anita borg institute curriculum series module 2 designing … · anita borg institute curriculum...

This module, version 0.1, expires APRIL 2016.

ANITA BORG INSTITUTE CURRICULUM SERIES MODULE 2

Designing YOUR

Career inComputing

“Designing Your Career in Computing” lets you creatively map out the many possible career paths available to you in computing, while weaving in persistence strategies to help you succeed. You’ll also find videos featuring women technologists sharing their own career transitions and a toolbox of helpful tips and resources.

Designing Your Career in ComputingMENU

IntroductionToday, you have more career choices than ever in the field of computing. But whether you stick to one field or pivot to a new area of interest, persistence is the key to success in computing. This Module identifies the connections among different computing fields and offers strategies to stay persistent as you consider all your options.

You’ll also find connected activities, tips and resources that will help you develop your Life Journey Map, a visual representation of where you’ve been and where you want to go in your computing career.


INTRODesigning Your Career in Computing SCHEDULE

This module offers tips, resources and interactive exercises to help you understand all your career options in computing and how to persist as you progress through your career.

WARM UP VIDEOS CONNECTED ACTIVITIES WRAP UP

DISCUSS WITH THE GROUP:

• What new fields or possibilities do you see for yourself in computing?• What do you do next?

10 MIN 2 HRS/25 MIN 10 MIN

Develop a Life Journey map using the videos,

tips and resources. Give others feedback

to strengthen persistence strategies.

DISCUSS WITH THE GROUP:

• I say, “Coolest new tech you wish you had created.”

You say...• Your name and type

of work you do

Watch and discuss the Introduction and Transitions

videos. The Computing Careers Map offers a

video library of women technologists discussing their career transitions.

15 MIN


WARM UPGet Acquainted WARM UP

STEP 1

Get to know each other! Lead a discussion of the following with your group:

• I say, “Coolest new tech you wish you had created.” You say...

• Share your name and the type of work you do or would like to do

10 MINSchedule your group meeting. Large groups can be divided into smaller groups of 5-8 people each.

Plan to meet either face to face or virtually.

If you are a virtual group, choose a videoconferencing tool so you can talk to each other, share a document and record the session.

Follow the schedule for the meeting.

You can choose to have participants view the videos and resources ahead of time and prepare discussion questions.


VIDEOSWatch the videosVIDEOS

Discuss:

• In the Transitions video, whose story resonated with you? Why?

• How did she persist in computing?

• Are there other ways she could have persisted?

STEP 2 15 MIN


VIDEOSVideo: Introduction

https://youtu.be/MCbVXDE3Wqk

CLICK TO PLAY

VIDEOS



VIDEOSVideo: Transitions

https://youtu.be/swbjwUEdCF8

CLICK TO PLAY

VIDEOS



ACTIVITYCreating Your Life Journey Map CONNECTED ACTIVITY

In this connected activity, you’ll develop a Life Journey Map of your computing career.

Journey maps are useful to visualize the development of anything — a product, customers or your own career — over time. Your Life Journey Map will represent your computing career over time, positions and potentially across different fields in computing.

• We’ve provided two key sets of Tips — Persistence and Pivot — and the Computing Careers Map to help you chart your course.

• In the Resources, you’ll also find lots of information to help you develop your Life Journey Map.

• We’ve also provided Life Event Cards to help you think about your persistence strategies in the face of unexpected life events.

• To develop your Life Journey Map, consider using a mind-mapping tool like MindJet or Coggle, a free tool that allows you to draw and share your map.

STEP 3

See Lifehacker’s review of the 5 best mindmapping tools: http://lifehacker.com/five-best-mind-mapping-tools-476534555

https://www.mindjet.com/home/

https://coggle.it/

http://lifehacker.com/five-best-mind-mapping-tools-476534555





ACTIVITYWhere Have You Been?CONNECTED ACTIVITY

Start by discussing where you’ve been, noting your inspirations, passions, successes, challenges and the personal persistence that have helped shape who you are today.

CHILDHOOD• What subjects interested you as a kid? In

college? • What did you want to be when you grew up, and

why? • What inspired you to pursue computing as a

career? Do any specific moments stand out?

EDUCATION• List some successes and challenges you’ve

experienced studying computing so far. • Include words that describe your persistence

strategies through these challenges and successes. For examples, see Persistence Tips.

FIRST JOB OR INTERNSHIP • List some successes and challenges you’ve

experienced in your first job or internship. • Describe your persistence strategies through

these challenges and successes. For examples, see Persistence Tips.

STEP 4 15 MIN


ACTIVITYWhere Are You Now?CONNECTED ACTIVITY

Next, look at where you are today. Are you growing in your current position, and will you continue to grow? Use the Persistence Tips to help you identify growth possibilities.

GOALS• When you think about your goals, describe what

you are passionate about. Think first about the things you really enjoying doing and being a part of. Here are some questions that might help you unlock what your passion really is: — What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

— What are you doing when you feel that time flies by?

— Where does your mind go when you’re idle?— Where do you want to be?

Once you have your passions, then describe where you want to be and the type of position you want to achieve. Take a look at the advancement pathways for some inspiration.

CURRENT AND PAST POSITIONS• List all job positions you’ve held, including

your current position

GROWTH• Are you growing in the position you’re in? • Do you see opportunities for future growth?

See the Persistence Tips.

STEP 5 15 MIN


ACTIVITYYour Life Journey Map: Part 1CONNECTED ACTIVITY

Create the first half of your Life Journey Map, covering where you’ve been and your current position.

STEP 6 15 MIN

With your group, share your Life Journey Map and your strategies for persisting in computing. Share how your passions connect to your work in computing.

STEP 7 15 MIN

Persistence Strategy

Growth & Pivoting strategies

Passions

Success

Here’s an example of what your Life Journey Map might look like at this point:


ACTIVITYWhere Could You Go?CONNECTED ACTIVITY

“Where Could You Go” invites you to explore possible transitions in your computing career, such as college to your first job, one field in computing to another or a new position.

WHERE COULD YOU GO?• Explore the Computing Careers Map to find growth and transition options. • Check the Pivot Tips for transition pointers. • Keep your Persistence Tips handy — you’ll need them.

STEP 8 20 MIN


PERSISTENCE STRATEGYGROWTH AND PIVOTING STRATEGIESNEW FIELDS TO EXPLORE


Create the second half of your Life Journey Map, covering where your career could go next.

STEP 9 15 MIN


With your group, share your Life Journey Map and your strategies for persisting and growing.

STEP 10 20 MIN


ACTIVITYLife Event CardsCONNECTED ACTIVITY

With a partner, choose a number that corresponds to a Life Event Card. Read your card and share your thoughts with your partner.

CLICK ON A NUMBER TO SEE YOUR LIFE EVENT CARD

STEP 11 15 MIN

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8


ACTIVITYFeedbackCONNECTED ACTIVITY

STEP 12 15 MIN

FEEDBACK

Friendly, constructive feedback helps you understand where to focus and improve for next time. • With your partner, identify her persistence strategies. • Review the Persistence Tips. How could she strengthen her current persistence strategies? What new persistence strategies could she add to her repertoire?• Do the same with your persistence strategies.

NOTE: In a future version of the curriculum modules, we’ll have ABI’s Feedback Tool to help you give, receive and track your feedback and progress.


WRAP UPDiscuss Next StepsWRAP UP

Discuss with the group:

• What are some new fields or opportunities that excite you in computing?

• What are your ideas for pursuing these opportunities?

STEP 13 10 MIN


Anyone can learn a technical skill, if they try. You are either good at a technical skill or you are not.

You need to learn spatial reasoning skills to be an engineer. You have to have spatial reasoning skills to be an engineer.

I worked hard to develop this new technology.I must be really smart to have developed this new technology.

I have to work at _______________ to improve and learn. I’m awful at __________.

My programming skills are really improving. Six months ago I didn’t even know this programming language and now I’ve developed a whole new product using the language.

I’m not as good as John at programming.

If I try, I’ll learn. I may fail. I may fail a lot, but eventually I will succeed.

I might fail if I try.

Persistence TipsTIPS

Practice developing a growth mindset (it takes effort to succeed) rather than a fixed mindset (you either have the ability or you don’t). Here are some guidelines for developing a growth mindset:

TIPS

DON’T ABILITY-FOCUSED (INSPIRE FIXED MENTALITY)DO EFFORT-FOCUSED (INSPIRE GROWTH MENTALITY)

You’ll also find a two-page change-your-mindset guide at http://mindsetonline.com/changeyourmindset/natureofchange/index.html

RESOURCE:

http://mindsetonline.com/changeyourmindset/natureofchange/index.html



TIPS

Find and work with role models, mentors and sponsors.

DEFINE. While one person may fill all three of these roles, these three roles are not the same.

Role models embody who you want to be in your career, and you may or may not interact with them directly. Role models inspire you to learn from their career path and decisions.

A mentor helps you develop professionally and master new skills over time. Mentoring is an ongoing relationship that you define together with your mentor.

Sponsors are influential people within your organization or field who can help your advance in your career. Women with sponsors are more likely to be satisfied with their career advancement, ask for a pay raise and ask for stretch assignments that build their reputations as leaders (Harvard Business Review, Research Report, 2010).

LOCATE. Look around you to find people in these roles.

The Grace Hopper Celebration http://ghc.anitaborg.org/, other conferences and even websites are great sources for finding role models.

Find mentors in other technical women through ABI.Local http://local.anitaborg.org/events, the Systers community http://anitaborg.org/get-involved/systers/, at work and other networking events. Look for both men and women whom you relate to, but have different experiences and skills you’d like to learn from. Seek out people who will push you out of your comfort zone.

Sponsors should be a few levels above you in your organization or field, and they should be influential and respected enough to open doors for you.

See Resources for more details on finding and working with role models, mentors and sponsors.

http://ghc.anitaborg.org/

http://ghc.anitaborg.org/

http://local.anitaborg.org/events

http://anitaborg.org/get-involved/systers/

http://anitaborg.org/get-involved/systers/



TIPS

Find a work environment that fosters your personal and professional growth.

Recognize and reduce unconscious bias. Everyone’s talking about bias in the workplace, and some people are even taking action. But realistically, bias can’t be completely eliminated. The situation may be out of our control, but we’re responsible for our own biases, how we view ourselves and our reactions to the biases we face.

Cultivating a growth mindset and these reducing bias resources are a great way to recognize and reduce unconscious bias.

Take inspiration from encouragement. Being receptive to positive feedback from others about our actions drives us to be persistent and successful. If you tend to downplay encouragement, stop and listen. Accept the praise and take it as a sign to keep at it or leave your comfort zone.

Check out NCWIT’s resource on encouragement: https://www.ncwit.org/resources/how-can-encouragement-increase-persistence-computing

Seek out collaboration. The human connection to our work often gets lost in technical environments, but remember that people are at the heart of computing. Seek out and create work environments that value and foster collaboration.

https://www.ncwit.org/resources/how-can-encouragement-increase-persistence-computing

https://www.ncwit.org/resources/how-can-encouragement-increase-persistence-computing


Persistence Tips (cont.)TIPS

TIPS

Find a work environment that fosters your personal and professional growth.

Work flexibly. Flexible work arrangements to bring positive results for both employees and employers. Look for a job that fits your life rather than fitting your life to your job.

Check out these flexible work resources to make it happen for you.

Feel welcome. If you don’t feel welcome or that you belong where you work, take stock of what feels unwelcoming. Can you, along with others, change it? If not , it may be time to find a more hospitable environment.

The finding what works resources can help you identify what you’re looking for.

What’s your future? Do you see advancement potential in this role, and do you know the path to take? Keep in mind there can be several paths.

Take a look at the advancement pathways resources for more details.


Pivots TipsTIPS

TIPS

Networking is one of the best ways to pivot into a new or related field. Attending events and conferences related to your field of interest is a great way to meet new people. Look at your own network to find existing connections, then meet with them! It’s a great way to pick up on job opportunities and get an insider’s perspective.

Immerse yourself by attending presentations, watching videos and reading everything you can about your field. Note the experts and innovators, and make efforts to connect with them, either in-person or virtually.

Take a course. Through your research, you may find there are specific skills you need to succeed. Consider a formal course or certificate program to add to your resume.

Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about a specific company or the field in general. Plus, they grow your network and introduce you to a potential employer.

Trading skills is a wonderful way to network and collaborate. If you know someone in the field who you can learn from, or teach, consider working together. Hold a mini-workshop to share and practice your new skills.

Update your resume so it reflects the job you want, rather than simply listing everything you’ve done. See Part 1, Setting the Stage, in Decoding the Technical Interview for more details.

Volunteer your time and skills to something meaningful. Choose a project that lets you explore a new interest and give back to your community.

Build your portfolio with projects that showcase your skills and passion.

Ask questions! Be proactive as you pursue a new path.

http://anitaborg.org/insights-tools/abi-curriculum-series/module-one-decoding-technical-interview/

http://anitaborg.org/insights-tools/abi-curriculum-series/module-one-decoding-technical-interview/


RESOURCESReducing BiasRESOURCES

Understand your own biases and how to mitigate them

• Exploring Unconscious Bias http://www.cookross.com/docs/UnconsciousBias.pdf

• Unconscious Bias and Why It Matters for Women and Tech https://www.ncwit.org/unconscious-bias-and-why-it-matters-women-and-tech

Mitigate bias directed at you

• Develop a Growth Mindset Persistence Tips

• Carol Dweck’s Mindset http://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Success-Carol-Dweck/dp/0345472322/

• Address institutional barriers. See NCWIT’s Institutional Barriers & Their Effects: How can I talk to colleagues about these issues? https://www.ncwit.org/resources/institutional-barriers-their-effects-how-can-i-talk-colleagues-about-these-issues

http://www.cookross.com/docs/UnconsciousBias.pdf

http://www.cookross.com/docs/UnconsciousBias.pdf

https://www.ncwit.org/unconscious-bias-and-why-it-matters-women-and-tech

https://www.ncwit.org/unconscious-bias-and-why-it-matters-women-and-tech

http://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Success-Carol-Dweck/dp/0345472322/



https://www.ncwit.org/resources/institutional-barriers-their-effects-how-can-i-talk-colleagues-about




RESOURCESMentors and SponsorsRESOURCES

MENTORS:

• Mentoring-in-a Box: Women Faculty in Computing https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-women-faculty-computing

• Mentoring-in-a Box: Technical Women at Work https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-technical-women-work

SPONSORS:

• Yes, You Need a Mentor, but a Sponsor Will Really Boost Your Career http://www.fastcompany.com/3036037/hit-the-ground-running/yes-you-need-a-mentor-but-a-sponsor-will-really-boost-your-career

• The Sponsor Effect: Breaking Through the Last Glass Ceiling http://30percentclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Sponsor-Effect.pdf

https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-women-faculty-computing

https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-women-faculty-computing

https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-technical-women-work

https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-technical-women-work

http://www.fastcompany.com/3036037/hit-the-ground-running/yes-you-need-a-mentor-but-a-sponsor-will-r




http://30percentclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Sponsor-Effect.pdf

http://30percentclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Sponsor-Effect.pdf


RESOURCESComputer Science CareersRESOURCES

EXPLORING THE RANGE OF COMPUTING CAREERS:

• A Guide to Computer Science Careers: Resources for exploring options http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/

• Computer & Information Technology Occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook The Bureau of Labor and Statistics’s computing occupation section of the Occupational Outlook Handbook. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

• A career and job search guide http://www.careerprofiles.info/computer-careers.html

• ACM’s overview of computing careers geared towards students http://computingcareers.acm.org/

• O*NET Computer Science careers The O*NET database of occupational information is updated regularly by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. http://www.onetonline.org/find/stem?t=1&g=Go

LOCATION OF CS JOBS :• 50 Cities and Towns With

the Most Computer-Related Jobs http://www.computersciencezone.org/most-computer-related-jobs/

http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/

http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

http://www.careerprofiles.info/computer-careers.html

http://www.careerprofiles.info/computer-careers.html

http://computingcareers.acm.org/

http://www.onetonline.org/find/stem?t=1&g=Go

http://www.onetonline.org/find/stem?t=1&g=Go

http://www.computersciencezone.org/most-computer-related-jobs/

http://www.computersciencezone.org/most-computer-related-jobs/


RESOURCESComputing Careers MapRESOURCES

Spectrum ofComputing Fields

UserExperience /

Usability

ComputerApplicationsDevelopment

So�wareDevelopment

DataScience

OtherSciences &Computing

BigData

HardwareDevelopment

ArtificialIntelligence

Internet& Web

DevelopmentInternetof Things

CloudComputing

Mobile

Cybersecurity

NetworkSystems

ComputerSystems,

Storage andServices

Robotics

Education

Research

MachineLearning

OperatingSystems

Development

Multimedia& Animation

GraphicDesign

InformationTechnology

Study ofComputing

Coding& Data

Testing

Coding &Engineering

Design

Coding

Coding &Networks

Networks& Systems

Engineering

0%-6%growth

8%-18%growth

11%-27%growth

3%growth

4%growth

11%growth

11%growth

13%-19%growth

The Computing Careers Map showcases the interconnectedness of computing careers. It also provides access to a video library of these careers. We’ll add more videos to this library in future versions of the module.

https://youtu.be/p3UG8vEFrIQ

https://youtu.be/5oJkbQJGQ_s

https://youtu.be/Ff52yib-2tw

https://youtu.be/1FjaOwps7Q4

https://youtu.be/1MfYY803d0s

https://youtu.be/YmutqAC-1rE

https://youtu.be/PIk83J-Nn9E


RESOURCESFinding What WorksRESOURCES

FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS:

• PowerToFly A job site that connects women who work remotely with employers who need them. https://www.powertofly.com/

• Flexjobs A job site that identifies employers offering flexible jobs in a variety of locations. https://www.flexjobs.com/

• Workplace Flexibility The Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College provides research-based case studies and descriptions of flexible work arrangements. They list the benefits for employees and employers that can help you make your case. http://workplaceflexibility.bc.edu/types/types_arrangement

GREAT PLACES TO WORK FOR WOMEN TECHNOLOGISTS:

• Anita Borg Institute Top Companies for Women Technologists Top Companies recognizes companies that create workplaces where women technologists can thrive. http://anitaborg.org/awards-grants/top-companies-for-women-technologists/

https://www.powertofly.com/

https://www.flexjobs.com/

http://workplaceflexibility.bc.edu/types/types_arrangement

http://workplaceflexibility.bc.edu/types/types_arrangement

http://anitaborg.org/awards-grants/top-companies-for-women-technologists/

http://anitaborg.org/awards-grants/top-companies-for-women-technologists/


RESOURCESAdvancement Pathways RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT VS. TECHNICAL

This diagram shows only two choices. Historically, women have been steered towards management paths.

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS

This diagram shows there are many potential paths to advancement in computing.

From Hacking Space and Time for a Successful [Software Development] Career by Brandon Hays

https://speakerdeck.com/tehviking/hacking-spacetime-for-a-successful-career

Mid Dev

Keynote Speaker

Sr. Dev Chief Architect

Distinguished Dev

Dev Evangelist

Author/Speaker

Junior Dev

Dev Manager

Project Manager

Freelance Dev Solopreneur

Startup Founder

Small Business CEO

Founder, 3rd company

Chairperson of the Board

Director of Product

Engineering/Team Lead

VP of Product

Director/VP Engineering

CTO

Developer

Manager

Entrepreneur

Founder, 2nd companyMANAGEMENT TECHNICAL

Technical Personnel

Team Leader

Manager I

Manager II & III

Senior Manager

Director I & II

Vice President I & II

President, CEO

Senior Engineer I

Senior Engineer II

Principal Engineer

Senior Principal Engineer

Engineering Fellow

Principal Engineering Fellow



The Anita Borg Institute’s Curriculum Series provide career guidance to women technologists by connecting them to each other and the materials they need, when and where they need them.

ANITA BORG INSTITUTE CURRICULUM SERIES

The Anita Borg Institute (ABI) is a non-profit social enterprise that connects, inspires and guides women in computing and organizations that view technology innovation as a strategic imperative. Founded in 1997, ABI’s reach extends to more than 65 countries. www.anitaborg.org

DID THIS MODULE GUIDE YOU? LET US KNOW!

Share your thoughts

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/career-in-computing-post

This module, version 0.1, expires APRIL 2016.

http://www.anitaborg.org



ACTIVITIES

WARM UP TRANSITIONS VIDEO LIFE JOURNEY MAP WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

TIPS AND RESOURCES

WHERE ARE YOU NOW?

WHERE COULD YOU GO? MAP: PART 2 LIFE EVENT CARDS FEEDBACK DISCUSS NEXT STEPS

FINDING WHAT WORKS ADVANCEMENT PATHWAYS

MENTORS & SPONSORS CS CAREERSPERSISTENCE TIPS PIVOTS TIPS REDUCING BIAS

MENU

COMPUTING CAREERS MAP

MAP: PART 1

PAGE 4 Designing Your Career in ComputingMENU

WARM UPGet Acquainted WARM UP

STEP 1

Get to know each other! Lead a discussion of the following with your group:

• I say, “Coolest new tech you wish you had created.” You say...

• Share your name and the type of work you do or would like to do

10 MINSchedule your group meeting. Large groups can be divided into smaller groups of 5-8 people each.

Plan to meet either face to face or virtually.

If you are a virtual group, choose a videoconferencing tool so you can talk to each other, share a document and record the session.

Follow the schedule for the meeting.

You can choose to have participants view the videos and resources ahead of time and prepare discussion questions.


VIDEOSVideo: Transitions


CLICK TO PLAY

VIDEOS


ACTIVITYCreating Your Life Journey Map CONNECTED ACTIVITY

In this connected activity, you’ll develop a Life Journey Map of your computing career.

Journey maps are useful to visualize the development of anything — a product, customers or your own career — over time. Your Life Journey Map will represent your computing career over time, positions and potentially across different fields in computing.

• We’ve provided two key sets of Tips — Persistence and Pivot — and the Computing Careers Map to help you chart your course.

• In the Resources, you’ll also find lots of information to help you develop your Life Journey Map.

• We’ve also provided Life Event Cards to help you think about your persistence strategies in the face of unexpected life events.

• To develop your Life Journey Map, consider using a mind-mapping tool like MindJet or Coggle, a free tool that allows you to draw and share your map.

STEP 3

See Lifehacker’s review of the 5 best mindmapping tools: http://lifehacker.com/five-best-mind-mapping-tools-476534555


ACTIVITYWhere Have You Been?CONNECTED ACTIVITY

Start by discussing where you’ve been, noting your inspirations, passions, successes, challenges and the personal persistence that have helped shape who you are today.

CHILDHOOD• What subjects interested you as a kid? In

college? • What did you want to be when you grew up, and

why? • What inspired you to pursue computing as a

career? Do any specific moments stand out?

EDUCATION• List some successes and challenges you’ve

experienced studying computing so far. • Include words that describe your persistence

strategies through these challenges and successes. For examples, see Persistence Tips.

FIRST JOB OR INTERNSHIP • List some successes and challenges you’ve

experienced in your first job or internship. • Describe your persistence strategies through

these challenges and successes. For examples, see Persistence Tips.

STEP 4 15 MIN


ACTIVITYWhere Are You Now?CONNECTED ACTIVITY

Next, look at where you are today. Are you growing in your current position, and will you continue to grow? Use the Persistence Tips to help you identify growth possibilities.

GOALS• When you think about your goals, describe what

you are passionate about. Think first about the things you really enjoying doing and being a part of. Here are some questions that might help you unlock what your passion really is: — What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

— What are you doing when you feel that time flies by?

— Where does your mind go when you’re idle?— Where do you want to be?

Once you have your passions, then describe where you want to be and the type of position you want to achieve. Take a look at the advancement pathways for some inspiration.

CURRENT AND PAST POSITIONS• List all job positions you’ve held, including

your current position

GROWTH• Are you growing in the position you’re in? • Do you see opportunities for future growth?

See the Persistence Tips.

STEP 5 15 MIN



Create the first half of your Life Journey Map, covering where you’ve been and your current position.

STEP 6 15 MIN

With your group, share your Life Journey Map and your strategies for persisting in computing. Share how your passions connect to your work in computing.

STEP 7 15 MIN

Persistence Strategy

Growth & Pivoting strategies

Passions

Success



ACTIVITYWhere Could You Go?CONNECTED ACTIVITY

“Where Could You Go” invites you to explore possible transitions in your computing career, such as college to your first job, one field in computing to another or a new position.

WHERE COULD YOU GO?• Explore the Computing Careers Map to find growth and transition options. • Check the Pivot Tips for transition pointers. • Keep your Persistence Tips handy — you’ll need them.

STEP 8 20 MIN


PERSISTENCE STRATEGYGROWTH AND PIVOTING STRATEGIESNEW FIELDS TO EXPLORE


Create the second half of your Life Journey Map, covering where your career could go next.

STEP 9 15 MIN


With your group, share your Life Journey Map and your strategies for persisting and growing.

STEP 10 20 MIN


ACTIVITYLife Event CardsCONNECTED ACTIVITY

With a partner, choose a number that corresponds to a Life Event Card. Read your card and share your thoughts with your partner.

CLICK ON A NUMBER TO SEE YOUR LIFE EVENT CARD

STEP 11 15 MIN

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8PAGE 15 Designing Your Career in Computing

MENU

ACTIVITYFeedbackCONNECTED ACTIVITY

STEP 12 15 MIN

FEEDBACK

Friendly, constructive feedback helps you understand where to focus and improve for next time. • With your partner, identify her persistence strategies. • Review the Persistence Tips. How could she strengthen her current persistence strategies? What new persistence strategies could she add to her repertoire?• Do the same with your persistence strategies.

NOTE: In a future version of the curriculum modules, we’ll have ABI’s Feedback Tool to help you give, receive and track your feedback and progress.






STEP 13 10 MIN






STEP 13 10 MIN


Pivots TipsTIPS

TIPS

Networking is one of the best ways to pivot into a new or related field. Attending events and conferences related to your field of interest is a great way to meet new people. Look at your own network to find existing connections, then meet with them! It’s a great way to pick up on job opportunities and get an insider’s perspective.

Immerse yourself by attending presentations, watching videos and reading everything you can about your field. Note the experts and innovators, and make efforts to connect with them, either in-person or virtually.

Take a course. Through your research, you may find there are specific skills you need to succeed. Consider a formal course or certificate program to add to your resume.

Informational interviews are a great way to learn more about a specific company or the field in general. Plus, they grow your network and introduce you to a potential employer.

Trading skills is a wonderful way to network and collaborate. If you know someone in the field who you can learn from, or teach, consider working together. Hold a mini-workshop to share and practice your new skills.

Update your resume so it reflects the job you want, rather than simply listing everything you’ve done. See Part 1, Setting the Stage, in Decoding the Technical Interview for more details.

Volunteer your time and skills to something meaningful. Choose a project that lets you explore a new interest and give back to your community.

Build your portfolio with projects that showcase your skills and passion.

Ask questions! Be proactive as you pursue a new path.


RESOURCESReducing BiasRESOURCES

Understand your own biases and how to mitigate them

• Exploring Unconscious Bias http://www.cookross.com/docs/UnconsciousBias.pdf

• Unconscious Bias and Why It Matters for Women and Tech https://www.ncwit.org/unconscious-bias-and-why-it-matters-women-and-tech

Mitigate bias directed at you

• Develop a Growth Mindset Persistence Tips

• Carol Dweck’s Mindset http://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Success-Carol-Dweck/dp/0345472322/

• Address institutional barriers. See NCWIT’s Institutional Barriers & Their Effects: How can I talk to colleagues about these issues? https://www.ncwit.org/resources/institutional-barriers-their-effects-how-can-i-talk-colleagues-about-these-issues


RESOURCESMentors and SponsorsRESOURCES

MENTORS:

• Mentoring-in-a Box: Women Faculty in Computing https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-women-faculty-computing

• Mentoring-in-a Box: Technical Women at Work https://www.ncwit.org/resources/mentoring-box-technical-women-work

SPONSORS:

• Yes, You Need a Mentor, but a Sponsor Will Really Boost Your Career http://www.fastcompany.com/3036037/hit-the-ground-running/yes-you-need-a-mentor-but-a-sponsor-will-really-boost-your-career

• The Sponsor Effect: Breaking Through the Last Glass Ceiling http://30percentclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/The-Sponsor-Effect.pdf


RESOURCESComputer Science CareersRESOURCES

EXPLORING THE RANGE OF COMPUTING CAREERS:

• A Guide to Computer Science Careers: Resources for exploring options http://www.computerscienceonline.org/careers/

• Computer & Information Technology Occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook The Bureau of Labor and Statistics’s computing occupation section of the Occupational Outlook Handbook. http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm

• A career and job search guide http://www.careerprofiles.info/computer-careers.html

• ACM’s overview of computing careers geared towards students http://computingcareers.acm.org/

• O*NET Computer Science careers The O*NET database of occupational information is updated regularly by surveying a broad range of workers from each occupation. http://www.onetonline.org/find/stem?t=1&g=Go

LOCATION OF CS JOBS :• 50 Cities and Towns With

the Most Computer-Related Jobs http://www.computersciencezone.org/most-computer-related-jobs/


RESOURCESComputing Careers MapRESOURCES

Spectrum ofComputing Fields

UserExperience /

Usability

ComputerApplicationsDevelopment

So�wareDevelopment

DataScience

OtherSciences &Computing

BigData

HardwareDevelopment

ArtificialIntelligence

Internet& Web

DevelopmentInternetof Things

CloudComputing

Mobile

Cybersecurity

NetworkSystems

ComputerSystems,

Storage andServices

Robotics

Education

Research

MachineLearning

OperatingSystems

Development

Multimedia& Animation

GraphicDesign

InformationTechnology

Study ofComputing

Coding& Data

Testing

Coding &Engineering

Design

Coding

Coding &Networks

Networks& Systems

Engineering

0%-6%growth

8%-18%growth

11%-27%growth

3%growth

4%growth

11%growth

11%growth

13%-19%growth

The Computing Careers Map showcases the interconnectedness of computing careers. It also provides access to a video library of these careers. We’ll add more videos to this library in future versions of the module.


RESOURCESFinding What WorksRESOURCES

FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS:

• PowerToFly A job site that connects women who work remotely with employers who need them. https://www.powertofly.com/

• Flexjobs A job site that identifies employers offering flexible jobs in a variety of locations. https://www.flexjobs.com/

• Workplace Flexibility The Sloan Center on Aging & Work at Boston College provides research-based case studies and descriptions of flexible work arrangements. They list the benefits for employees and employers that can help you make your case. http://workplaceflexibility.bc.edu/types/types_arrangement

GREAT PLACES TO WORK FOR WOMEN TECHNOLOGISTS:

• Anita Borg Institute Top Companies for Women Technologists Top Companies recognizes companies that create workplaces where women technologists can thrive. http://anitaborg.org/awards-grants/top-companies-for-women-technologists/


RESOURCESAdvancement Pathways RESOURCES

MANAGEMENT VS. TECHNICAL

This diagram shows only two choices. Historically, women have been steered towards management paths.

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS

This diagram shows there are many potential paths to advancement in computing.

From Hacking Space and Time for a Successful [Software Development] Career by Brandon Hays


Mid Dev

Keynote Speaker

Sr. Dev Chief Architect

Distinguished Dev

Dev Evangelist

Author/Speaker

Junior Dev

Dev Manager

Project Manager

Freelance Dev Solopreneur

Startup Founder

Small Business CEO

Founder, 3rd company

Chairperson of the Board

Director of Product

Engineering/Team Lead

VP of Product

Director/VP Engineering

CTO

Developer

Manager

Entrepreneur

Founder, 2nd companyMANAGEMENT TECHNICAL

Technical Personnel

Team Leader

Manager I

Manager II & III

Senior Manager

Director I & II

Vice President I & II

President, CEO

Senior Engineer I

Senior Engineer II

Principal Engineer

Senior Principal Engineer

Engineering Fellow

Principal Engineering Fellow

INTRO VIDEO


VIDEOSVideo: Introduction


CLICK TO PLAY

VIDEOS


ACTIVITYLife Event Card 1CONNECTED ACTIVITY

You decide to leave work for 6 months. What do you need to do to re-enter

the computer science field?

1

Back to connected activity



You dislike your field. What two other fields might you like?

How would you find out?

2




Your field is shrinking. What do you do?

3




Your field is expanding; new technologies and new approaches

are developing rapidly. And there’s overlap into other fields.

What do you do?

4




You like your field but don’t like your company. What is it you like?

What don’t you like? Where could you do what you like?

5




You have an interest in making a larger social impact with your work.

What do you do?

6




Your significant other gets a job in another city or state.

What do you do?

7




You feel that you are not spending enough time with your

friends and family. What changes will you make?

8


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