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Why You Should Consider Going For The Azure Fundamentals Certification

admin — Sun, 29 Dec 2024 20:16:39 +0000

TECH

FIDENCE

BUILDING CONFIDENT WOMEN IN TECH

Why I Chose to Get Azure Certified (and Why You Should Consider It Too)

On Friday, I shared some exciting news proudly announcing that I’d passed the Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certification. While I received lots of kind congratulations (thank you!), some people reached out and admitted they weren’t quite sure what it was or why I decided to pursue it.

I figured this is the perfect opportunity to break it all down after getting questions like “What’s Azure?”, “Why is this certification important?”, “Is it something I need to think about?”, etc.

It got me thinking about the bigger picture and why I wanted to share this milestone in the first place. So, I decided to write this article to shed some light on what Azure is, why I felt compelled to get certified, the opportunities it opens up, and why I believe others (especially women and anyone exploring tech careers) should consider certifications like this as part of their growth journey and what it could mean for their careers.

Hopefully it’ll inspire some of you to explore this certification for yourselves :-).

What is Azure?

In simple terms, Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. It’s a bit like a ‘giant toolbox’ for organisations, providing them with the ability to host, store, and manage their data and applications online instead of relying on physical servers. Azure offers solutions for things like building websites, running machine learning models, hosting apps, managing data, and even supporting IoT (Internet of Things) devices, etc.

Azure powers a lot of what makes our digital world tick. It’s used by businesses across the world, from startups to massive corporation companies, and its reach is growing every day as organisations migrate to the cloud.

What is the Azure Fundamentals Certification?

So what is the Azure Fundamentals AZ-900 certification?

It’s an entry-level certification for anyone who wants to understand the basics of cloud computing and how specifically Microsoft Azure works. It’s designed for people who are either new to the tech industry or who may already have some tech experience but want to deepen their knowledge of cloud computing.

The best part? You don’t need to have prior technical experience to get started! It’s the kind of certification that works well for technical professionals, business leaders, or anyone curious about how cloud technology can impact their work.

The certification covers topics like:

What cloud computing is (and how it differs from traditional IT infrastructure).
Core services Azure offers (like virtual machines, storage, databases, and more).
Security, privacy, compliance, and trust in the cloud.
Pricing and cost management in Azure.

It’s very approachable and gives you a strong foundation to build on, no matter what your level of technical expertise is.

Why Did I Get Certified?

As someone with 20 years of experience in the tech industry, you might wonder why I decided to pursue this certification now. I did it for a few reasons:

The Industry is Evolving

The shift toward cloud computing isn’t a trend, it’s the future of how technology is delivered. Azure and other cloud platforms like AWS and Google Cloud are becoming essential to modern businesses. For me, staying relevant in this space means understanding the tools and technologies shaping it. And I’ve been exposed to Azure technology on and off a for a while, but as I was focus on Mobile development over the last few years before moving into a leadership role, I never really carved out the time to learn about it in a bit more depth. An opportunity came up recently to pursue an certification during November, so it was an opportunity not to be missed and to really focus on it within a tight deadline.

Learning Never Stops

I’ve always believed in lifelong learning (albeit its been inconsistent for me recently). Even though I’ve spent years in software development teams delivering digital products, and recently in leadership roles in tech, I know there’s always something new to learn. Studying for this certification gave me an opportunity to step back, challenge myself, and deepen my understanding of an area that’s central to the future of tech and heavily used by many companies already.

Lead by Example

As a woman in tech, I want to show others, especially those who may feel unsure about their ability to take on certifications or new skills, that it’s never too late to invest in yourself. Whether you’re new to the industry or have years of experience, taking the time to learn something new is always worth it.

Broaden My Opportunities

Cloud computing skills are in high demand. The Azure Fundamentals certification is just the beginning, but it’s already opened my eyes to opportunities in areas like cloud solution architecture, DevOps and security. It’s helped me see where I can grow and where I can bring even more value to my teams and my career.

What Opportunities Does It Open Up?

The Azure Fundamentals certification is often referred to as a “gateway certification.” It won’t make you a cloud expert overnight, but it provides a solid foundation to pursue more advanced certifications like:

Azure Administrator Associate
Azure Developer Associate
Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert
Azure Security Engineer Associate

Beyond certifications, understanding Azure and cloud computing will give you:

A competitive edge in the job market. Many organisations are moving to the cloud, and employers are eager to hire people who understand how cloud platforms like Azure work. Even if you’re not in a technical role, understanding cloud concepts can help you contribute to projects and decision-making in new ways.

The ability to pivot your career. Whether you’re already in tech or just starting out, cloud computing knowledge can open doors to roles in data analytics, cybersecurity, AI, and beyond.

Confidence to grow. Certifications build more than just skills, they build confidence. Studying for and passing the exam gave me a sense of accomplishment and momentum to keep learning.

Why You Should Consider Getting Certified?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “But I’m not that technical!”, I’m telling you honestly, you don’t have to be! That’s what makes the Azure Fundamentals certification so approachable.

Here are a few reasons to consider it:

It’s Beginner-Friendly

The certification doesn’t require any prior technical experience. The learning materials are straightforward, and there are plenty of free or low-cost resources out there to help you prepare.

It’s Affordable

The exam itself costs around £69 in the UK($69 in the US), and Microsoft often offers free training sessions and sometimes offer discounted exam vouchers.

It’s Quick to Achieve

Most people can prepare for the certification in a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how much time they dedicate to studying.

It’s a Confidence Booster

Whether you’re looking to enter the tech industry or just want to understand what the cloud is all about, passing this certification can give you the confidence to take your next steps.

I know that stepping into tech, or even just learning something new, can feel daunting at times. Maybe you’ve told yourself, “I’m not technical,” or, “It’s too late for me to start.” But trust me it’s not too late, and you’re far more capable than you think.

Taking the time to study for and pass the Azure Fundamentals certification was a reminder for me that learning never stops and that the tech industry is full of opportunities for anyone willing to take the first step. Whether you’re already a tech professional or just dipping your toes into tech for the first time, certifications like this can open up doors and empower you to grow in ways you might not have thought possible.

So, if you’ve been thinking about exploring cloud computing, I encourage you to take a look at Azure Fundamentals. Who knows? It might just be the first step toward an exciting new chapter in your tech career.

Let me know if you decide to give it a try, I’d love to cheer you on!

If this article resonates with you or you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Why You Should Consider Going For The Azure Fundamentals Certification

Career In Tech: Top Skills Women Need To Succeed In A Tech Career

Uncovering Your Ideal Role and Where You Fit in the Tech Industry: A Guide for Women Making a Career Change

Career In Tech: Top Skills Women Need To Succeed In A Tech Career

admin — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 19:44:45 +0000

TECH

FIDENCE

BUILDING CONFIDENT WOMEN IN TECH

Career In Tech: Top Skills Women Need To Succeed In A Tech Career

As a tech career coach with 20 years of experience in the tech industry, we’ve seen first-hand how challenging it can be for women to make the transition into a career in tech. But I really believe that with the right mindset and skills, anyone can succeed in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

We have a lot of people reaching out from non-technical backgrounds who are interested in tech career, but feel like they lack the necessary skills and knowledge to break into tech. But you shouldn’t let that hold you back!

Here are some of the top skills that I believe women need to succeed in a career in tech no matter what tech related role you plan to pursue:

Problem-solving:

Tech is all about solving complex problems and finding creative solutions. As a woman in tech, you’ll need to be able to think critically and analytically, and to approach challenges with a clear and focused mind.

Adaptability:

The tech industry is constantly changing, and you’ll need to be able to adapt to new technologies, processes, and ways of working. This means being open-minded and flexible, and willing to learn and grow as the industry evolves.

Communication:

As a woman in tech, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people, from stakeholders, technical teams to non-technical colleagues and clients. This means being able to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and to listen actively and empathetically to others’ perspectives.

Creativity:

The best tech solutions often come from thinking outside the box and approaching problems in new and innovative ways. As a woman in tech, you’ll need to be able to tap into your creative side and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Resilience:

The tech industry can be demanding and fast-paced, and you’ll need to be able to handle the pressure, keep your cool and stay focused on your goals. This means being resilient and persistent, and learning how to bounce back from setbacks and failures.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is an essential skill in any industry, but it’s particularly crucial in tech. Women tend to excel at collaboration because they tend to be more relationship-oriented and empathetic. They have a natural ability to build trust and create a supportive environment, which leads to more productive teams and better outcomes.

Leadership:

Leadership is essential for success in any industry, and it’s particularly critical in tech. Women tend to excel at leadership because they are more likely to be collaborative, empathetic, and relationship-oriented. They also tend to be more inclusive and able to build diverse and productive teams.

Continuous Learning:

The tech industry is constantly evolving, and women need to be committed to continuous learning to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. Women tend to excel at continuous learning because they are more likely to be curious and eager to learn. They also tend to be more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, which is essential when learning new skills and technologies.

If you’re feeling frustrated and lacking in confidence in your non-technical career, remember that these skills are all things that you can develop and strengthen over time. With the right support and guidance, you can make a successful transition into a tech related role and build a fulfilling and rewarding career in this exciting field.

Happy to have a chat if you’re trying to work out the best way to achieve your tech career goals.

If you’re a woman (or you know of one) who feels frustrated in your current job, and need support to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech, book a complimentary discovery call here to find out how I can help you on your journey to a fulfilling career in tech.

Try A Bit Of Coding During The Hour of Code Week

Why You Should Consider Going For The Azure Fundamentals Certification

Uncovering Your Ideal Role and Where You Fit in the Tech Industry: A Guide for Women Making a Career Change

Uncovering Your Ideal Role and Where You Fit in the Tech Industry: A Guide for Women Making a Career Change

admin — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 18:59:32 +0000

TECH

FIDENCE

BUILDING CONFIDENT WOMEN IN TECH

Uncovering Your Ideal Role and Where You Fit in the Tech Industry: A Guide for Women Making a Career Change

A lovely lady I spoke to today on a discovery call was recommended to consider tech as a career for her to focus on by someone I met at a networking event last year. He encouraged to reach out about tech career coaching and getting a potential place on the confidence coaching programme and work out what an ideal tech role could look like for her and how to go about achieving it, having never done anything tech related before, except using a computer to correspond to other colleagues by email in her current day job.

For many women seeking to make a career change into tech, the journey may seem both exciting and daunting, but in the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry, the possibilities are vast, and the opportunities are endless.

The key lies not just in finding a role but in discovering where you truly fit, aligning your values and personality with your chosen tech path.

As a Tech Career Coach and Tech professional with experience in many different roles (more recently as an Application Development Manager and former Mobile Developer), I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this alignment.

Here’s 8 things to focus on when trying to work out a suitable tech related role and where you fit in the tech industry.

1. Self-Reflection: Unveiling Your Transferable Skills

Before diving into the multitude of tech roles, start by recognizing and celebrating your transferable skills. Coming from a different industry doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch. Consider your experiences in project management, communication, problem-solving, customer service and leadership. These skills are highly transferable and sought after in the tech world.

2. Identifying Core Values: Your North Star in Tech

Tech isn’t just about code; it’s about values. Identify your core values, the principles that guide your decisions and actions. Are you passionate about innovation, collaboration, or social impact? Understanding your values will help you align with tech roles and organisations that share your vision.

3. Exploring the Tech Landscape: Beyond Coding

Tech is a vast ecosystem with roles that extend far beyond coding. Explore areas such as product management, user experience design, project management, data analysis, cybersecurity, and more. Each role requires a unique set of skills, and finding the right fit involves understanding your strengths and interests.

4. Networking: Learn from Those Who’ve Walked the Path

Connect with women who have successfully transitioned into tech roles. Attend networking events, join online communities, and seek time to have a chat with someone. Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights and guide you in making informed decisions about your tech career.

5. Skill Development: Closing the Gap

Identify the skills required for the roles that resonate with you. Leverage online courses, workshops, and bootcamps to upskill. Many resources offer flexible learning options to accommodate career changers. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.

6. Personality Fit: Balancing Passion and Proficiency

Consider your personality traits and working preferences. Are you detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving? A role in quality assurance or data analysis might be a great fit. If you thrive on creativity and human-centric design, exploring user experience or product management could align with your strengths. If you are a people person, a role as a scrum master may be right up your alley.

7. Test and Iterate: Embrace the Learning Journey

Making a career change is a dynamic process. Don’t be afraid to test the waters. Engage in projects, internships, or volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience. As you navigate your journey, be open to iterating your path based on your evolving interests and insights.

8. Invest in yourself: Get the Right Support to Achieve Your Goal Quicker Than You Would Do On Your Own

If you are really not sure what role is for you and how to achieve your tech career goals or struggling to create a realistic plan to keep yourself focused, find a reliable career coach to support you on your journey. Ideal a career coach with experience in the tech industry who can share those lived experiences and willing to tell you the good, the bad and the ugly, and guide you in the right direction. Rather than it being another cost to folk out, you look at the results and value they are providing and see this as an investment in yourself and your future career and lifestyle.

The tech industry is not a one-size-fits-all landscape. It’s a diverse ecosystem that thrives on the unique contributions of its professionals. Your journey into tech is a story waiting to be crafted—one that reflects your values, utilises your transferable skills, and aligns with your passions.

As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that the tech industry should be enriched by diversity and welcomes those who bring a fresh perspective. Your unique background and experiences are assets, and by working out where you truly fit in tech, you’re not just changing your career—you’re contributing to the vibrant tapestry of innovation.

If you need the support of a good career coach feel free to reach out and book a discovery call via this link Only a few slots left now up to the end of the year, so book in as soon as possible to ensure this time next year your career potential looks a lot different than last year.

Here’s to discovering your unique place in the world of tech!

Try A Bit Of Coding During The Hour of Code Week

Why You Should Consider Going For The Azure Fundamentals Certification

Career In Tech: Top Skills Women Need To Succeed In A Tech Career

Career Change Into Tech: Navigating Networking Tip For The Introvert In You

admin — Mon, 27 May 2024 15:02:12 +0000

TECH

FIDENCE

BUILDING CONFIDENT WOMEN IN TECH

Career Change Into Tech: Navigating Networking Tip For The Introvert In You

Whether you’re interested in career change into tech or progressing your existing tech career, networking is a great way of growing your professional circle, learning something new, uncovering potential opportunities (did you know around 70% of tech roles are not even advertised), and generally building long term relationships with like minded people.

After years of networking I still sometimes find it difficult at times to instigate conversations with people I don’t know already in a networking setting (got a lot better at this in recent years by feeling the introvert fear and pushing throughout anyway).

However, one trick I’ve found recently to eliminate this awkwardness is to be bold and ask a question during Q&As at events. Sometimes you get to stand up and introduce yourself before asking your question. Sometimes you just get thrown right in to get on with it.

Yes it can be nerve racking when all of a sudden everyone in the room is focused on you and listening deeply to your every word, but if you ask a good question that a lot of people were likely dying to ask but didn’t have the guts to, it can be a good way to meet a lot of people in a short space of time and carry on the conversation as people naturally just flock to you to introduce themselves and talk more.

I first did this by accident at an event last year November, asked a controversial question that I wasn’t sure how the panel of speakers would take it, but had to be said. I ended up meeting lots of new people who wanted to continue the topic of conversation, got to discuss different viewpoints, and I didn’t get to sit down for an hour and a half after the panel ended (and even missed the opening of the finger food table afterwards lol).

I now regularly challenge myself to ask at least one question at most events I attend. It happens in a similar way every event since.

Warning though, if you’re going to do this I must point out you can get quickly overwhelmed with the amount of people who approach you afterwards, especially if your question was controversial or really resonated with them.

What has worked for you when navigating networking events when trying to make a career change into tech or progress your existing tech career? let me know in the comments below.

If you need support with making a career change into tech reach out here to find out more about my confidence coaching for women wanting to make a career change into tech

Try A Bit Of Coding During The Hour of Code Week

Why You Should Consider Going For The Azure Fundamentals Certification

Career In Tech: Top Skills Women Need To Succeed In A Tech Career

The Disappointment Of Unrealistic Expectations When Making A Career Change into Tech

admin — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 15:17:20 +0000

TECH

FIDENCE

BUILDING CONFIDENT WOMEN IN TECH

The Disappointment Of Unrealistic Expectations When Making A Career Change into Tech

However, I don’t think its the ‘hype’ alone that has led people to set these unrealistic expectations of being able to announce they broke into tech in X short months. I think a lot of it is also to do with people not willing to do the other important work that’s needed to lay strong foundations before you commit to this roller coaster of a journey to transition into tech…

The inner work

Whose goal is it anyway?

Is it YOUR tech career goal to be in X role in Y area in tech, or someone close to you said it was a cool role, or an influencer on said platform hyped up the role so it must fit you too? Taking the time to get clarity on your goals will set you up for a smoother journey from the outset and ensure you will be investing all this time into pursuing a role that actually matched your values and personality, etc, for the RIGHT reasons.

What’s holding you back?

Why haven’t you achieved goal this before? This requires a lot of self reflection and digging into the past, present and the future, that a lot of people are just not willing to go there because it’s uncomfortable. I remember getting cussed once by a client who came to me for coaching help, but initially refused to look into the past, and sure as hell didn’t want to face what was really holding them back. My response was how do you expect to move forward and create a career and life of your dreams, if you’re not willing to explore and identify what causing your limiting beliefs and sabotaging up your progress. The answer is already inside you, you just need to be willing to invest the time to uncover it to move forward with your goals with full intention and freedom from the mental hold.

Have you set a realistic deadline for success?

The keyword here is ‘realistic’. When I ask some people what they tried and how long for before they concluded it hasn’t worked out, i’m sometimes sat scratching my head like who in the world told you that was a realistic target. Don’t get me wrong some people have been successful in a quick period, but not everyone’s journey is the same and not everyone has the same time and resources to throw at this journey so everyone’s results will be different and its not realistic to set your career goal and timeline based on someone else’s journey.

When I reel off a list of things to find out:

– what they’ve actually tried to achieve the goal

– have they asked anyone in that area of tech they want to get into for feedback

– have they networked with people in the area they wanted

– have they used the ‘gold mind’ that is LinkedIn effectively to help them make meaningful connections,

– have they posted about what they want and declared in public what they are looking

– have they regularly been a bit vulnerable and showcased stuff

the answer is usually ‘no’ to some or most of those points… and I’m sat there sometimes scratching my head about how they expected to achieve their goals in the timeframe they put pressure on themselves to because they’ve not achieved it.

I also have to say switching on the ‘open for work’ logo or adding ‘aspiring XXXXX’ to your title alone ain’t going to get you very far very quickly in most cases.

This is a marathon not a short distance sprint, and you got to believe in yourself yes, but also do the work to learn the stuff relevant to the role, but also just as important to do the work to bet on yourself and use that vulnerable uncomfortableness you may feel to put yourself in a position to attract the right opportunities to you.

A lot of people are just not willing to come outside of their comfort zone to achieve that, and hence blocking and sabotaging your own blessings.

Anyway I said what I said, let me rest my head.

More power to you x

P.S. If you need help to do the ‘inner work’ and help putting together a realistic action plan for getting into tech, check out my career coaching programme for women who want to build inner confidence to make a career change into tech

Try A Bit Of Coding During The Hour of Code Week

Why You Should Consider Going For The Azure Fundamentals Certification

Career In Tech: Top Skills Women Need To Succeed In A Tech Career

Coaching for Women in Tech: Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Unlocking Confidence

admin — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:42:00 +0000

Coaching for Women in Tech: Navigating Imposter Syndrome and Unlocking Confidence

In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of technology, women have made remarkable strides, breaking barriers and excelling in various roles within the industry. However, even as they achieve success, many women in tech grapple with a silent enemy known as imposter syndrome. This internal battle and the torment over minor mistakes can be a significant challenge, impacting confidence and hindering professional growth. Contrary to popular belief, imposter syndrome isn’t exclusive to career changers transitioning into tech; it affects women at all stages of their tech careers, and some end up searching for specific coaching for women in tech.

Imposter syndrome manifests in various ways, often leading women to doubt their abilities, fear being exposed as frauds, and attribute their successes to luck rather than skill or hard work. Despite their accomplishments and qualifications, they may feel unworthy of their positions, constantly striving to prove themselves and fearing failure at every turn. This psychological phenomenon can take a toll on mental health, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Had a discovery call earlier this week with a lovely lady looking for coaching for women in tech for this very problem. I regularly get approached by people wanting to make a change to a new career in tech and looking for help because they lack confidence in themselves to take the leap and transition into tech or they don’t know why to start. However quite a few people I have met over the last few months looking for career support are in tech already. The perception is that a lot of people in tech have made it and feel good and got it all together. Let me tell you from personal experience, that this is B.S a lot of the time. Some of us here techies are suffering sometimes a crippling lack of confidence and serious imposter syndrome, even when we are presented with evidence by others that proves we are definitely not an imposters.

One of the most distressing aspects of imposter syndrome is the relentless self-criticism and fixation on even the smallest mistakes. Women in tech may find themselves trapped in a cycle of self-doubt, replaying past errors in their minds and agonising over perceived shortcomings. This hyper-focus on perfectionism can create a toxic work environment, leading to burnout and a lack of fulfilment in their careers.

It’s crucial to recognise that imposter syndrome is not a reflection of competence or capability; rather, it’s a common experience shared by many high-achieving individuals, regardless of their industry or background. Women in tech, from junior developers to seasoned engineers and executives, are not immune to its effects. However, acknowledging and addressing imposter syndrome is the first step towards overcoming its grip and reclaiming confidence in one’s abilities.

This is where coaching for women in tech plays a pivotal role. By providing personalised guidance, support, and strategies for navigating imposter syndrome, coaching empowers women to challenge their negative self-perceptions and cultivate a healthier mindset. Through tailored coaching sessions, women can learn to recognize their strengths, celebrate their achievements, and develop resilience in the face of setbacks.

Coaching for women in tech offers a safe and supportive space to explore feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, then reframing them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Coaches help women identify and challenge limiting beliefs, develop coping mechanisms for managing imposter syndrome triggers, and cultivate a sense of self-worth rooted in their inherent value as professionals.

Moreover, coaching equips women with practical tools and strategies for building confidence and resilience in their tech careers. From assertive communication techniques to assertiveness training and mindfulness practices, coaching empowers women to navigate workplace challenges with grace and resilience.

Remember, imposter syndrome is a common yet formidable challenge faced by women in the tech industry at all career stages. Coaching for women in tech offers a holistic approach to addressing imposter syndrome, lack of confidence and low self esteem. It provides personalised support and strategies for building confidence, resilience, and self-worth. By embracing coaching, women in tech can overcome or better manage imposter syndrome and thrive in their careers, unlocking their full potential and achieving their professional goals.

If you’re a woman in tech in a career you love, but you’re secretly battling with self torment, lack of confidence and feeling like your an impostor in your role and eventually you’ll be found out, reach out for support from a women in tech whose been in your shoes and knows what its like and can help you find a way through to manage it all to have a more confident and fulfilling career and life.