How To Become Successful in IT Even If You’re A Girl [AUDIO]
Posted on July 9th, 2009 in Blog, Career, Events
Here is the audio of me speaking on a panel for Women Venture called, “Women in Information Technology” and I share my 10 year journey in the world of IT.
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Audio Presentations
Kay Hendrikson
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Anne McInerney
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Rachel Peterson
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Adria Richards (me of course!)
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Kathy Sheilds
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One of my early accomplishments was getting hired by Geeksquad in 1999. Back then, they were receiving over 500 resumes a week. My focus and persistance paid off to land me a job at the very first Geeksquad, hired by Robert Stephens himself!
Back then, I didn’t understand just what this meant but now I do. My entire technology career has been composed of me focusing on goals and achieving them. That’s what I’ll be sharing tonight; how to identify your goals and reach them.
Short List For Success in IT
- Don’t give up
- Find mentors and use them
- Find something you love to do
- Negotiate for salary
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
- Get certifications to prove to yourself you know your stuff
- Do informational interview
- Keep your resume up to date (I updated mine in February)
- Practice at interviewing until you’re really good at it
- Be prepared at any moment to change direction
Further Reading
I’ll be bringing along some books that have been instrumental to my progress as well to share with folks.
Here are videos I’ve created for further reading if you want to step into a career in IT. Don’t be afraid to strike out boldly into technology!
6 IT Certification Skills That Will Get You Hired In a Week
What The Heck? The Difference Between Firewalls, Antivirus and Spyware
So You Just Got Laid Off, Now What?
So You Just Got Laid Off, Now What? Part 2
So You Just Got Laid Off, Now What? Part 3
Benefits of Remote Meetings, Services, Support and Training
But My Computer Was Fine Yesterday
How to Talk To Computer People (and get your problem fixed)
Moving Towards Your Paperless Office
Career Options
- Computer networking
- Cloud computing and SASS apps
- Data center management
- Database administration (especially mySQL)
- Dynamic websites and Content Management Systems (CMS)
- Blogging, WordPress and online communities
- Open Source LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL Php
- Technology training
- Project management
- Linux
- Mobile devices
- Development and programing
- Security and penetration testing
- API (Application Programming Interface)
- Technology training
- Forensics
- Social networking and social media
- Apple, Mac and iPhone technology
- or anything under the sun that resembles a microchip!
Resources
Get a free business mentor from SCORE
4 Comments to "How To Become Successful in IT Even If You’re A Girl [AUDIO]"
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[...] I had a great time being a panelist for last night’s event at Women Venture, “Women in Technology”! The 5 of us shared our experiences entering into the world of IT, the wisdom we had gained and [...]
Posted on July 10, 2009, by How To Jump Start Your Technology Career by Adria Richards | But You're A Girl
First, I like the layout of your site. It is fresh, easy to navigate and visually appealing. Women Venture is a positive networking tool that can benefit all women, with or without a current job. I loved your talk. Your story is encouraging to women wanting to enter a male-dominated field. We recently hired a female service writer because she was qualified and met the customer interaction skills we desire. It would appear your mention of the 10,000 Rule applies to all the speakers. Thank you for sharing this seminar.
Posted on July 10, 2009, by Jacque Bona
Fantastic post. You are an inspiration!
I am a programmer (but not a girl
. I think the tech industry would benefit greatly from having a higher percentage of women.
On the Short List you have, “Find mentors and use them”. You are right. This is key. I would also add that a coach can be hugely impactful when it comes to keeping your head in the career/entrepreneur game.
A coach isn’t so much focused on relaying information about the industry. Instead, they focus on helping you clarify what you want, set goals, and stay on them.
Just another way to keep yourself moving towards success.
Keep up the good work Adria!
Posted on March 9, 2010, by Geek Coach
Hey Adria thanks for the post, really inspiring.
I’am girl in IT world.
i’m a computer Science student in portugal, this summer i decided came to US in search of inspiration. thanks for making my life so much essayer.
your truly follower
Posted on July 29, 2010, by Ana