You Belong In Tech 1.0

15+ untold stories of non-traditional paths into tech

8 followers

15+ untold stories of non-traditional paths into tech

8 followers

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Bootcamp grads, self-taught techies, a pianist, comic book artist, and everything in between. Celebrating the wins, revealing the struggles, and sharing the learnings on how they landed their first roles in software engineering, design, & product management.

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Co.Lab Learning

Maker

It’s important to recognize that the privilege of a college education is not as accessible to everyone. And while the hard requirement of a STEM degree is less emphasized these days, there is still a large barrier to entry into tech for folks with non-traditional backgrounds. For those trying to transition into tech with no network or guidance, that journey is incredibly daunting, and it doesn’t stop after they land their first role. Imposter syndrome persists as they experience needing to catch up and keep up with others even when excelling at the highest levels. This has motivated us at Co.Lab to gather 15+ stories of how folks from non-traditional backgrounds got into tech - across software engineering, product design, and product management. We put these booklets together to be transparent about the realities of breaking into tech. Through storytelling, we hope to inspire and motivate folks through actionable tips from those who overcame various obstacles to get to their goal. Because regardless of your background, you bring a unique perspective needed to solve problems through technology to move society forward. You belong in tech.

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5yr ago

@sefunmioshy I believe in this vision! I'm here for the ride, congrats to you and @herenhuang on this release. More awesomeness to come!

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5yr ago

Crystal

@sefunmioshy @herenhuang It's SO important that we continually tell these stories. Those early in their career sometimes think there's "only one path, one type of role, one final destination" but with this launch you're letting them know that the road before them isn't singular, but holds a multitude of possibilities. Thank you and Congrats!!

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@herenhuang @ayyemco Thank you for believing in us and what we do!

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@sefunmioshy @ayyemco Thank you so much! It's definitely not a linear path into this space - and that's more than valid. 💛

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5yr ago

Foundations Atlas

This is such a great idea. Often times, folks will reach out on Twitter / LinkedIn to ask how they can get in to the fields I am active in, this resource is the perfect place to start for them. Thanks for working on this and making the industry just a little better and diverse every day!

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@mohammed_islam That's what Sefunmi and I noticed as well! Even though our stories are not uncommon, it's still hard for others to find people that they know have gone through similar things. Kudos to you for sharing your tips as well! Thanks again for the support!

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@mohammed_islam We are hopeful for a brighter future and where more people can feel they can come into tech and suceed.

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5yr ago

Really cool idea! Thanks for compiling these and sharing - I'm sure these examples will help a lot of aspiring PMs make their way to a Product role. As someone who started in a non-tech industry, I get these types of questions sometimes too. I started in Oil & Gas after university but only a few short years later joined Amazon as a Product Manager. Would love to share my story in more detail if folks are interested 😊

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@danny_grenzowski Ooo yes yes, that definitely sounds interesting. I think especially with a company like Amazon, bar for PMs there are quite high. Very curious to hear about your path! :D

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@danny_grenzowski I'm always excited to hear more stories about transitioning into tech.

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5yr ago

Bobson

As a former artist and musician who would have never imagined being in the business of startups and software development I’m liking this initiative 🙌

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@mikecostanzo Love it! We have a professional pianist in our stories too!

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@mikecostanzo We would love to hear about your story, perhaps in the next version?

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5yr ago

Bobson

@sefunmioshy absolutely I’d be honoured.

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5yr ago

Cardsy

Beyond the understanding of the skills and tools needed to transition into tech, there are the stories: first curiosities, difficult decisions, and life moments that lead to new career turns. These books have all of it, and empower anyone considering the move, regardless of background, to move forward into the tech space. Congrats Sefunmi & Helen!

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@melanie_levitin Yep, that's exactly the sentiment we want to showcase! Thanks so much for your support Melanie! 💛

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@melanie_levitin Thank you for being a beta reader for the product management book. Your feedback really helped us to shape the stories.

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5yr ago

Cap'n Doge - The Dogecoin Cereal

Wow! This is much needed! Thank you for sharing @herenhuang and @sefunmioshy! The tech industry NEEDS to hear these inspiring stories! I would have personally loved to read this when I began applying for internships! PS: Love that you are making this free.

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@sefunmioshy @nico_lopez Glad you think so Nico! It's not too late to even have them now as we continue learning! Thanks again for your support! 🥺

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5yr ago

Co.Lab Learning

Maker

@herenhuang @nico_lopez We want to provide opportunities that we wished we had when we were breaking into tech!

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5yr ago