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Susanne Tedrick: Developing a Game Plan to Thrive as Technology Evolves

Susanne Tedrick, the award-winning author of Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators, met with us to discuss how women of color can jump-start, transition to or further evolve their career in technology. In addition, Susanne shares how tech professionals can stay relevant in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

In this conversation Susanne shares:

  • Current challenges impacting women of color in technology roles.
  • What is allyship and how individuals in technology roles can ally with women of color.
  • In demand technology fields, skills and education options.
  • Why you deserve to be paid what you are worth.
  • Networking opportunities for introverts.
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Questions that Susanne answers:

  • [1:28] An interesting fact about Susanne.
  • [2:34] What prompted writing a book about Women of Color in Technology?
  • [4:30] What challenges do women of color face today?
  • [7:49] How can women of color enter a market dominated by a different demographic?
  • [10:49] What advice do you have for men working in technology to help create inclusion opportunities for women of color?
  • [12:52] What advice would you give those interested in a tech career but are new to the topic?
  • [15:10] What are the career options in today’s market?
  • [18:27] What is a Cloud Technical Specialist?
  • [19:30] What is the difference between a coach, mentor and sponsor?
  • [23:09] Which technical trainings, certifications and experiences should people pursue to help close skill gaps?
  • [27:30] How can people negotiate their salary when starting a new role?
  • [34:23] How can introverts prepare to interact with larger groups or clients?
  • [37:15] How/where to get Susanne’s book, Women of Color in Tech?
  • [39:06] How can we stay abreast with current and emerging tech to stay relevant? (AUDIENCE MEMBER QUESTION)
  • [41:07] How can an individual, with extensive experience in a non-tech field, leverage their current expertise to be valuable when transitioning to a tech field? (AUDIENCE MEMBER QUESTION)
  • [43:12] What skills should a person learn if they are interested in moving into a data analytics field? (AUDIENCE MEMBER QUESTION)
  • [45:12] Are there specific certifications or degrees that are recommended for moving into a technology field? (AUDIENCE MEMBER QUESTION)
  • [51:08] How can we introduce technology to children, of under-represented demographics, to help them become interested in technology careers? (AUDIENCE MEMBER QUESTION)
  • [54:06] How should introverts approach networking and where should they network when they don’t have access to technology professionals? (AUDIENCE MEMBER QUESTION)

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Special thanks to the students, alumni and administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the College of DuPage for their help in making this episode a success.

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