Self-Advocacy Tips

In over 20 years of working in IT and Tech, I have learned a few lessons on how to grow and be successful in your career.  As a Latina woman, it has been challenging at times to be the only minority and woman in the room.  As the years have progressed, I have learned that you need to self-advocate to get the recognition you deserve.  If you expect only to be recognized by waiting for someone to tap you on your shoulder, you may be waiting for a long time.  So what do you do to get on the upward path?

1) Talk to your direct manager about your career goals within your org/company.   Letting them know you want to put in the work to get to the next level and being able to track that is really important.  Make sure you continue the conversation on your one on ones periodically to make sure you are on track.  Your manager should be coaching you on what you are doing well and where you may need to improve to get to the next level.  Schedule a skip level, even if it is once a quarter to put yourself on the radar with others outside of your manager.

2) Find someone to mentor and/or sponsor you.  In some companies mentorship programs are provided.  Join them and use them as opportunities to network and connect with like minded colleagues.  In other orgs you need to reach out and find a person that is willing to mentor you.  There is a treasure trove of information you can get from others that have already climbed that mountain you are preparing to climb too.  Mentors listen to your goals and challenges and help you focus on improving your individual skills.  They understand where you come from.

A sponsor on the other hand will fight for you when it comes to providing you opportunities to shine.  They will talk about you when you aren't in the room and work to help move you forward when they can.  These relationships are harder to develop but be on the lookout for someone that can be a potential sponsor and  work on building that relationship.

3) KNOW YOUR WORTH!  Sometimes, you may not be able to get anywhere where you currently work.  There are environments where everyone is friends outside of work or nepotism is rampant (i.e. everyone worked together at a different company before they joined the current org).  If you make efforts to self-promote and are putting in the work but nothing happens or you get no real traction, you may need to make a power move and move on.  You know your own worth.  Don’t squander years of your career in one gig just to look around and see that you aren’t moving up and aren't challenged or satisfied with what you are doing.  If your current job won’t pay you what you are worth, another one will!  Bravery is key.