A few days ago, I was thinking about how to expand my network and connect with people in the tech industry. That’s when I remembered an old friend I hadn't seen in almost two years. He works in IT at a university here in Vancouver. I reached out, and to my delight, we met up yesterday.
What followed was an incredibly insightful and encouraging conversation.
He generously shared his journey with me—how he navigated his path, the unexpected opportunities he found, and the mindset shifts that helped him grow. One key takeaway was how valuable short certificates can be when paired with focused goals. He also reminded me not to limit my job search to traditional tech companies—there are many organizations out there with tech roles that fly under the radar.
We also talked about volunteering as a way to build experience and connections, the importance of tailoring your resume for every role, and staying consistent with applications. One piece of practical advice stood out: don't waste time applying to job postings that are more than a couple of days old—by then, they might already be gone.
I left our conversation with a spark of energy and a fresh sense of direction. I know I still have a long road ahead of me—so much to learn, so much to build—but I’m genuinely excited about it all.
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple coffee chat with someone you trust to reframe your perspective.
Top comments (0)