We welcome back award-winning tech professional Yemurai to discuss the current state of the tech industry. In this insightful conversation, we explore:
How the tech job market differs from 2020-2021, particularly for entry-level versus senior roles
The challenges of breaking into tech in today's competitive environment
Why networking has become essential for landing tech jobs in the current market
Practical networking tips for introverts and beginners
The importance of building your LinkedIn presence and personal brand
Balancing online visibility with privacy and safety concerns as a tech professional
Whether you're looking to break into tech, advance your career, or build meaningful industry connections, this episode offers valuable advice from someone who successfully navigated a "squiggly career" from chemistry to cybersecurity.
Don't miss this candid discussion about the realities of today's tech landscape and actionable strategies for success!
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Timestamps:
0:00 - Welcome and introduction to Yemurai
1:23 - The current state of the tech job market
2:45 - Entry-level challenges vs. senior opportunities
4:18 - Web3 and blockchain: Then vs. now
6:02 - How long does it really take to break into tech?
7:30 - Why networking is non-negotiable for job seekers
9:15 - The secret weapon: Working with recruiters
10:48 - How AI is changing recruitment strategies
12:30 - Networking tips for introverts
15:04 - Setting realistic networking goals
16:42 - "Your network is your net worth"
17:25 - Balancing online visibility with privacy
19:53 - Building a powerful LinkedIn presence
22:17 - Simple ways to start your LinkedIn journey
24:05 - Final thoughts and where to find Yemurai
Notable Quotes
"Your network is your net worth." - Yemurai
"I think from an entry level perspective, it is incredibly challenging... But I know from a senior level and mid-entry level, there's a lot of opportunity once already working within the industry." - Yemurai
"Even if you're not necessarily seeing the immediate benefits... it's those warm introductions. Somebody's seen your post, they recognize your name, they've seen your face. It just makes you stand out above the people that have sent the CVs that have got the exact same trajectory as you thus far." - Jessie
Practical Takeaways
Go beyond the CV: In today's competitive market, networking is non-negotiable for breaking into tech
Start small with networking: Begin with online events if you're nervous, observe before participating
Work with recruiters: Even entry-level candidates can benefit from recruiter relationships
Document your journey: Use LinkedIn to share your experiences attending events and learning
Set realistic networking goals: Aim for quality connections rather than quantity
Maintain privacy boundaries: Be strategic about what personal information you share online
Leverage in-person events: As AI makes perfect CVs easier to create, face-to-face connections become more valuable
About Yemurai
Yemurai has successfully navigated a career transition from chemistry to cybersecurity, winning recognition from We Are Tech Women along the way. She maintains a thoughtful approach to her online presence, balancing professional visibility with personal privacy, and actively shares entry-level tech opportunities through her platforms.
Resources Mentioned
We Are Tech Women awards
Industry events and recruitment networking opportunities
LinkedIn as a career development platform
Renee Louise - BlaqByte
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