Own your life and career.

Diversity is about recognizing and embracing what makes us unique. Technology is about coming up with new and creative ways to solve problems. Seems logical that you would need diversity and technology to work hand and hand. I mean, if cauliflower can be pizza, you can definitely make a career in tech. In this “Women in Tech” series, our goal is to show women in the field, or anyone considering a career in technology, that not only can you do it, but the industry needs you.

This month, we’re sharing advice from Kalyani Sekar, VP-Data Engineering. Kalyani has been with Verizon for more than 15 years and is an advocate for embracing what makes you special and putting it to it’s best use.  Here is her advice:

Own your life and career. Do not blame it solely on biases. Sure, there could be unconscious bias around you, but the best way forward to overcome it is to be clear on your path. Identify the right mentors who can provide the right advice at the right time.

Embrace technology. Technology is all pervasive; it has entered our drawing rooms as well as board rooms. So use it to your advantage.

Aspire to be technologists. Embrace technology that is going to be a basic need for survival. Use technology to make a difference to the world around you, it will give you immense satisfaction.

Stay relevant and continuously learn. It is a prerequisite for you to stay relevant and continuously evolve yourself as an individual. Seek knowledge that will help you lay the right foundation for any workstream or technology that you would be pursuing.

Tap into opportunities. When opportunities knock at your doors, take it. Count on your capabilities and expertise.

Do not get stuck in your comfort zone or fear failure. Take calculated risks. Commit 100% and results will come your way

Be the mentor and role model.  Share your experiences, spend time with aspiring tech professionals. Helping others to grow their skills will also in turn provide your confidence and a greater purpose.

Thank you to Kalyani for sharing this inspiring advice.  As we continue this series of articles focused on inspiring and uplifting women in technology, we want you to get involved.

1. Share these inspiring words with a friend or family member.
2. Encourage someone to go for a new opportunity.
3. If you can, be a mentor. There are plenty of women and girls out there who would benefit from your advice.

Stay tuned for more and share your thoughts. What resonated with you the most from this advice? Let us know at good@verizon.com.

​​V Team, go to VZWeb to join the conversation