We’ve got a jam packed newsletter this month as we welcome two new Council Members, Vickie King and Vivian Fu, look back on the International Women’s Day event from March, and look ahead to Techweek, 16 – 22 May.
Techweek is one of my favourite times of year, not only because of the vast selection of events that showcase the breadth of our tech sector, but also as an opportunity to think outside the square we live in. It’s also an annual reminder of the gentle shove I was given early in my career to get out of my comfort zone and “network”. Despite being a gregarious extrovert, the word networking used to fill me with dread… What if I don’t know anyone there? Who will I talk to? What if I have to stand there alone? It took a rigorous course of forcing myself to attend events with strangers to get more comfortable and I very quickly discovered two things:
- Networking is a skill you can learn with direct payback in new opportunities
- Others are feeling equally awkward and are rather happy to have someone strike up a conversation
On that basis, my challenge to you for Techweek is to show up. Pick an event, or two, or more, find someone that seems as awkward as you feel and say hello, what’s the worst that could happen? You might just make a fabulous new connection, and you’ll definitely improve the diversity in the room! Also keep an eye out for the next TechWomen event during Techweek.
Finally, the Tech Women social channels have been running hot with our new content series Return to Tech detailed below. If you haven’t checked it out yet, there is new content available for Career Beginners and also General Advice on CV prep and job interviews.
Ngā mihi
Pip Gilbert
TechWomen Council Member on behalf of the TechWomen Council
