In this episode of the NexHer Podcast, we explore actionable steps to kick-start your tech career, complete with personal stories, practical tips, and resources to help you thrive.
Episode Overview
Finding your why is the starting point of any successful journey.
As Viktor Frankl famously said, “Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
Your reason for starting could be curiosity, a career pivot, or frustration—like our host, whose frustration with outsourcing ignited her journey into tech. Having a clear purpose keeps you motivated, even when the path gets tough.
Start With Your End Goal
Once you’ve identified your why, it’s time to define your destination. Clarity about your end goal ensures you stay focused amidst distractions.
- If you want to work in data analytics, focus on learning Python.
- Dream of building mobile apps? Start with Swift or Android development tools.
Don’t fall into the trap of trying to learn everything. Tailor your path based on where you want to go.
Write down your goal and break it into smaller milestones. This makes the journey manageable and rewarding.
Do Your Research and Find Resources
With your goals clear, finding the right tools and resources is crucial. The right choices can save you time and energy.
Here are some recommended resources
- Check out Google Certifications and Azure Certifications These programs cover in-demand skills like IT, UI design, and cybersecurity, boosting your resume.
- Angela Yu’s Courses on Udemy courses includes app development and web design are perfect for newcomers.
- GitHub is a must-use platform for hands-on practice. Contributing to open-source projects not only sharpens your skills but also showcases your work to potential employers.
- The Self-Taught Software Engineer by Cory Althoff offers an interactive guide for anyone starting in tech, with activities and resources.
Choose one resource and commit to it before exploring others.
Have an Inspiration Source
Inspiration fuels persistence. For our host, stories like Margaret Hamilton’s work on NASA’s Apollo missions served as a reminder that perseverance leads to extraordinary outcomes.
Margaret’s philosophy: Failure is not something to be feared, but an opportunity to learn and grow, is a reminder to embrace challenges.
Find your own source of inspiration, whether it’s a tech pioneer, mentor, or community. Their stories can keep you motivated when self-doubt creeps in.
Put Your Work Out There
No matter where you are on your journey, share your work. Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. By putting your projects out into the world, you open doors for feedback, learning, and connection.
Platforms to showcase your work:
- Contribute to open-source projects on GitHub.
- Share milestones on Twitter 100DaysOfCode Share milestones and lessons learned.
The tech community is incredibly supportive—don’t hesitate to reach out or celebrate your wins!
Overcoming Fear and Uncertainty
Starting in tech isn’t easy. You’ll face challenges, frustrations, and the occasional error message marathon. But each mistake is a stepping stone toward growth.
Give yourself permission to start messy. Progress is built through persistence, not perfection.
Closing Thoughts
With that said, remember, starting is the hardest part, but every step you take builds momentum. Thank you for tuning into the NexHer Podcast. Be sure to check out the resources linked on our page.
