​Like many in the tech industry my role was recently impacted after 4 marvelous years at Indeed. While I wish my narrative was different, due to loving my role as a Senior Project Manager and working for a company with an impactful mission statement of#wehelppeoplegetjobs. At day 45 and in the shoes of the Job Seeker, I remain optimistic for the path ahead in finding my next opportunity.To date, I have learnt many things along the way and would like to share these insights with my network with the goal to create greater awareness and help those in a similar situation.Sharing my top 5 learnings thus far;Create or recreate your elevator pitchOften a large part of who we are "our identity" is tied to our role and the company that we work for. Especially when introducing yourself to someone for the first time. Partnering with Career Coach Hilary Gray in forming a 10 second elevator pitch, that focused on my lived experiences, my skills and what made me unique made me feel more at ease when first meeting business professionals alike.Key learnings here, "Play to your strengths & Be You"Have your own personal business cardsWhat I found when attending professional networking events I was often asked "Do you have a business card?" and I often replied "Unfortunately, I don't as I am in a transition". This made me realize that it was time to rebrand myself and importantly think about how I wanted to position myself in my industry. With website Vista Print and app Haystack I created a simple, yet impressionable business card that is 100% me.Key learning here, "Create a Lasting First Impression".Leverage your network and connectAs someone who naturally loves to network and connect with professionals, being in a competitive job market allowed me to think differently and beyond just applying to a role advertised. It was taking it one step further in researching people in my existing network in companies of interest while continuing to develop new relationships through attending relevant Business Chamber of Commerce events.Key Learnings here "Be Brave and Ask the Question - Who in your network could you connect me to?"Spend time investing in continuous learning- It could be as simple as reading an industry related article or taking a specific course that will enhance your already existing skills. As a Senior Project Manager, I have found online course platforms Udemy and Coursera extremely valuable as they are helping me develop skills to acquire my PMP certification.Key Learning here "Develop a Growth Mindset".Make time for enjoyment and you- Job searching can be exhausting at times, therefore finding joy in the simple things like exercise, trying something new or picking up something again can definitely create a fresh perspective. I recently started learning the Saxaphone, an instrument I have always wanted to learn however never found the time. It has been challenging yet a rewarding experience.Key Learning here "Be open to trying new things as you might just surprise yourself".​As I continue on my journey, I have recognized that small progress is still progress, enjoying the moment is precious and that you never know who you may meet along the way to help you find your next #opportunity.For anyone who is in a similar situation, would like to connect on this article further or seeking a Senior Project Manager for their team, please send me a direct message. I would love to connect and continue the conversation!​Credits: Domenique OnishiOriginal BlogGlobal Project Manager | Human Resources SME | ATS Implementation Partner​

Engineering is a dynamic field that plays a critical role in shaping our world. However, it remains a male-dominated industry, with women representing only a small fraction of the workforce. In this blog, we will share some insightful and unique tips for women in engineering on how to advance in their careers.Build a Support NetworkOne of the key factors in advancing in any career is having a support network. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, it's essential to build relationships with other women in your field. Seek out women's professional organizations and networking groups that focus on women in engineering. These groups can provide valuable mentorship, support, and networking opportunities.Be Confident and AssertiveWomen in engineering often face challenges when it comes to being taken seriously and respected in their work. It's essential to be confident and assertive in your communication and decision-making. Don't be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and share your ideas. Confidence is key in showing your expertise and advancing in your career. Seek out Professional Development OpportunitiesAs the engineering field continues to evolve, it's crucial to keep your skills and knowledge up to date. Seek out professional development opportunities, including attending conferences, training sessions, and workshops. These experiences can help you expand your skill set, stay current on trends, and make valuable connections with others in your field.Seek out Mentors and SponsorsHaving a mentor or sponsor can be instrumental in advancing your career. A mentor can provide guidance and advice on career advancement, while a sponsor can advocate for you within your organization. Seek out individuals who have experience in your field and can provide valuable insights and support.Challenge Stereotypes and BiasesThe engineering field, like many other industries, is not immune to stereotypes and biases. It's essential to challenge these stereotypes and biases, whether they come from others or from within yourself. Be aware of your own biases and work to overcome them. Advocate for yourself and other women in your field, and don't be afraid to call out instances of bias or discrimination.Despite the challenges that women in engineering face, there are positive signs of progress. According to the Society of Women Engineers, the percentage of women in engineering has been increasing steadily over the past few decades, with women now representing nearly 20% of all engineering graduates. However, there is still much work to be done to achieve gender equity in the field.In conclusion, advancing in an engineering career as a woman in a male-dominated industry can be challenging, but with the right mindset, support, and opportunities, it's possible to achieve your goals. By building a support network, being confident and assertive, seeking out professional development opportunities, finding mentors and sponsors, and challenging stereotypes and biases, women in engineering can thrive and succeed in their careers. 

​In the wake of the pandemic, the world of work has undergone a drastic shift. One of the most significant changes has been the rise of hybrid work, which combines remote and in-person work. This shift has also changed the way women network and advance their careers.Before the pandemic, networking events were a popular way for women to build connections and advance their careers. However, the pandemic has made these events almost impossible. In response, women have had to find new ways to network and connect with others.One way women have adapted to this new reality is by utilizing virtual networking tools. Platforms like LinkedIn and Zoom have become essential tools for building connections and advancing careers. However, according to research from LinkedIn, men are more likely to engage in virtual networking than women. This disparity could be due to a variety of factors, including gender biases and societal expectations. Some women's organizations have shifted their focus to virtual networking events. For example, the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) has launched a new series of virtual events, including webinars and online networking opportunities, to help members stay connected and advance their careers. Similarly, Women in Technology International (WITI) has launched a virtual networking platform called "WITI Connect," which allows members to connect with other women in their field and participate in virtual events.This disparity is particularly concerning given the current job market. According to a report by McKinsey, women's jobs are 1.8 times more vulnerable to this crisis than men's jobs. This means that women are more likely to lose their jobs or have their hours reduced. Networking and building connections can be critical in securing new opportunities and advancing careers, making the gender disparity in virtual networking all the more concerning. ​Despite these challenges, women have shown incredible resilience and adaptability. Many have found creative ways to network and connect with others, such as attending virtual events or participating in online communities. Others have used the pandemic as an opportunity to develop new skills or pursue new career paths.For example, in the United States, women-owned businesses have been particularly resilient during the pandemic. According to a survey by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), 64% of women-owned businesses reported pivoting their business strategy to adapt to the pandemic. Additionally, 31% of women business owners reported launching new products or services during the pandemic.In conclusion, the pandemic has changed the way women network and advance their careers. While virtual networking has become increasingly important, men are more likely to engage in this activity than women. Given the current job market, this disparity is concerning. However, women have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, and many have found new ways to connect and advance their careers. The rise of women-owned businesses during the pandemic is a testament to this resilience and adaptability. As we move forward into a new era of work, it will be critical to continue to support and empower women in their careers.