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Don’t Ever Sit on the Outside

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WIN-25-yr-logo-1024x565.pngCareer Advice from Women in Tech

Written by Jen Lashua

 

Have you ever walked into a room full of people you deemed more important than yourself, and quietly slid into one of the chairs along the wall? I have. After I did it, one of the women in the meeting, two levels up in management, scooted her chair over, made eye contact, and pointed to the now empty space beside her. She whispered, “Don’t ever sit on the outside. You’re an intelligent woman. Take your seat at the table.”

The Women at Intel Network (WIN) celebrates our 25th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, we hosted a Career Panel with women from across the tech industry. You don’t need to be a woman to benefit from what they have to say. These accomplished panelists gave excellent career advice for anyone, at any point of a career journey.

 



 

Soak in more top tips from these panelists by viewing a highlights reel from the Women at Intel Network Career Panel.

 

Aarthi Raju, leader of the solution architecture team at AWS recommends taking risks, especially early in your career. “It’s ok”, she explains, “to try new things, and sometimes we need to ask for a change.”  Andrea Yowman, vice president and chief of staff at SAP agrees, sharing how her ask for a new role turned out to be one of the best career moves she’s made. Aarthi continues, “Complacency is the enemy.  Don’t be afraid to do something different from what you’ve always done. Try to get outside your comfort zone.

Women can be reluctant to ask for things, Aarthi notes, saying, “We assume people will notice our work and give us a promotion. If you deserve it, go ask for it!

Manuela Lavezzari, Lenovo’s EMEA education marketing director, encourages us to celebrate career wins. Thinking about both ourselves and also the people we mentor, she coaches, “Sometimes, women undervalue themselves and their capabilities. We should recognize every big and small achievement.

Trish Blomfield, Intel UK country manager, moderated the panel and emphasized the importance of establishing strong ties to mentors and career supporters. Her advice: “Having a network around you helps you get back on your feet after a set-back. It makes you a bit braver.”

 

What is some of the best career advice you’ve received?   Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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