Tech in the Right Direction

How to Land Your Dream Job by Getting Uncomfortable

This week on Tech in the Right Direction we start off talking with full stack web developer and technical trainer Jenna Beckett. Jenna began her career in construction management but eventually found herself in a bootcamp to become a developer. After a few years in the field she returned to bootcamps, but this time as a trainer helping others learn as she did and helping them enter the tech field. Listen in to hear Jenna’s views on taking the ‘non-traditional’ route into technology, why she doesn’t believe four-year degrees should be a requirement in the tech industry, and when certifications are most valuable.

How to Land Your Dream Job by Getting Uncomfortable…and Being Human!

This week, IT Business Analyst Caitlin Knox joins us to share her journey into technology. Working in Hospitality, studying Political Science, then returning to Hospitality, Caitlin continually explored her skill sets. Taking a leap of faith, with no experience in the tech industry, she found a job as a Tech Assistant. See how Kaitlin uses her ‘humanness’ to stand out and hear her inspiring story of being a rookie in tech while pushing herself to be one of the first complex users of Power BI.Later, we have a guest in our Next Gen Tech Segment, high schooler Sarah Hole. Getting her start in technology in just third grade when she had her first experience with code, Sarah found the abilities it gave her magical and she hasn’t looked back ever since. Holding multiple Microsoft Certifications, being a part of a competitive robotics team and showing great interest in cyber security, Sarah discusses the problems she experiences with technology and the incredible support system she’s developed.

Sarah Haggard: Tech Solutions and the Human Experience

This week we welcome back the founder of the female mentorship app Tribute, and former Microsoft employee, Sarah Haggard. Sarah saw the world’s desire to enhance our human experience within technology and combined it with her passion for mentorship by creating her own solution: Tribute. Listen in to see how Tribute forms prosperous, long-lasting mentor relationships and how Tribute benefits businesses through data analytics.

Harini Gokul explains the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’

This week we sit down with Harini Gokul. Harini attended Vanderbilt and has now been in the IT industry for over 20 years strongly advocating for women in the workplace. Harini believes we are on the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution as we continue to innovate and solve unique problems with technology and create more immersive experiences between the physical and digital world. Join us as we discuss tech solutions in today’s world and dive into data privacy ethics.

Gavriella Schuster Navigates the Everchanging Tech Trends of the IT Industry Today

For our first episode of the new year, we welcome back Microsoft Vice President, Gavriella Schuster. This time around, Gavriella reviews the tech trends she’s seeing while working at one of the largest tech companies today. We also discuss how she believes we can begin to close the skills gap within the IT industry, the importance of training, retraining and certification, and her hopes for changes in the structure of curriculum and the educational system. Additionally, Gavriella speaks on the importance of balance and boundaries with technology, and how the mode of learning is changing over time.

Reflecting on a Journey Through IT, with Microsoft VP Gavriella Schuster

For our final episode of 2019 we have a very special guest, Microsoft Vice President, Gavriella Schuster. As the Corporate Vice President for the One Commercial Partner, Gavriella leads the business strategy across all commercial partners, is responsible for managing the partners, and leading programs globally. Listen in as Gavriella shares her journey through tech, finding great success as a woman in tech, and her thoughts on the opportunities and struggles that women may find within the tech industry. Don’t miss this exclusive episode capturing the highs and lows Gavriella has experienced, and the advice she has for you!

What are Soft Skills, and Why Do I Need Them!? ; Exploring the OTHER Side of Tech

This week we welcome back guest Jenna Lange, founder and CEO of Lang International. We talk about the importance of human transformation in a digital age and why soft skills such as leadership and communication are critical in the Tech Industry. We also dive into the benefits of training, exposure to new trends and skills, and how it allows us to have a greater impact in what we do. After, we speak with Kim Snyder. With 20 years of experience consulting executives and leaders of Fortune 500 companies on business growth, strategy, and transformation, Kim Snyder brings a great amount of knowledge and insight to this week’s episode. Going back to where it all started, Kim takes us on the path to getting to where she is today and explores the different components of technology that aren’t always at the forefront. Join us to be a part of an important discussion about a vibrant industry with many aspects and paths that need to be exposed to both young girls and women to open up an endless world of opportunities for women in tech. Interested in speaking with Kim? Schedule a call at: https://kimdsnyder.com/jennifer.

Technology Across the Globe; The Advice I Would Give My Younger Self

This week in our Tech Careers segment we welcome Mike Fernandez, who is an IT System Engineer for the Austrian Environmental Agency. With more than 10 years of experience in IT Operations, he now specializes in cloud technologies, configuration management, and automation. With the Tech Industry having one of the most competitive job markets today, Mike shares how he sets himself apart and what it took to get there. We also discuss the similarities and differences of tech in different parts of the world as Mike reflects on his experiences with technology in both the U.S. and Austria.Later, we are joined by global technology leader, investor, and advocate for advancement of women in the workplace, Harini Gokul. Harini was raised in India and came to America to further her education, receiving her MBA from Vanderbilt University. Join us as Harini shares her thoughts on being a woman in technology and her positive outlook on the progress within the industry surrounding diversity and inclusion. She shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her career and the four areas she believes are essential for success.