Hi tech baddies 👋🏼 (yes, it’s 2024, and we’re proudly using this as a term of endearment). If you’re looking to transition into a more technical role, there are a few key things you can do to earn the trust of your dev team, build confidence in yourself, and break free from the grip of imposter syndrome. Here’s how to get started:
1. Embrace Curiosity
Confidence begins with curiosity. That means asking questions and seeking clarity—not in a pestering way, but with genuine interest. When I first started spending time with developers, my initial reaction was, “I’m in over my head… was that even English?” I started jotting down terms I didn’t know, and I’d look them up or see if my company had an internal glossary.
Ask your team about processes, projects, and the challenges they face. Questions like, “What are you working on?” or “What do you love or find frustrating about your role?” can give you valuable insights. Keeping notes on what people do within their domains also makes it easier to ask more focused questions down the line. And remember, if you don’t understand something, it’s okay! Clarity is key, so don’t hesitate to seek it out.
2. Cultivate a Thirst for Knowledge
Curiosity is essential, but a thirst for knowledge takes it a step further—it’s about committing to learning on your own. Building confidence in a tech space means staying informed, and there are tons of ways to do it. Subscribe to a cybersecurity newsletter, listen to the latest tech podcast, or watch a quick YouTube video on a trending topic. This keeps you up to date and boosts your understanding of the latest in tech.
Now this one is definitely hard but the pay off is worth it, you’d also be surprised how willing your team is willing to work with your schedule when you put in the extra work.
Me starting a Product Management Course in 2023.
I’ve taken a few micro-certifications myself, which is a fantastic way to add new skills to your toolkit. Whether it’s a basic data analysis course on LinkedIn Learning, learning Python on Udemy, or a product management certification, these additions will compound over time and add value to your role. Plus, if you can surprise a dev by knowing something new or even just sharing a funny tech meme, you’re earning “street cred.” (Pro tip: devs love a good meme or challenge game!)
It pays off in the end, not only did I walk away with a certificate but I ended up winning a hackathon as a part of the course as well.
When I told my team most of them said “Of course you did” I like to think that’s because they know how prepared I come to everything.
3. Put Your Knowledge to the Test
The fastest way to build influence is to show you’re engaged and proactive. Maybe you’re the one who finds that elusive bug, volunteers to test a new feature, or shares an article about the latest tech drama. Taking initiative shows your team that you’re willing to dive in and contribute.
Whether you’re catching bugs, leading a discussion, or staying on top of tech trends, making an impact starts with being an active participant. This goes for all roles, really. So, get in there, start conversations, and don’t be afraid to take the lead.
Most importantly, don’t give up! You’ve got this. Keep learning, keep growing, and remember that every expert started where you are right now.
~ ITgirl