I’m an Introverted Woman in Tech, and This is What I’m Doing to Become Successful in the Industry TD Follow Feb 24, 2018 · 3 min read

Since publishing the piece I’m an Introverted Woman in Tech, and I want to See Introverted Women Succeed in the Industry I’ve had women reach out to me asking how I managed to go against the status quo and stick it out in tech. I was only equipped with my humble beginnings, my limited resources, my tumultuous moments, and my unlimited ambition. This one’s for them, and for 18 year old Tee.

I’m staying true to what I want

The piece I’m a woman in tech, and this is what I want in the company describes exactly what I want in a company. Business is personal. If it doesn’t line up with what I want — if it’s a place where I have to find someone safe, then there are better companies out there.

I’m using my strengths

I observe. I listen. I reflect. I don’t speak for the sake of having a response, I speak when it’s appropriate. I’m at peace with not being the most prominent talker in the room because I know there are many other ways to make an impact and smash stereotypes.

I’m building meaningful relationships

I’d rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies to make a dollar. I enjoy having a few close allies who share my personal and professional goals, but whom are also eclectic for my personal growth.

I’m making mistakes

I make a lot of mistakes in my code, and I own up to them. There are days where the imposter syndrome is real. There’s so much documentation to read, so many Stack Overflow suggestions to consider, so many algorithms from Geeks for Geeks to practice, and I’m okay with not being the smartest person in the room in an industry that keeps evolving. I don’t care if people expect me as a minority to make them — there’s no better way to learn and to grow by trying and making mistakes.

I’m standing up for myself

As someone who spends time reflecting on the positives and negatives about myself and my actions, I know myself better than anyone else. People are entitled to their wrong opinions about me — as a woman, a as a black person, as a black woman. In return I’m entitled to speak up and hold people accountable when it impacts my ability to do good, honest work.

I’m taking care of myself

This industry can be a shit place. The world for sure is a shit place. There are toxic people out there that’ll make me feel bad about myself and run me out of my profession. Solitude is an important part of my self care routine as it reminds me why I love myself.

By Debbie Tung

There’s more to the list, but most of them fall into the same categories. The industry doesn’t have to be a shit place if you put in the work. I love programming. I love what I’m learning. I love who I work with. I love what my job stands for. I love the life I’m making. I love the people in it. I wouldn’t trade this for anything else. It’s rewarding to see young women and young black people — people like 18 year Tee who felt there was no room in the industry for them — inspired to work in tech because of my work. I think if 18 year old Tee read this she’d realize there’s room in this industry for anyone that enjoys tech, and is capable of working with others. This is all easier said than done, but I know you can do it. Let this be just the beginning.