Category: In the Beginning

Tech Exec - Starting a Tech Career

For aspiring tech executives, we offer groundbreaking strategies to elevate your career. The unmatched insight of a mentor who has personally climbed the career ladder is priceless. At Tech 2 Exec, you will benefit from the wisdom of a seasoned tech executive boasting over 40 years of industry expertise, holding positions like CIO and CTO, complemented by more than ten years of global experience.

Getting Noticed (How to Make Connections to Excel as a Tech Exec)

My son is a high school baseball player with pro aspirations. In a sport where competition is fierce and opportunities limited, how do you gain an advantage and get noticed? Similarly, in the tech industry, rising to the top as a tech exec requires exceptional talent. It’s clear that you earned your position by outshining other candidates with your unique strengths. So, it’s evident that you possess remarkable talent.

Networking is a crucial step towards your success. As emphasized in previous blog posts, a mentor plays a pivotal role in your journey. Expanding your network with multiple mentors, or individuals willing to advocate for your skills, greatly increases your chances of standing out for higher-level opportunities.

If your company has a people directory, explore the leadership. Note their educational background; alumni from the same school can be a point of connection. Look for their roles and skills. Identify commonalities to build rapport. Remember, the goal is not to ask for a job, but to establish valuable connections. Once familiar with their background, reach out via email to introduce yourself and express your interest in meeting. Share something you learned during your research, such as “I heard you have a strong focus in this area, which aligns with my interests. I would love to learn more about your work.“

You can also connect on LinkedIn. Look for people in your company and send a personalized invite. Get to know their background – LinkedIn usually has more information than the internal site. LinkedIn offers the opportunity to explore professionals in positions you aspire to. Building a network of executives is valuable for career prospects. Longer connections are advantageous, so mention your connection duration when reaching out. Request a conversation about their role and opportunities. Don’t get discouraged if there’s no immediate response – LinkedIn outreach is common. Sincere connections matter.

In baseball, talented players are abundant. While stats may differentiate them, they often appear similar. So, how can you catch a coach’s or scout’s attention? It’s through the connections you make and leverage. As an up-and-coming player, simply seeking attention won’t suffice. You need multiple advocates. Your network is invaluable, no matter who you are.

Click here for a post on how to market yourself effectively.

Top Career for 2023

Exciting news for tech executives! Software developer has successfully secured the coveted top spot on US News & World Report’s list of the best jobs of 2023, rising from last year’s fifth position. This remarkable achievement remains noteworthy, especially in the face of high-profile layoffs at major tech giants such as Meta Platforms Inc., Salesforce Inc., and Amazon.com Inc.

As we continue posting on this blog, we’ll delve into the advantages and drawbacks of pursuing a career in technology. While it offers great prospects, it does have certain limitations when it comes to growth. Stay tuned for more insights into this fascinating field!

Starting Your Career with Tech Exec Aspirations

With dreams of one day leading a tech organization as a tech exec, your journey begins on your first day as a tech professional. Embarking on this path may seem overwhelming, with uncertainties stretching out before you. The initial day brings forth a mix of emotions. Take a moment, find tranquility, and savor this journey. Embrace that initial step, for it heralds the start of a journey filled with resilience and success.

From the very start, there are actions you can take to ensure a path to success.

  • If an orientation is not provided, it is advisable to request one. Gaining an understanding of the organization, its leaders, your team, and expectations is always beneficial.

  • If a mentor is not provided, don’t hesitate to seek one out. Having a mentor is an invaluable asset that can assist you in navigating what may seem like a daunting environment. Their guidance can make a significant difference in your journey.

  • Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have. It’s recommended to use the “new person” tag early on since its impact decreases over time.

  • Recording your progress and work is crucial. How are you acquiring job-related knowledge? What areas do you feel need further development? This practice aids in constructing a comprehensive status report for your leadership and serves as a log of your journey, enabling effective growth planning.

  • Engage in social activities and foster connections with your peers. Embrace the joys of youth and seize the opportunity to learn from those around you. Remember, your network holds immense value as you advance in your career.

Regular status is important.

Have regular status meetings with your manager to keep them aware of your needs. Strive for a comfortable and upbeat atmosphere, avoiding being demanding. While technical skills are valuable, companies truly value professionals who excel in communication and interpersonal skills. Sharpen your presentation and communication abilities and take advantage of any company-offered classes in this area.

I’ll continue to add more on starting your career in future posts.

Ultimately, relish your role and embrace effective communication. Take the time to connect with those in your surroundings. Engage in committees and special activities that foster camaraderie and engagement within the office or organization.

Click here for more about me; if you’d like mentoring support please reach out. I’m happy to help!

As a New Tech Professional, Set Expectations Early

`As you start your first weekend after a week at a new job, your tech executive boss presents you with an unexpected Saturday proposal request. It puts you in a dilemma, eager to make a good impression as a new team member, but wondering if this will become a regular thing.

My advice is to go ahead and do it but set boundaries right away.

As a new employee, be mindful of vulnerability to bosses assuming you won’t refuse their requests. Maintaining work-life balance means appreciating your well-deserved weekend downtime. Effectively managing expectations is crucial in navigating additional tasks.

Remember, don’t get overwhelmed with weekend work just because you never say no. Prioritize your well-being and set boundaries for long-term success and satisfaction in your professional journey. Support colleagues, foster a positive work environment, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. When declining tasks, show commitment to the organization’s success and a willingness to go the extra mile while emphasizing the importance of personal time. Find this balance to contribute effectively and sustainably to team goals while taking care of your needs.

Pro tip: Assess if your boss truly needs your help or if they’re just setting expectations. While you might be taken advantage of, remember there could be genuine needs and valuable learning opportunities. It’s your decision. Don’t become the go-to person for all the extra work. Politely decline when necessary.

Click here for more about me; if you’d like mentoring support please reach out! I’m happy to help.

Click here to see a blog post on the changing expectations from being technical to being a tech executive.

As a Budding Tech Exec, Prioritize Getting the Right Mentor

Congratulations on completing your first week in a new position and spending time with your mentor! As a budding tech exec, the mentorship role is crucial in guiding you towards your desired career destination. It’s time to assess this partnership. Are you getting what you want from it?

Does your mentor genuinely care?

While I’m not implying that your mentor falls into this category, it’s worth noting that some individuals take on this role merely to tick a box on their corporate to-do list. Many organizations place immense value on mentoring, and rightfully so. However, a few mentors may engage for personal career advancement. So, it’s important to have someone who prioritizes your needs.

To gauge their dedication, observe whether they rush through calls, fail to deliver promised information, or remain inaccessible. If you find that the support you desire is lacking, it’s fair to request a new mentor. Yet, this is your chance to handle a potentially challenging situation with finesse. Instead of immediately contacting their boss or the mentor program leader to express dissatisfaction, initiate a conversation with your mentor.

Consider saying something like, “I’ve noticed your busy schedule and thought switching to a new mentor could be beneficial. Could you assist me in finding someone to continue guiding me?” You might be pleasantly surprised by their receptiveness, especially if they’ve fulfilled the corporate requirement. Don’t forget to acknowledge the positive impact of having them as a mentor, boosting their ego a bit.

Ultimately, you want a mentor who genuinely cares and can assist you in navigating toward your ultimate goal. Good luck!

Click here for more about me; if you’d like mentoring support please reach out! I’m happy to help.

Click here for a post on setting leadership expectations as a new tech professional.

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