Tech Unlocked

Tech Unlocked

By Grace MacjonesBusinessTechnologyCareers
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Tech Unlocked episodes

  • 92 | Gen Z vs. the Workplace: A Survival Guide for Young Professionals

    60% of employers have admitted to firing Gen Z employees this year. Is there something wrong with Gen Z, or are employers missing the mark?

    In this episode, Grace chats with Sarah MacJones, a Gen Z college student navigating the challenging tech job market. They delve into the reasons behind employer dissatisfaction with Gen Z, the changing dynamics of the workplace, and the strategies young professionals can employ to secure and maintain employment.

    Tune in to discover:

    • The real reasons why employers are hesitant to hire Gen Z
    • The impact of remote work on Gen Z's job search
    • How to stand out in a competitive job market
    • The future of work and the role of Gen Z

    Don't miss this insightful conversation about the evolving workplace and the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z.

    Sources:

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/traversmark/2024/10/18/3-reasons-why-gen-z-is-getting-fired-from-the-workplace-by-a-psychologist/

    https://fortune.com/2024/09/26/bosses-firing-gen-z-grads-months-after-hiring/

    Connect with Sarah:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-macjones/

    https://www.instagram.com/sarah.macjones/

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    34 min
  • 91 | Why Google Paid $2.7 Billion to Rehire One Employee

    The rule of thumb is "never go back to an ex," but what if your ex is willing to pay you $2.7 billion to take them back and make the relationship work? Would you do it?

    Recently, Google made a $2.7 billion deal that brought back one of their top AI engineers, Noam Shazeer who worked at Google for more than 20 years but left to start his own company in 2021. Beyond this shocking headline, we are going to settle the age-old debate of choosing to be a specialist vs. generalist in your tech career. How do you choose which path is right for you? and Which path pays off in the long run?

    Article:

    https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/t-shaped-skills

    https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/noam-shazeer-google-ai-deal-d3605697

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    16 min
  • 90 |Realistic Entry Level Tech Jobs in 2024 (No Coding Required)

    Let's be real - while social media is flooded with stories of six-figure tech salaries and dream jobs, the current tech job market tells a different story. Engineering roles are becoming increasingly competitive, and many of you are doubting if you can still break into the tech industry.

    Well, I've got good news for you. Despite what the headlines might suggest, there are still plenty of opportunities out there - especially if you know where to look. In today's episode, we're pulling back the curtain on five entry-level tech roles that can help you break into tech. These positions not only offer solid growth potential but also don't require years of experience or a computer science degree.

    We'll break down each role, covering everything you need to know:

    - What the job actually entails (beyond the buzzwords)

    - The average salary you can expect (because let's face it, that matters)

    - The essential skills you'll need to get your foot in the door

    Whether you're looking to break into tech or pivot within the industry, this episode is your practical roadmap to finding opportunities that are both accessible and rewarding.

    Resources:

    https://learnprompting.org/docs/introduction

    https://www.pmi.org/certifications/project-management-pmp

    How I Would Get Into GovTech (if I had to start over)

    Salesforce Sales Development Representative Professional Certificate

    https://www.coursera.org/learn/foundations-of-digital-marketing-and-e-commerce

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    21 min
  • 89 | The Hidden Dangers of Remote Work and 4 ways to Avoid them

    The Wall Street Journal reported people working from home got promoted 31% less frequently in the past year than office-based workers. The honest truth is that remote work does not benefit everyone. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the hidden dangers of remote work in tech, how to avoid them, and 4 ways thrive in your career if you're currently remote.

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    Stats Sources:

    https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/remote-workers-are-losing-out-on-promotions-8219ec63

    https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2024/01/17/remote-workers-are-overlooked-for-promotions-and-raises-heres-how-you-can-get-noticed/

    Remote communities + job boards:

    https://www.edlyft.com/

    https://www.colorstack.org/

    https://wellfound.com/remote

    NoDeskhttps://nodesk.co › startupsRemote Work: Startup Jobs

    https://www.ycombinator.com/jobs/role/all/remote/

    https://weworkremotely.com

    26 min
  • 88 | Tech Career Hack: How to Master the Art of Self-Advocacy with Shailvi Wakhlu

    Tired of being overlooked for promotions and feeling hesitant to discuss your accomplishments? Join us as Grace chats with Shailvi Wakhlu, a seasoned Data Leader with over 17 years of experience building successful teams and impactful technology products.

    Shailvi, a former Salesforce, Fitbit, and Strava executive, has shared her expertise at countless conferences, coached hundreds of individuals, and authored the best-selling book "Self-Advocacy." In this episode, she'll share her career journey and practical tips to help you:

    • Negotiate effectively: Learn the art of confident communication and secure the deals you deserve.
    • Navigate complex conversations: Overcome challenges and advocate for your ideas with ease.
    • Land coveted promotions, raises, and new opportunities: Discover the strategies that can propel your tech career forward.

    Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your tech career to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you become a confident and successful self-advocate!

    Connect With Shailvi:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ShailviWakhlu/

    Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ3GXN45

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    43 min
  • 87 | 5 Tech Jobs AI Can't Replace

    "Everybody in the world is now a programmer. This is the miracle of artificial intelligence." - Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia

    If everyone is a programmer, is it still worth studying computer science or becoming a software engineer? While Jesen's statement is true to some degree. It doesn't mean that tech jobs are all going away because of AI. In today's episode, Grace shares 5 tech jobs that can't be replace by AI.

    Sources:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Pm2xEViNIo&t=129s

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/tools-practices

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    18 min
  • 86 | You Don't Need A Mentor

    Getting a mentor is not the answer to your career problems but if you're looking to elevate your mentorship experience there are a few important things to keep in mind. In this episode, Grace shares the common myths about mentorship, how to find the right mentors for your career growth, 3 types of mentors you need, how to evaluate your mentorship relationships and how to gracefully end a mentorship that is no longer necessary.

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    31 min
  • 85 | 3 Hacks Every Job Seeker Should Know

    In today's competitive tech job market, where positions can attract over 100 applicants in just a few hours, simply submitting applications and hoping for the best isn't enough. In this episode, Grace offers 3 key strategies to help you stand out and succeed in your job search.

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    21 min
  • 84 | How to Deal with Uncertainty in your Tech Career

    Feeling uncertain about your career path can be daunting. But don't worry—you're not alone! If you're contemplating a career change and unsure of your next steps, this throwback episode is a must-listen.

    Join Grace as she shares 3 practical tips to help you conquer career uncertainty and confidently navigate your professional journey. From embracing the unknown to taking actionable steps, this episode is packed with valuable insights to empower your career decisions.

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Website: www.techunlocked.co

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    17 min
  • 83 | Demystifying the Most Secure Job Role in Tech with Ilhan Jama

    What's the safest job in tech and is it layoff proof? In today's episode, I chat with Ilhan Jama. She shares her non tradtional path from med school to working in technology. Ilhan is a Cybersecurity engineer, Content creator, and the founder of Unlearningx. She's passionate about creating accessibility in Tech as well as breaking down barriers to entry. Driven by the ethos of 'unlearning to relearn,' ilhan's commitment to community-building and mentorship makes her a key figure in shaping an accessible and inclusive future in tech.

    Key takeaways from this episode:

    • How Ilhan transitioned from the medical industry to the tech industry
    • Skills needed to thrive in cybersecurity
    • Common misconceptions about cybersecurity
    • Online resources to help you grow you cybersecurity skills
    • How to network and create a resume that make you stand out in the job search

    Connect with Ilhan:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilhan-jama

    https://x.com/theilhanjama

    https://instagram.com/theilhanjama/

    Connect with Grace:

    https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/

    Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips:

    Website: www.techunlocked.co

    Instagram: @techunlockedpod

    Twitter: @techunlockedpod

    TikTok: @techunlockedpod

    Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]

    48 min

About Tech Unlocked

From the publisher's feed

The Tech Unlocked podcast aims to demystify & diversify emerging tech and give people of color the keys they need to unlock a successful career in tech. www.techunlocked.co/