Tech Unlocked
The Tech Unlocked Podcast aims to demystify and diversify the tech industry by giving you the keys to unlock your tech career. On this show, you'll hear authentic and informative career conversations with incredible guests on how to get a job in tech and build a successful tech career. Visit https://www.techunlocked.co/ and use #techunlockedpod on social media to continue the conversation.
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100 | How to Stop Sabotaging Your Tech Career in Your 20's or 30's ( Learn these 3 Hard Lessons NOW)
04/17/2025
100 | How to Stop Sabotaging Your Tech Career in Your 20's or 30's ( Learn these 3 Hard Lessons NOW)
Wow, today we hit 100 episodes of Tech Unlocked! 🎉 It's been an incredible journey chatting with brilliant minds in the tech industry and navigating my own tech career in the last 6 years To celebrate this milestone, I'm taking a pause to reflect and share something truly valuable with you. In this special episode, I'm distilling countless hours of conversations and personal experience down to the 3 most impactful career lessons I've learned. These aren't just theories; they are the recurring themes, the hard truths, and the actionable insights that have surfaced again and again from both my amazing guests and my own time working in tech. Whether you're in your 20s or 30s, just starting your tech career, looking to level up, or feeling a bit stuck, these are the principles I believe can genuinely help you navigate the complexities, avoid common pitfalls, and build a more fulfilling and successful path forward. Watch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC1cIjeqnPc&lc=UgwM2lwW2c2wnNpiwrd4AaABAg ⌛️ CHAPTERS: - intro - podcast update - lesson 1 - lesson 2 - lesson 3 - life changing quote by Elizabeth Gilbert - why i am quitting podcasting 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER: Questions about sponsorship? Email us To listen to the full conversation, and others like it, subscribe to Tech Unlocked Podcast on your app of choice: Spotify: Apple: Etc:
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EP 99 | Top 5 Overlooked Tech Jobs Nobody Talks About (But Should)
03/27/2025
EP 99 | Top 5 Overlooked Tech Jobs Nobody Talks About (But Should)
Tired of hearing about the same tech careers in 2025? In episode 99, I dive into 5 overlooked but incredibly lucrative tech careers that are positioned for explosive growth. After 6 years in the industry, I've researched the most promising fields beyond the usual software engineering, data science or even AI roles. For each job role I share the definition, average salary, pros & cons, and skills needed to thrive in that specific role. By the end of this video, you'll discover five alternative paths to tech success that match or even exceed the compensation of traditional roles and position youself at the forefront of technological innovation. Ready to shape the future? Then is this episode is for you! 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER: 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ ✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news: Questions about sponsorship? Email us: [email protected] 🧐SOURCES: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2023) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ CompTIA Tech Industry Outlook (2023) https://www.comptia.org/content/research/it-industry-trends-analysis CBRE Tech Talent Report (2023) https://www.cbre.com/insights/reports/scoring-tech-talent-2023 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide (2023) https://www.roberthalf.com/salary-guide Deloitte Technology Industry Outlook (2023) https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/technology/articles/technology-industry-outlook.html IEEE Engineering Salary Survey (2023) https://www.ieee.org/membership/products/financial-advantage-program/salary-service.html International Federation of Robotics Annual World Robotics Report (2023) https://ifr.org/worldrobotics/ McKinsey Global Institute Future of Work Report https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/future-of-work Morgan Stanley Space Team Industry Analysis (2022) https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/investing-in-space BCG Quantum Computing Market Analysis (2023) https://www.bcg.com/publications/2023/quantum-computing-market-analysis Game Developer Salary Survey (2023) https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-developer-salary-survey-2023 Newzoo Global Games Market Report (2023) https://newzoo.com/insights/trend-reports/newzoo-global-games-market-report-2023 American Intellectual Property Law Association Economic Survey (2023) https://www.aipla.org/detail/journal-issue/economic-survey-2023 Thomson Reuters Institute Legal Market Report (2023) https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en/institute.html Robotics Industries Association Market Analysis (2022) https://www.robotics.org/market-analysis Association for Computing Machinery Ethics Survey (2023) https://www.acm.org/publications Aerospace Industries Association Industry Facts & Figures (2023) https://www.aia-aerospace.org/research-resources/ Journal of Aerospace Engineering Regulatory Impact Study (2022) https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jaeeez Nature Quantum Computing Expert Survey (2023) https://www.nature.com/subjects/quantum-computing IEEE Quantum Computing Reproducibility Analysis (2022) https://www.computer.org/csdl/journal/qc International Game Developers Association Developer Satisfaction Survey (2023) https://igda.org/resources/developer-satisfaction-survey/ International Bar Association Global Technology Regulation Survey (2023) https://www.ibanet.org/ LinkedIn Emerging Jobs Report (2023) https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/resources/talent-intelligence To listen to the full conversation, and others like it, subscribe to Tech Unlocked Podcast on your app of choice: Spotify: Apple: Etc: 🫡 DISCLAIMER: This content is based on my personal opinion and research
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98 | Land Your Dream Tech Role: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market with Karen Ngo
02/01/2025
98 | Land Your Dream Tech Role: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market with Karen Ngo
In Episode 98, Grace sits down with Karen Ngo, a highly successful Communications Manager at Microsoft. Karen shares her inspiring career journey, revealing how she landed her dream role despite lacking prior communications experience. During the conversation, Karen provides invaluable insights into the key skills and qualities required for success in today's tough job market. She also unveils her unique approach to career development: the "Career Walking Deck," a powerful tool for showcasing your skills, building your network, and landing your next big opportunity. Don't miss this insightful episode packed with actionable advice for anyone looking to break into the tech industry or level up their career. Karen Ngo’s personal philosophy is growing 1% everyday through finding inspiration to share with the world. She is passionate about career development and has a blog that is ranked #1 on Google/Bing for “career walking decks” and has helped thousands of job seekers with their career development through services like Resume Rescue. In her day job, Karen is a CEO Communications Manager at Microsoft where she drives operational excellence across the Office of the CEO and partners with global teams and senior stakeholders on CEO events and communications. 🎯 Connect with Karen: | 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ ✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news: Instagram: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast? Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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97 | Why Is the World So Obsessed with DeepSeek AI? (Everything You Should Know)
01/29/2025
97 | Why Is the World So Obsessed with DeepSeek AI? (Everything You Should Know)
In this episode, Grace uncovers how a small Chinese AI startup is challenging Silicon Valley's AI dominance and dives into: How DeepSeek outperformed billion-dollar AI models Why Nvidia's stock is feeling the heat Why we need to invest in AI education DeepSeek Vs ChatGPT 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER: 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ ✨ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news: Instagram: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Questions about sponsorship? Email us 🧐SOURCES:
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96 | The Real Reason Behind the Tiktok US Ban, Meta's MAGA Makeover, and RedNote's "Sudden" Rise
01/19/2025
96 | The Real Reason Behind the Tiktok US Ban, Meta's MAGA Makeover, and RedNote's "Sudden" Rise
When tech companies consistently prioritize profits over people or try to cut corners on safety and ethical practices, it erodes trust and ultimately undermines the very foundation of our democracy . From #meta cutting its fact-checking team to TikTok's potential demise in the US, this episode uncovers the hidden connections behind today's biggest tech headlines like: - Meta's mass layoffs and fact-checker purge - TikTok's looming US ban and the surprising rise of RedNote - The silent dismantling of DEI programs across Big Tech In episode 96, Grace breaks down recent alarming tech trends and reveals 3 crucial lessons for tech workers and content creators navigating this new landscape. Discover how these changes impact your digital rights and learn strategies to protect your online presence. 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWS LETTER: https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast? 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips and tech news: Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@techunlockedpod Instagram: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected] DISCLAIMER: This video is based on my personal opinion and research. SOURCES: https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-58719674 https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2024/04/23/congress-passes-tiktok-ban-biden-china/73424172007/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2025/01/15/these-billionaires-companies-and-investors-elon-musk-frank-mccourt-and-more-could-buy-tiktok-as-ban-looms/ https://www.npr.org/2025/01/04/nx-s1-5248299/cartoonist-quits-wapo-over-bezos-trump-cartoon-washingtonpost https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/01/15/donald-trump-tiktok-ban/77724323007/ https://about.fb.com/news/2025/01/meta-more-speech-fewer-mistakes/ https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/society-equity/meta-end-diversity-programs-ahead-trump-inauguration-2025-01-10/ https://techcrunch.com/2025/01/17/tiktok-ceo-responds-to-trump-thanks-him-for-trying-to-solve-us-ban/ https://www.npr.org/2025/01/15/nx-s1-5260742/tiktok-china-rednote-xiaohongshu-app https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/15/republicans-dei-la-fires-00198551 https://www.npr.org/2025/01/10/nx-s1-5252757/california-wildfires-dei-diversity-influencers-firefighters https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meta-dei-programs-mcdonalds-walmart-ford-diversity/ https://www.axios.com/2025/01/10/meta-dei-programs-employees-trump https://www.npr.org/transcripts/1225172096 https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2025/01/14/what-the-tiktok-ban-means-for-your-business/ https://x.com/jason/status/1876767521912897540?s=46 https://babylonbee.com/news/guy-who-said-facebook-was-not-suppressing-free-speech-announces-facebook-will-stop-suppressing-free-speech https://apnews.com/article/meta-facebook-zuckerberg-board-members-dana-white-199436c62c934ebb751b564f874ad2f6 https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4988461-meta-antitrust-case-ftc/amp/ https://www.businessinsider.com/low-performer-label-meta-microsoft-layoffs-impact-recruiters-experts-2025-1 https://fortune.com/2025/01/15/tiktok-ceo-shou-zi-chew-mark-zuckerberg-intern-facebook/ https://apnews.com/article/tiktok-buyers-divestment-ban-8429dfb422c4cefb6b0807aeb2c5cd56 https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/15/republicans-dei-la-fires-00198551 https://time.com/7206543/the-los-angeles-fires-have-nothing-to-do-with-dei/ https://x.com/armankhon/status/1880647301494132930?s=46
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95 | How To Get A Tech Job in 2025 (3 Honest Truths No One's Telling You)
01/13/2025
95 | How To Get A Tech Job in 2025 (3 Honest Truths No One's Telling You)
The tech job market in 2025 isn't what you think. Before you send another application, you NEED to know these crucial changes in tech hiring. Is it too late to work in tech in 2025? The answer is much more complex than you think. In Episode 95, Grace shares 3 brutal truths and tips for those who want to find a tech job in 2025. 🎯 SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSETTER: https://substack.com/@techunlockedpodcast? 💡 Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod 💫Communities: https://www.pocitjobs.com/entry https://www.diversifytech.com/hire https://www.colorstack.org/ https://www.edlyft.com/ https://dev.to/ Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected] DISCLAIMER: This video is based on my personal experience and research. Results may vary.
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94 | 2025 Tech Job Market Predictions
01/01/2025
94 | 2025 Tech Job Market Predictions
2025 is going to be a chaotic and entertaining year in technology. From layoffs to the potential increase of H-1B visas. Grace shares her top 5 prediction for tech careers in 2025. Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected] Sources:
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93 | Why Millions have Left Twitter/X, and Where Everyone is Turning To
11/18/2024
93 | Why Millions have Left Twitter/X, and Where Everyone is Turning To
Regardless of your political views, you're probably glad the election season is over. This episode isn't about the presidential election or politics, but it does explore a major domino effect that followed it: the mass exodus from Twitter/X. In this solo episode, Grace shares the explosive rise of Bluesky, a new platform capturing millions seeking an alternative to Elon Musk's X (formerly Twitter). We'll discuss: The defining features that set Bluesky apart from its competitors The reasons behind the mass migration, fueled by dissatisfaction with X The implications of Bluesky's decentralized structure for user control and data ownership How Bluesky plans to sustain itself financially while maintaining a user-friendly experience The challenges and ethical considerations of decentralized social media Whether you're a tech enthusiast or simply curious about the future of online communication, this episode promises to inform and inspire. Discover how Bluesky could reshape our digital interactions and what it means for established platforms like X. ————————————————————————————————————————————- Sources: Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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92 | Gen Z vs. the Workplace: A Survival Guide for Young Professionals
11/08/2024
92 | Gen Z vs. the Workplace: A Survival Guide for Young Professionals
60% of employers have admitted to firing Gen Z employees this year. Is there something wrong with Gen Z, or are employers missing the mark? In this episode, Grace chats with Sarah MacJones, a Gen Z college student navigating the challenging tech job market. They delve into the reasons behind employer dissatisfaction with Gen Z, the changing dynamics of the workplace, and the strategies young professionals can employ to secure and maintain employment. Tune in to discover: The real reasons why employers are hesitant to hire Gen Z The impact of remote work on Gen Z's job search How to stand out in a competitive job market The future of work and the role of Gen Z Don't miss this insightful conversation about the evolving workplace and the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z. Sources: Connect with Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.macjones/ Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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91 | Why Google Paid $2.7 Billion to Rehire One Employee
10/20/2024
91 | Why Google Paid $2.7 Billion to Rehire One Employee
The rule of thumb is "never go back to an ex," but what if your ex is willing to pay you $2.7 billion to take them back and make the relationship work? Would you do it? Recently, Google made a $2.7 billion deal that brought back one of their top AI engineers, Noam Shazeer who worked at Google for more than 20 years but left to start his own company in 2021. Beyond this shocking headline, we are going to settle the age-old debate of choosing to be a specialist vs. generalist in your tech career. How do you choose which path is right for you? and Which path pays off in the long run? Article: Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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90 |Realistic Entry Level Tech Jobs in 2024 (No Coding Required)
10/11/2024
90 |Realistic Entry Level Tech Jobs in 2024 (No Coding Required)
Let's be real - while social media is flooded with stories of six-figure tech salaries and dream jobs, the current tech job market tells a different story. Engineering roles are becoming increasingly competitive, and many of you are doubting if you can still break into the tech industry. Well, I've got good news for you. Despite what the headlines might suggest, there are still plenty of opportunities out there - especially if you know where to look. In today's episode, we're pulling back the curtain on five entry-level tech roles that can help you break into tech. These positions not only offer solid growth potential but also don't require years of experience or a computer science degree. We'll break down each role, covering everything you need to know: - What the job actually entails (beyond the buzzwords) - The average salary you can expect (because let's face it, that matters) - The essential skills you'll need to get your foot in the door Whether you're looking to break into tech or pivot within the industry, this episode is your practical roadmap to finding opportunities that are both accessible and rewarding. Resources: Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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89 | The Hidden Dangers of Remote Work and 4 ways to Avoid them
10/05/2024
89 | The Hidden Dangers of Remote Work and 4 ways to Avoid them
The Wall Street Journal reported people working from home got promoted in the past year than office-based workers. The honest truth is that remote work does not benefit everyone. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the hidden dangers of remote work in tech, how to avoid them, and 4 ways thrive in your career if you’re currently remote. Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected] Stats Sources: Remote communities + job boards:
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88 | Tech Career Hack: How to Master the Art of Self-Advocacy with Shailvi Wakhlu
09/12/2024
88 | Tech Career Hack: How to Master the Art of Self-Advocacy with Shailvi Wakhlu
Tired of being overlooked for promotions and feeling hesitant to discuss your accomplishments? Join us as Grace chats with Shailvi Wakhlu, a seasoned Data Leader with over 17 years of experience building successful teams and impactful technology products. Shailvi, a former Salesforce, Fitbit, and Strava executive, has shared her expertise at countless conferences, coached hundreds of individuals, and authored the best-selling book "Self-Advocacy." In this episode, she'll share her career journey and practical tips to help you: Negotiate effectively: Learn the art of confident communication and secure the deals you deserve. Navigate complex conversations: Overcome challenges and advocate for your ideas with ease. Land coveted promotions, raises, and new opportunities: Discover the strategies that can propel your tech career forward. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your tech career to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you become a confident and successful self-advocate! Connect With Shailvi: Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ3GXN45 Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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87 | 5 Tech Jobs AI Can't Replace
09/07/2024
87 | 5 Tech Jobs AI Can't Replace
“Everybody in the world is now a programmer. This is the miracle of artificial intelligence.” - Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia If everyone is a programmer, is it still worth studying computer science or becoming a software engineer? While Jesen’s statement is true to some degree. It doesn’t mean that tech jobs are all going away because of AI. In today’s episode, Grace shares 5 tech jobs that can't be replace by AI. Sources: Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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86 | You Don't Need A Mentor
08/23/2024
86 | You Don't Need A Mentor
Getting a mentor is not the answer to your career problems but if you're looking to elevate your mentorship experience there are a few important things to keep in mind. In this episode, Grace shares the common myths about mentorship, how to find the right mentors for your career growth, 3 types of mentors you need, how to evaluate your mentorship relationships and how to gracefully end a mentorship that is no longer necessary. Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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85 | 3 Hacks Every Job Seeker Should Know
08/10/2024
85 | 3 Hacks Every Job Seeker Should Know
In today's competitive tech job market, where positions can attract over 100 applicants in just a few hours, simply submitting applications and hoping for the best isn't enough. In this episode, Grace offers 3 key strategies to help you stand out and succeed in your job search. Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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84 | How to Deal with Uncertainty in your Tech Career
08/02/2024
84 | How to Deal with Uncertainty in your Tech Career
Feeling uncertain about your career path can be daunting. But don't worry—you're not alone! If you're contemplating a career change and unsure of your next steps, this throwback episode is a must-listen. Join Grace as she shares 3 practical tips to help you conquer career uncertainty and confidently navigate your professional journey. From embracing the unknown to taking actionable steps, this episode is packed with valuable insights to empower your career decisions. Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: www.techunlocked.co Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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83 | Demystifying the Most Secure Job Role in Tech with Ilhan Jama
07/18/2024
83 | Demystifying the Most Secure Job Role in Tech with Ilhan Jama
What's the safest job in tech and is it layoff proof? In today's episode, I chat with Ilhan Jama. She shares her non tradtional path from med school to working in technology. Ilhan is a Cybersecurity engineer, Content creator, and the founder of Unlearningx. She's passionate about creating accessibility in Tech as well as breaking down barriers to entry. Driven by the ethos of 'unlearning to relearn,' ilhan's commitment to community-building and mentorship makes her a key figure in shaping an accessible and inclusive future in tech. Key takeaways from this episode: How Ilhan transitioned from the medical industry to the tech industry Skills needed to thrive in cybersecurity Common misconceptions about cybersecurity Online resources to help you grow you cybersecurity skills How to network and create a resume that make you stand out in the job search Connect with Ilhan: Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: www.techunlocked.co Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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82 | Tech Career Confessions: My Biggest Career Regrets/Mistakes [Learn From My Failures]
07/12/2024
82 | Tech Career Confessions: My Biggest Career Regrets/Mistakes [Learn From My Failures]
As an introvert, I hate to put my personal business out there on the internet but I think my past career mistakes can save your tech career which is why I am revealing some of my career regrets. In this episode, I share my biggest career regrets after 5+ years working in big tech as a Cloud Engineer. Learn from my mistakes so you can grow and thrive in your tech career. What you will learn in this episode: How to become visible at your job & have high impact The importants of having internal informationals How to prep for interview while you’re still employed What to talk about with Skip manger during your 1:1 meetings The most important finically decision to make early in your career How to overcome imposter syndrome Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: www.techunlocked.co Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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81 | 5 Easy Ways to Attend ANY Tech Conference for FREE
06/28/2024
81 | 5 Easy Ways to Attend ANY Tech Conference for FREE
In 2024, you shouldn’t be paying for tech conferences especially in this crazy economy. In this solo episode, I share 5 easy ways for you to attend any tech conference for free especially if you are looking into breaking into tech as a student or working professional. I have attended over 150+ tech events/conferences for free ranging from a student to a tech professional and I will show you how you can do it too. Key Takeaways: 5 ways to attend tech conferences for free Pros and Cons of attending tech conferences The best way to get a job or an interview at a tech conference How to prep before attending your first tech conferences Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: www.techunlocked.co Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: https://www.instagram.com/gracemacjonez/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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80 | How to successfully transition from a software engineer to a product manager with Cherita Ousley
06/13/2024
80 | How to successfully transition from a software engineer to a product manager with Cherita Ousley
The software engineer (SWE) to product manager (PM) pipeline is strong in 2024 but does that mean it is a sign for YOU to make that transition? If you’ve thought about what it takes to become a product manager then this is the perfect episode for you. In this episode I chat with Cherita Ousley who is a product manager at microsoft about what it take to sucessfully transtion from SWE to PM. She demystifies the role of a PM and gives you keys to unlock a successful career as a PM. Cherita Ousley is a multi-faceted professional, blending her roles as a fitness coach and product manager in the tech industry. With a strong passion for promoting healthy living, she advocates for wellness through fitness, mindfulness, and spirituality. Cherita believes that a balanced lifestyle, encompassing physical health and emotional intelligence, is essential for personal fulfillment and productivity. Her approach to leadership is marked by kindness, empathy, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact and forging genuine connections. In this episode we talked about: how cherita went from kinesiology to software engineering (SWE) if coding boot camps are still worth it in 2024? pros and cons of coding boot camps the hardest part about transitioning into tech with a non technical SWE background the challenges of working in tech without a CS degree how to know when it’s time to switch from SWE to PM in your career what to do before switching to a PM the difference between the mindset of PM vs SWE the day to day lifestyle of a PM how to build your professional career & network in tech Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: www.techunlocked.co Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Linkedin: Grace Macjones Connect with Cherita: Linkedin: PM Resources: Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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79 | The Future of Tech Careers & DEI with Brenda Darden Wilkerson (part 2)
05/30/2024
79 | The Future of Tech Careers & DEI with Brenda Darden Wilkerson (part 2)
This is part 2 of a conversation about the future of tech jobs & DEI with Brenda Darden Wilkerson the current President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women and non-binary technologists in business, academia, and government. In this episode we talk about: -How to manage your mental health & burn out working in tech -How Brenda got her current job as a CEO of AnitaB.org -The importance of being part of tech community -How to position yourself for the future of tech jobs/careers Connect with Brenda: LinkedIn.com/in/Brenda-Darden-Wilkerson Learn more about Grace Hopper: Grace Hopper Celebration 2024 (GHC 24) will be in Philadelphia, PA on October 8-11 (https://ghc.anitab.org/) Connect with Grace: Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Linkedin: Grace Macjones
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78 | The Future of Tech Careers & DEI with Brenda Darden Wilkerson (part 1)
05/24/2024
78 | The Future of Tech Careers & DEI with Brenda Darden Wilkerson (part 1)
What is the future of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and tech jobs? Why are tech leaders removing their commitments to DEI? In today's episode, Grace chats with Brenda Darden Wilkerson the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, a global nonprofit organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women and non-binary technologists in business, academia, and government. We talk about: -Why we are seeing more layoffs and its impact on diverse workers -The future of DEI in tech -How DEI leaders can innovate in this new tech landscape -What really happened at Grace Hopper Celebration Conference in 2023 and what to expect at this year's conference. Connect with Brenda: LinkedIn.com/in/Brenda-Darden-Wilkerson Learn more about Grace Hopper: https://ghc.anitab.org/ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones
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77 | Tech Careers are Dead. What's Next?
05/16/2024
77 | Tech Careers are Dead. What's Next?
We're BACK! Did you miss us? Cause we missed you. In this solo episoode, Grace shares her thoughts, opinions and perspective about what is currently going on in the tech indurstry with all the layoffs. She provides 3 major keys for tech workers looking to progress in their career duing this unpredictable and unceratin job market. If tech jobs and career are declining in this current job market then what is next? If you're curous to know the answer, then you will enjoy this epsiode. __ Key Takeaways: What caused recent tech layoffs and the decline in demand for engineers and other tech workers How Tech workers can create the future instead of being afraid of it The importance of having an idenity outide of your job 3 Ways to have a mission driven tech career __ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Linkedin: Grace Macjones
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76 | The One Skill You Need To Advance Your Career with Kimberly Hill
11/02/2023
76 | The One Skill You Need To Advance Your Career with Kimberly Hill
When is the right time for a career change? What valuable soft skills do we take for granted? How can we make the most of our abilities? All of these questions are answered in this week’s episode. Grace chats with Kimberly Hill, who shares her invaluable insights on advancing your career in the fast-paced world of tech. ____________ Key Takeaways: The importance of seizing opportunities when they arise, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. Embracing new challenges can lead to incredible career growth. Recognizing when it's time for a career change is a vital skill. Willingness to pivot can open up new horizons and avenues for personal and professional growth. Finding purpose and passion in your work and personal life is crucial. Kimberly's experiences offer guidance on balancing your career with personal values and interests, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful professional journey. _____________ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones Connect with Kimberly: Linkedin: Kimberly Hill Instagram and TikTok: TomeCandles Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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75 | Surviving Tech Layoffs with David Macjones
10/26/2023
75 | Surviving Tech Layoffs with David Macjones
What do you do when you’ve been laid off? How do you deal with the financial and mental uncertainty? How do you upskill yourself to pivot into a new role? All of these questions are answered in this week’s episode. Grace chats with her brother David Macjones, who shares his own background and experience with the recent tech layoffs— and most importantly, how to navigate the uncertainty of it all. ____________ Key Takeaways: Shifting your mental perspective when dealing with an unexpected layoff to one of optimism and preparation instead of doubt and failure. Understanding not to take the processes and obligations of Big Tech companies personally. Learning to survey the landscape of your company and the tech industry as a whole can save you lots of prep time. Finding a purpose, hobbies, and other streams of revenue outside of your 9-5 is crucial to overall work-life balance. Prioritize personal values while looking for roles to pivot into. Upskill yourself so that companies have no choice but to value your worth. _____________ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones Connect with David: Instagram: @dmacjonez Linkedin: David Macjones Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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74 | Breaking Into the Creator Economy with Sandy Lin
10/19/2023
74 | Breaking Into the Creator Economy with Sandy Lin
Content creation is at an all time high, and we’re here to provide some guidance and tools on how you can join the creator economy! In this episode, Grace chats with Sandy Lin, an entrepreneur and creator, about the creator economy, transitioning into it, the role of creative perspectives, and the future of content creation and technology in this evolving landscape. ____________ Key Takeaways: Sandy shifted into the creator economy during the pandemic by sharing her journey as a young entrepreneur on platforms like TikTok. Learning to leverage business experience and understanding that creative perspectives are valuable Even without a technical background, individuals can venture into tech-based companies by learning from mentors, networking, and accessing resources. The creator economy is a rapidly growing market with significant potential for empowering individuals to monetize their content. AI holds promise for improving content creation, particularly in editing and language translation. _____________ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones Connect with Sandy: Instagram: @bysandylin Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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73 | Demystifying Emerging Technologies with Liya Safina
10/13/2023
73 | Demystifying Emerging Technologies with Liya Safina
What’s the difference between a tech Hype Cycle vs High Potential? In this episode, Grace chats with Liya Safina, a tech innovation strategy leader, to discuss the current state of emerging tech. ____________ Key Takeaways: - It is crucial to distinguish marketing hype from the actual utility of emerging tech. - AR and VR technologies hold significant potential, especially in education and high-stakes situations. - Ethics and recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and being open to learning - Honing creative skills, networking, and seeking speculative or pro bono work can aid in navigating your tech career. - Being proactive and taking initiative are essential skills to be successful in this industry. _____________ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: www.techunlocked.co Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod TikTok: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones Connect with Liya: Twitter: @imuzza Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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72 | The Good, the Bad, and the Future of Crypto with Maggie Love
10/06/2023
72 | The Good, the Bad, and the Future of Crypto with Maggie Love
What is the current state of Crypto? Some may say it’s dead, but is it really? In this episode, Grace chats with Maggie Love, the founder of She Fi (a Decentralized Finance education initiative for women) to discuss the good, the bad, and the future of cryptocurrency. ____________ Key Takeaways: The evolution of crypto hype cycles NFTs allow for community building and advocate for storytellers. The potential for a more decentralized world, where individuals have more control Choosing a path in crypto and how you want to solve specific problems Mass adoption of crypto is in its early stages with NFTs being a recent example of increased public interest. Empowering people with technology can turn casual fans into active participants. ____________ Connect with Maggie: Twitter: @She__Fi Instagram: @love.maggie_ Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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71 | Intro to Prompt Engineering with Seth Juarez
10/06/2023
71 | Intro to Prompt Engineering with Seth Juarez
We’re back! With AI on the rise, there is so much to discuss and demystify about this sector of the tech industry. In this brand new episode, Grace chats with Seth Juarez, a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft, to discuss an introduction to prompt engineering and the fundamentals behind AI as well as its harms. ____________ Key Takeaways: Prompt engineering as a crucial aspect of AI, particularly in working with models like Chat GPT. Skills needed and tools for beginners to get started as a prompt engineer AI enhances user experience, its interaction with humans, and its harms. Diversity and Inclusion in Tech Spaces and why it's important for efficient prompt engineering. The historical aspect of automation and job shifts. _____________ Connect with Seth: Twitter: @sethjuarez AI Show: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlrxD0HtieHinivDFATQd5qyjL6ijKHUF Follow Tech Unlocked for more career tips: Website: Instagram: @techunlockedpod Twitter: @techunlockedpod Connect with Grace: Instagram: @gracemacjonez Twitter: @gracemacjones Linkedin: Grace Macjones Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on Apple and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us [email protected]
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