Summary
Ernest Gibbs III shares his journey into the tech industry, starting from his early interest in computers and troubleshooting. He pursued the A+ certification and landed his first tech job in a call center. Ernest then transitioned to a new tech job where he gained more experience and considered pursuing the Network+ certification. Eventually, he found a role as a DevOps engineer and continues to grow in his career. This conversation explores the importance of representation in the tech industry and the challenges faced by underrepresented individuals. It highlights the desire for influence and advocacy, as well as the journey of transitioning to different tech roles. The conversation also touches on dealing with rejection, finding inspiration, and the benefits of tech programs and bootcamps. It concludes with insights into the job application and interview process, career progression, and advice for those interested in tech.

Takeaways

• Developing troubleshooting skills and being the go-to tech person in your family can lead to a career in tech.
• Certifications like A+ and Network+ can provide a solid foundation and open doors to job opportunities.
• Networking and job shadowing can help in finding new tech roles and advancing in your career.
• Continued learning and staying motivated are key to success in the tech industry. Representation in the tech industry is crucial for creating a sense of belonging and ensuring equal opportunities for underrepresented individuals.
• Feeling like an outsider in the tech industry can be discouraging, but taking a chance and pursuing opportunities can lead to personal growth and success.
• Having mentors and advocates who look like you can make a significant difference in your career journey.
• Tech programs and bootcamps provide valuable learning opportunities and can help individuals gain the skills and knowledge needed to enter the tech industry.
• Dealing with rejection is a part of the journey, but it's important to stay motivated and continue learning and growing.
• Finding inspiration and motivation from others' success stories can help fuel your own journey in tech.
• Career progression in tech involves continuous learning and staying up-to-date with new technologies and skills.
• Choosing between technical and program management roles requires understanding your own interests and strengths.
• Always be curious and explore different paths in tech to find what excites you the most.
• Pay it forward by helping others and creating opportunities for the next generation of tech professionals.