SERIES WHERE YOU CAN ASK US ANYTHING.
We hope this open forum will give our community an opportunity to voice their worries, concerns and problems in a safe space. And possibly help others in similar situations at the same time!
This week, we’re talking about transitioning your career, taking the leap into the tech industry and starting over. To help us answer these questions is career coach, Natalie Trice.
Natalie is a Career Coach for PR professionals, PR Mentor and Trainer for Small Business Owners, and a Guest Lecturer for UK Universities.
Before adding ICF accredited training to her portfolio of first class services, Natalie has worked for some of the biggest global brands, most dynamic UK businesses, and some pretty exceptional entrepreneurs.
For 23 years MS&L, Cartoon Network, CNN, Discovery Channel, Epson, Animal Planet, Earthwatch, Betty Crocker, TM Lewin, Sense, and the Talented Ladies Club were just some of the brands Natalie had the privilege to work with and represent, and she loved her work.
From Tom and Jerry launches on Red Square, to James Cameron premieres in Amsterdam, and touring Europe with a team of animators and hanging out at media parts across the world with some amazing contacts, Natalie’s been there, done that, got the t-shirts, as well as the awards and the coverage.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US – WHETHER IT BE ABOUT WORK RELATIONSHIPS, GAINING CONFIDENCE, OR TAKING THE LEAP INTO TECH – YOU CAN ASK US ANYTHING.
Dear SheCanCode,
I’m a recent graduate and I’m currently looking for my first, what I’d call – ‘proper job’. I’ve had a few interviews but without great success. I’m currently working part-time, but not in my desired field and I’m beginning to feel a bit lost if I’m honest. I am feeling incredibly pressured and increasingly anxious – which isn’t helping me to sell my best self at interviews.
I’m doing the usual job-hunting regime of applying for roles through job boards, LinkedIn etc and have revamped my CV. My friends are telling me that I need to put myself out there more and join relevant networks, attend events – and basically just mingle. But this thought terrifies me!
So, my question is how do I put myself out there without fear?
DEAR RECENT GRADUATE,
Thank you for sharing your challenges and being so honest about the situation you find yourself in.
Fear is something that can stop even the most confident of us in our tracks, but don’t let this feeling take you off course. While I am sure that your friends have your very best interests at heart, putting yourself out there can feel like a massive step if you are feeling anxious and terrified at the prospect of doing so. My suggestion is that you take things slowly and work at your speed to find the right approach for you, and if you can, don’t look at what others are doing.
You mention that you have a part time job and that is great – it gives you an income as well as adding in some structure to your days, but it also means that you have time to build up your confidence as well as thinking about what you really don’t want to do.
With your CV updated, a really simple but effective exercise is to actually sit down, read it and see just how far you have come and what you have to offer a potential employee as well as colleagues and clients. When the doubt creeps in and worry settles, it is very easy to focus on what you can’t do and don’t have, rather than what you have achieved to date and the potential this offers. From getting a degree and having a part time job, to budgeting at university and navigating the world of work, these are all valuable, transferable skills. Each month go back and add anything new to your CV to reflect your progress and be sure to do the same for any social media platforms and job boards. It is easy to forget just how much you have done so actually reflecting on progress and rewarding wins, however small, is important.
When it comes to events and networking, if it’s real-life situations that fill you with dread, go easy on yourself and start with something online. From informal webinar trainings and talks to connecting with others on Zoom, this way of building connections and self-esteem is still popular post-pandemic. Think about the kinds of career roles and industries you are keen to go into, or find out more about, and sign up to something new. If you feel too shy to be on the camera, turn it off, but over time and as you get happier about engaging, join with your camera on and start to build some solid connections.
You may well find that as you get more comfortable with being online, you might feel ready to go to some in person events and if your friends are attending these, why not join them and give it a go? Wear something that makes you feel good, think about a couple of questions you can ask people when you meet them for the first time, so you aren’t on the spot in the moment, and remember that you have something valuable to offer. I think that this is one of the most important things for you to remember about all of this and something that can be used throughout your career.
As a recent graduate you not only hold the power of having a degree but also come to the workplace with fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a desire to learn and these are all valuable assets employers are calling out for. Every time you got to an event, talk to a potential contact, and attend an interview, please remember this – you have something that they need! If this can empower you to believe in yourself and your talents, it will take you somewhere new and give you the confidence to go for what you really want.
If you want to do some extra preparation ask a friend to carry out a mock interview with you for your dream job and you might find that reading books and listening to podcasts for ideas, will give you added inspiration and ideas for boosting your self-esteem and belief. How to Own the Room: Women and the Art of Brilliant Speaking by Viv Groskop and Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before by Dr Julie Smith are both great reads and if you want something to listen to, the Squiggly Careers podcast is bang on the money!
Don’t forget that while you might be job hunting, you also need to ensure you take time out to relax, get some exercise, go outside each day, place importance on sleep and eat a well-balanced diet as well as drinking enough water. Your career is important but so is your mental and physical health, so don’t let these slip.
If you really are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, to the point that it is taking over your life, I do suggest speaking with someone your trust, or your GP and accessing more support, please don’t try to do all of this alone.
