How Identity Has Influenced a Director, Go-to-Market Enablement and Productivity at a Software Company's Career
Caitlin acknowledges that software and technology historically had a bad reputation for diversity, equity, and inclusion, but this has changed in the last 10 years, and believes that if one can "get used to being the only one in the room sometimes, and also remember to hold the door open for others," the industry is actually a wonderful place to be as "your work just speaks for itself just like everyone else" and opportunities open up. They believe the approach to the industry should be without fear and to "get out of your own head."
Women in Tech, Diversity and Inclusion, Career Navigation, Overcoming Fear, Opportunity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Caitlin Bercha
Director, GTM Enablement & Productivity
Software Company
Cal Poly SLO
MBA - University of San Diego
English, Writing & Education
Technology
Business Strategy
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. The tech industry has historically had a bad reputation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion, but this has changed significantly in the last 10 years.
2. It's important to get comfortable being the only woman in the room sometimes and to actively 'hold the door open' for other women.
3. Overcoming initial fears and focusing on the quality of your work allows opportunities to open up in the tech industry.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman in the tech industry, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
That's a great question, and here's why. I think software and technology historically has gotten a pretty bad rap for being an industry sector that was not a big proponent of, or catalyst for, diversity, equity, or inclusion.
That has changed in the last 10 years. I've been able to see it on the front lines. As someone who identifies as a woman in software and tech, I would say if you can get used to being the only one in the room sometimes, and also remember to hold the door open for others, I think the industry, software and tech, is actually a wonderful place to be.
It's an innovative group of people who are open-minded and collaborative. I approached the industry very much with fear at first. I was afraid of the horror stories, afraid of being the only person who identifies as a woman in the room.
After a while, your work just speaks for itself, just like everyone else. As soon as you get out of your own head, doors and opportunities open right up for you.
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