Career Transition into Tech
Rizel Scarlett shared her journey into the tech industry, which began in 2016. Initially, she faced financial challenges as an undocumented immigrant, which led her to drop out of college. She explored alternative paths, including becoming a phlebotomy technician to support herself. Her interest in tech grew while working in IT support at HubSpot, where she was inspired by software engineers. Rizel eventually joined Resilient Coders, a free coding bootcamp, which helped her transition into tech. Her first significant role was at a startup called Hymer Marley, where she felt she was truly in tech.
Navigating Career and Family
Rizel discussed balancing her tech career with family life. She initially underestimated the challenges of parenting while working. Rizel emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations with her spouse and employer. She highlighted the need for childcare to manage work demands effectively. Rizel also shared her experience of returning to work after maternity leave, where she gradually eased back into her role. She advised open communication with employers about workload and expectations. Rizel’s approach involves balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities, ensuring she remains a good example for her daughter.
Home Ownership and Financial Planning
Rizel and her husband purchased a house two years ago, after she had been in tech for several years. Initially, they were skeptical about affording a home due to high housing prices and interest rates. However, they decided to save and plan strategically, realizing that their tech salaries made home ownership feasible. Rizel highlighted the importance of financial planning and saving, even when starting with a modest salary. She noted that living in Massachusetts, an expensive area, required careful financial management. Their experience underscores the value of strategic financial planning in achieving home ownership.
Breaking into Tech: Tips and Community
Rizel offered advice for those entering the tech industry, emphasizing the importance of learning in public by sharing work on platforms like GitHub and LinkedIn. She noted that even without likes, people notice and remember your work. Rizel also stressed the value of joining communities, particularly those that align with personal identity, such as women or Black people in tech. These communities provide job opportunities and career advice. She encouraged building relationships through social media interactions, which can lead to valuable connections and support in the tech field.
Leadership and Career Growth
Rizel is actively pursuing leadership opportunities in her tech career. She has been learning about leadership through resources like the Lead Dev series and by observing her managers. Rizel values the insights from her managers, who have provided guidance on leadership roles. She believes in the importance of communication and asking questions to understand leadership responsibilities better. Rizel’s proactive approach to learning about leadership reflects her commitment to career growth and her desire to take on more significant roles within her field.
