Tips for Aspiring Tech Professionals

Hi! My name is Emily, and I am a CTL Ambassador and Fellows alum. I graduated from Sacred Hearts Academy in 2019 and earned my bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo in 2023. Currently, I work as a software engineer at Microsoft.

Challenges in the Industry

One of the biggest challenges I face in this industry is the lack of  representation. While tech companies often highlight their diverse workforce, many engineering  roles are still heavily dominated by men. This varies by team and organization, but in my experience  working in security, it's rare to see female engineers, managers, and leaders. As someone early in  my career, I aspire to grow and excel, but it's difficult to envision my path when everyone who has a seat at the table are men.

Another challenge I've faced is imposter syndrome. I decided to major in computer science on a  whim after high school, with little to no experience in the field. My peers in intro classes were part of  their high school robotics teams, made websites during their free time, or learned programming  languages like real languages. I did none of that. These feelings persisted even after graduating and  starting my current role. With news of layoffs and rescinded offers, I often felt like I had a target on  my back. However, I remind myself to pause and look back at my small wins. I have come a long  way since my first day in university and have proved that I belong in this industry. Someone saw  potential in me, and that is why I am here today. We all have a reason for being where we are. 

The last, and most recent, challenge I have been facing is contemplating whether to continue my career on the mainland or transition to a role back home. During my last trip home for the holidays,  a friend asked if I ever considered moving back. A year ago, I would have said yes without hesitation.  Now, I'm unsure. There are many factors to consider, such as aging loved ones, the environment for  raising a future family, and cost of living. While I know the opportunities available in a major tech  hub such as Seattle, I also know the life I could have surrounded by family and settling down in a  place I continue to call home. This decision has been on my mind lately. 

Tips for Aspiring Tech Professionals

Fail Fast:

Embrace failures as learning opportunities and make mistakes early in the  process. This career isn't for everyone, so take a wide range of classes and participate in  internships to explore different opportunities. It's the best and safest time to try new things,  fail, and learn. People are more likely to grow and challenge themselves in a career they are  passionate about. Trying to convince oneself to like a career or industry will do more harm  than good. 

Start Early:

Starting assignments, projects, and studying early helped me throughout  university. Don’t get me wrong, I was as bad of a procrastinator as can be. The number of  all-nighters I’ve had to endure is unhealthy. However, a professor once told me that trying to program when sleep deprived is like driving inebriated. We make careless mistakes when  we are tired, and these will end up adding hours to an “easy” assignment. Therefore, I have  since learned to prioritize my sleep above all else. This mindset forced me to change my  work habits by being more proactive in my studies. Applying to internships early also played  a crucial role in landing my current position. Before the school year started, a friend told me  that I was already behind on recruiting season for the following Summer and from then on, I  knew I had to act fast if I wanted to land the best opportunities.

Network:

Networking is vital in all industries. As an intern, my mentor advised me to meet  someone new in the organization each week for a coffee chat. This not only helped me gain  exposure but also provided me with insight into what I could apply to my own career. I  learned that not all career paths are linear, and many had to change careers multiple times  before they ended up in their current role. This network helped me navigate my career path  and even land a new role when I was unhappy with my previous one. Utilizing one’s network,  especially the CTL alumni network, can be vital. You never know when you'll cross paths  with these individuals again, but being acquainted can give you an advantage.