Being underrepresented in tech is a unique experience that can come with some challenges, but knowing how to find your community and network can help. We at CodePath are committed to helping students who come from traditionally underrepresented populations feel empowered, connected, and fully supported as you navigate your journey in tech. Below are some tips and resources that will help you continue developing confidence, grow your community, and remind you that you belong and will always be welcome in tech.
In this resource you will find:
- Top tips for navigating the workplace and finding community
- Articles, resources, & information
- Inspiring folks to follow on social media + hashtag suggestions for finding more!
- Thoughts from leaders in tech from diverse backgrounds who want to share their stories with CodePath students!
- True stories of underrepresented CodePath students that have made their Tech dreams come true
Top tips for navigating the workplace & finding community
- Seek out community and build your network: Organizations, clubs, and employee resource groups that will help connect you to coworkers and engineers with shared backgrounds. While some of these communities will be in-person, there are lots of communities available virtually as well! Check out our list to get some ideas!
- Attend industry events: Getting involved in the industry and attending events and conferences, especially ones focused on creating space for shared communities will not only help you build your network, but also remind you that you belong in this industry.
- Ask for help: Any community you are a member of can function as a resource for you and is invested in your own success. At a minimum, this includes CodePath and your university (please let us know if you need help!), but also your peers, mentors, former professors. Helping someone in this industry is a privilege. Let others help you and you will pay it forward one day.
- Help others: Helping others can remind you that you have value to offer others and that you know things(!) about this field. Helping someone talk through a technical problem or their job search is valuable and might also give you ideas about strategies to troubleshoot your own job search or career path. Plenty of CodePath alumni both seek out help and offer help in our CodePath Mentor Network community.
Articles & Resources
Inspiring People + Hashtags to Find More!
A great use of social media is following people who inspire you as you make moves and grow in this industry! Below are a few lists to get you started.