For those in tech who maybe wondering how to switch teams, positions, take on additional responsibilities, or are ready to take on a leadership position in any department. Learn strategies on: - How to assess if you're a fit for a new role - How to initiate the switch by leveraging existing skills

1. FEMGINEER FORUM: CHANGING ROLES
#femgineerforum
Poornima Vijayashanker
@femgineer
poornima@femgineer.com
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2. INTRODUCTION 2
POORNIMA VIJAYASHANKER
CEO & FOUNDER
‣ Duke University - Electrical Engineer & Computer Science
‣ R&D Engineer @ Synopsys
‣ 2nd Employee/Engineer @ Mint.com
‣ Femgineer.com
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3. FEMGINEER FORUM: CHANGING ROLES 3
AGENDA
‣ Self Assessment
‣ Mistakes
‣ Getting the Role
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4. FEMGINEER FORUM: CHANGING ROLES 4
I have never been qualified for any position.
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R&D Engineer @ Synopsys
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Founding engineer @ Mint.com
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Founder of BizeeBee.com
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I know how to sell my strengths.
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How the hiring or promoting mind thinks.
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See potential. Attitude 50% of List Effort.
Care about those 1. Team player 1. May have a few 1. Self-starter.
who are capable must haves
over those who 2. Enthusiastic abilities. 2. Can go the
already ready & and energetic extra mile.
able. 2. They know they
have to train.
3. Willing to learn.
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COMMON MISTAKES
‣ We don’t think we’re qualified because of the LIST
‣ Not thinking strategically e.g. working 40+ hours
‣ Not demonstrating results
‣ Thinking about yourself too much
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Good convincing ourselves we aren’t qualified.
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Self Assessment
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Take stock of your skills. Take stock of projects.
Take stock of your skills. Stories sell.
- list each skill - what was each project - read Made to Stick.
- how long it took you to - what was your part - prepare stories that
acquire convey skills & projects
- describe team’s
involvement - prepare for push back
- challenges YOU overcame
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Make sure you know what
you’re getting yourself into.
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CHANGING ROLES
‣ Understand the role
‣ What is involved in the day-to-day
‣ What to do & How to do it
‣ Know how to ask for help
Suggested reading: Cathie Black’s Basic Black
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Hacks.
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You’re already doing the job.
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RECOGNITION
‣ Explain the project
‣ How its already benefitted or impact the company
‣ Why you should continue leading it & need more resources
‣ Transition plan for your old dusty position
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Convey results.
Convey causes.
Create an ASK.
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22. PITCH 22
Assess Take stock of your skills and experience.
Analyze Understand the role you are interested it in.
Apply Create stories that are compelling.
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Visualize failure.
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24. EXERCISE 24
KEY OBJECTIVE(S) AGENDA
Learn to negotiate & get the 15 minutes 1.Assess yourself for the role.
offer you want! 2.Create a compelling story for it.
3.Pick partner.
4.Deliver the ASK.
5.Switch.
DELIVERABLE RESOURCES
Short skit. Pitch format: Results -> Causes -> ASK
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REVIEW
‣ Self Assessment
‣ Mistakes
‣ Getting the Role
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26. FEMGINEER FORUM: COMPELLING COMMUNICATION 26
What’s next?
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Office Hours
Fridays 2pm PST
Sign up for a 30 minute slot here!
Next Femgineer Forum January 10th!
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APPENDIX
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29. RESOURCES 29
Books
Basic Black - Cathie Black
Self Leadership & the One Minute Manager - Kenneth Blanchard
Secrets of Six Figure Women - Barbara Stanny
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office - Lois P. Frankel
Yes! 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive - Goldstein, Martin & Cialdini
Podcasts
What Great Bosses Know - The Poynter Institute Jill Geisler
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