Tech Unlocked

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  

For this week here's a throwback episode from Season 2 with Angie Jones!   Angie Jones is a Java Champion and Senior Developer Advocate who specializes in test automation strategies and techniques. She shares her wealth of knowledge by speaking and teaching at software conferences all over the world, writing tutorials and technical articles on angiejones.tech, and leading the online learning platform, Test Automation University.   As a Master Inventor, Angie is known for her innovative and out-of-the-box thinking style which has resulted in more than 25 patented inventions in the US and China. In her spare time, Angie volunteers with Black Girls Code to teach coding workshops to young girls in an effort to attract more women and minorities to tech.   In this episode, I chat with Angie Jones who is a Senior Developer Advocate specialized in test automation strategies & techniques about how she discovered her niche in tech. Angie shares how she got her patents, teaches us her secret to fighting imposters syndrome, and shows us how having a personal brand can help you level up in your career.   Key takeaways from this episode: What is test automation? The skillsets needed to become an effective test automation engineer One simple exercise you can do to combat imposter syndrome The # 1 type of testing everyone should know about Misconceptions about being a test automation engineer The importance of speaking up and sharing your ideas How developing your personal brand can level up your career 3 major keys for getting into tech as a developer Connect with Angie : YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/angieluvboo?sub_confirmation=1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiejones Website: https://angiejones.tech/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/techgirl1908 Free Courses: https://testautomationu.applitools.com/instructors/angie_jones.html Connect with Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones/   Follow the podcast: Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/ LinkedIn: Tech Unlocked   Thank you so much for listening to this podcast! If you enjoyed listening to this episode, please leave a rating and review on iTunes. Use the hashtag #Techunlocked to ask questions and share your thoughts. Have a tech-related question? Shoot us an email techunlockedpod@gmail.com

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: www.techunlocked.co 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 techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

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: www.techunlocked.co 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 techunlockedpod@gmail.com

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: www.techunlocked.co 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 techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

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 techunlockedpod@gmail.com

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: www.techunlocked.co 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 techunlockedpod@gmail.com

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: www.techunlocked.co 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 techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Hey, Tech Unlocked fam! Good news, after a year-long hiatus, Tech Unlocked is offically back! A brand new season packed with the latest insights on emerging tech and pratical ways for you to break into tech. Yes, even with all the layoffs, hiring freezes never ending tech drama there is still a place for you in tech. So tell your, mom, boss, coworkers,frenemies, dog, or cat that your fav tech podcast is back   From AI and cybersecurity to selfdrving cars, Venture capital, and digtal art, we dive deep into the cutting-edge innovations shaping & transform our society. If you're curious to know how these technologies will impact our jobs, privacy, security, mental health and humanity's future? Then season 3 is for you!   Join me as we unlock the key players, innovations, and controversies currently shaping the world of tech. I'll be speaking with industry experts, founders, researchers, and creative technologists to demystify complex topics and extract actionable insights you can apply in your tech career.   Whether you're a tech professional looking to level up your skills, an tech entrepreneur chasing the next big idea, or a tech enthusiast, you'll find this season insightful and empowering. Season 3 of Tech Unlocked is out now. Subscribe now on, Youtube Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Join me as we unlock the future of tech together!

70 | Are NFTs/Crypto Dead? The top 10 cryptocurrencies overall have lost billions in market value in the past month and NFT sales are spiraling downwards according to Times Magazine. We are currently in a bear market which means things aren't going to be pretty for a while. With all this chaos happening does this mean this is the end for crypto/NFTs? What should you do in a bear market? In this episode, Grace answers these questions and shares her perspective on the current crypto bear market situation.   Sources: https://time.com/6175370/why-bitcoin-crashing/ https://nftnow.com/guides/scams-explained-what-are-rug-pulls-and-are-they-a-crime/ https://time.com/nextadvisor/investing/cryptocurrency/ethereum-hits-new-all-time-high-price/ https://techcrunch.com/2022/05/06/coinbases-nft-marketplace-is-off-to-a-lackluster-start/. https://decrypt.co/99561/coinbase-nft-marketplace-150-users-first-day-public https://twitter.com/carnage4life/status/1522046933258293248?s=21&t=FNYa9GDbe3R4HanUA3Stiw https://mirror.xyz/0x1Cb8332607fba6A780DdE78584AD3BFD1eEB1E40/yG8rI1lpQGLPhZch0kjxYRjKTtA9rAL51zg-ZrURyAc https://nftnow.com/news/instagram-to-start-testing-nfts-this-week/ Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram ______ Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez ______   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Are you feeling uncertain about your tech career? Don't worry you're not alone. In this episode, Grace shares 3 practical tips to help you deal with career uncertainty.    

How do you face the challenges of working in the corporate world when you're the first in your family to graduate college or work in tech?   In this episode, Grace chats with Gina Moreno a First Generation Mexican American and program manager about how you can navigate working in the tech industry as a first-gen professional and the skills needed to thrive as a PM. ______  Key Takeaways: Tips on how to navigate your first years as an Early Career Professional Common struggles First-Gen grads face post-college  Inspiration behind making content on TikTok/IG How to create healthy boundaries with family/work/life The importance of having a board of directors Program manager vs product manager vs project manager How to find sponsors Skills needed to thrive as a PM ______ Gina Moreno is a First Generation Mexican American, who is the first one in her family to graduate from college. Now Program Manager at Microsoft, Gina's mindset has been created by traveling to 17 countries, her investment in mental health, and being intentional about her self-growth & self-expression. Gina holds an Industrial Engineering BS & Systems Engineering MS from University of Texas at El Paso. She gave a TEDx talk in 2019- Empowering women through STEM Leadership. “We are all multidimensional and it's time to take up space and sit at the table where decisions are made!” Gina since then has shared her story and lessons through organizations whose mission lies on empowering women, the hispanic community and the first-generation community. Gina creates content across social media platforms and now has over 75,000 followers and now has been featured on Business Insider, Univision, NBC, LA Times, and more. Gina's mission is for her audience to feel heard, encouraged to self-invest and empowered to chase their ever-changing dreams. PS: she is also a cat mom to Canelito. ______ Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram ______ Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez ______ Connect with Gina: Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/soyginamoreno/ Tiktok- Soyginamoreno Linkedin- Gina Moreno ______ Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

It's no secret that technology has changed the education system and how we learn generally. With so much information and resources at our disposal, how do you choose the best education path to help you break into tech?   Today on the show, Grace chats with Naomi Thomas the CEO of ∞edu (InfinityEdu), a startup building the future of tech education in web3. ∞edu helps students explore careers in tech through a passion-first approach. Naomi shares her passion for tech education, how tech is changing the way we learn and what the future of tech may look like 10 years from now.   —————————————————   Key Takeaways: What was the inspiration behind ∞edu How technology is changing the way we learn Problems with our current education system and how ∞edu help solve some of those challenges The role educators play in the  future of education Challenges of being a web3 founder Advice for new web3 founders What the future of tech education may look like in 10 years --------------------------------------- Connect with Naomi: https://twitter.com/iamnaomithomas?lang=en https://www.instagram.com/p/Caz7TXypwBJ/ https://www.learnbeyond.io/ —————————————————   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   —————————————————   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   —————————————————Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com    

The average salary for a Blockchain developer in the United States is currently $155K according to ZipRecuiter.com. Now is the best time to become a web3/blockchain developer. But where do you start? What tech stack do you need to learn? How do you find the best web3 job/community that is right for you? Today on the show, Grace chats with Audrey Akwenye an educator turned software developer who focuses on backend and blockchain technology. She is the co-founder of Black@, a token gated community for Black professionals, creators, founders, and funders looking to learn more about web3, and also is also the co-founder of Beans an experimental DAO focused on decentralized IP development. Audrey founded NanuPanda labs a small web3 lab building primarily in the NFT/Crypto gaming space and is currently. In this episode, Audrey shares what inspired her to make the switch from web2 to web3 as a developer and why community is everything in web3.   Key Takeaways: What is web3 and why does it matter What to look for in a web3 dev role Advice for new web3 developers Why community is everything in web3 What is a token-gated community? The role of tokenomics in NFT communities The difference between ERC1155  vs ERC721 tokens The story behind the Black@ community and how it was built What does the future of web3?   Connect with Audrey: Twitter: https://twitter.com/0xOddrey   Audrey's Projects: https://twitter.com/NanuPanda https://twitter.com/DroppinggemsNFT https://twitter.com/blackatxyz https://www.blackat.xyz/ https://beans.wtf/   Web3 Dev Resources: https://twitter.com/_buildspace https://twitter.com/dabit3 https://twitter.com/developer_dao https://collab.land/   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

From gaming to entertainment, Virtual Reality (VR) technology is changing the way we interact with each other and the way we see the world. But how is VR being used for good especially when it comes to mental health awareness? In this episode, Grace chats with Patrick Wetzel a associate producer at Flight School Studio about how their VR film project “Weird Times” is helping teenagers talk about their mental health. Flight School is an award-winning studio of artists fearlessly exploring the unknown in mixed-reality immersive entertainment, live-venue activations, games (console, PC, and mobile), and experiential design.    Key Takeaways: What is Weird Times (WT) and how is it helping teens talk about their mental health? The process behind creating WT Why VR is the to right tech to foster conversation about mental health issues Criticism of WT and how its being addressed Any challenges while creating this project? What is the future of "VR for good"? Skills needed to thrive in this career field Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Connect with Patrick: https://flightschoolstudio.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-wetzel-5a0ab991/   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

If 2021 was the year of NFTs then 2022 is the year of DAOs. Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) essentially mean decentralized communities with a shared bank account on the blockchain. In this episode, Grace chats with Maricris Bonzo a Developer Advocate at Magic Labs and founder of Women in Web3 about DAOs, their structure, and their purpose. Key Takeaways: What is a DAO? Why do we need DAOs (purpose) and why now? How are DAOs structured? What do you need to start a DAO? What are the pros and cons of DAOs? What does the future of DAOs look like?   Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qnxykf88sTk&ab_channel=Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/cathyhackl/2021/06/01/what-are-daos-and-why-you-should-pay-attention/?sh=1cd6bd467305 Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) | ethereum.org https://ethereum.org › dao     Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Connect with Maricris: Twitter: https://twitter.com/seemcat Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

NFTs became a $40 billion market in 2021 according to the Financial Times. CoinBase has a waiting list of 2 million users for its upcoming NFT marketplace launching sometime in 2022. Bored Ape Yacht Club creator (Yuga Labs) raised $450 million to build an NFT metaverse. Right now the Interest in NFTs (Non-fungible tokens) is only increasing and many people are trying to figure out the best way to start learning about or investing in NFT. If that's you, then this episode is for you. In this week's episode, Grace shares 5  important questions you should ask yourself before getting into the NFT space.   SOURCES: https://www.theverge.com/2022/3/22/22991272/yuga-labs-seed-funding-a16z-bored-ape-yacht-club-bayc-metaverse-other-side https://www.ft.com/content/e95f5ac2-0476-41f4-abd4-8a99faa7737d https://fortunly.com/statistics/nft-statistics/#gref https://www.businessinsider.com/why-are-people-buying-nfts-investing-in-nft-crypto-art-2021-3   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

In this week's episode, Grace shares her experience as a first-time attendee of the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival. From NFTs panel sessions to VR exhibitions, Grace talks about her learnings and key takeaways from a tech perspective at SXSW 2022.   References: https://www.blackat.xyz/ https://www.sxsw.com/ https://amazevr.com/ https://hub.bcl.xyz/sxsw Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

There are so many different factors that contribute to having a healthy career. If you're early in your tech career it can be hard to create a career plan that can help you thrive. In order to have a thriving tech career, you want to avoid certain mistakes that aren't common or frequently talked about. In this episode, Grace shares 5 major career mistakes to avoid earlier in your tech career. Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Recently, on Feb 19 2022 it was reported that $1.7 million in NFTs were stolen in an apparent phishing attack on OpenSea users. OpenSea is one of the largest NFT marketplaces and is currently valued at $13 billion. Phishing attacks are nothing new on the internet. But this OpenSea phishing attack raised a lot of discussion & concerns on Twitter about NFT security, tech literacy, and social engineering attacks in web3. In this episode, Grace shares how you can avoid phishing scams, protect your NFT/crypto wallet(s), and tips for being safe while using Discord. What you will learn: What happened in the OpenSea Phishing attack How to recognize a phishing scam 4 ways to avoid a  phishing scam What is a crypto wallet What is a seed phrase Private key vs Public key  Cold wallet vs Hot Wallet 5 Best practices for NFT wallet security Security tips to stay safe on Discord Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com   Women of Color in Emerging Tech [WOCIET]: Web3 for beginners event [Feb 26th, 2022]: https://lu.ma/uo6grrv8 Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/wociet/     Sources: https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/20/22943228/opensea-phishing-hack-smart-contract-bug-stolen-nft https://cryptobriefing.com/opensea-hack-key-takeaways-web3-security/ https://web3isgoinggreat.com/?id=2022-02-19-1 https://twitter.com/punk6529/status/1461742366696652809?s=21  

59 | What it takes to build a web3 company for Athletes  with Kirby Porter   What does the intersection of sports and technology look like? How can athletes leverage web3 to participate in the ownership economy? In today's episode, Grace chats with Kirby Porter Founder of New Game Labs and former student-athlete at Harvard Women's Basketball. She is a  brand builder, creator, and entrepreneur envisioning new paths for athletes beyond the game. Kirby shares what it takes to build a web3 company, how athletes can benefit from web3, and the best way to learn about new ideas like NFTs/web3.     What you will learn: Creator economy vs ownership economy The inspiration behind New Games Lab. How can athletes benefit from web3? What are some challenges building a web3 based company How to get over the fear of putting yourself out there as a creator Skills needed to thrive in web3 as a creator     Resources: Web3: web3resourceguide.com What is web3 What Is Web 3.0 & Why It Matters   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Connect with Kirby: Twitter: @KirbyPorter_ LinkedIn: Kirby Porter   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

There is no doubt that now is the best time to work in the tech industry. With most tech companies offering remote/hybrid job roles, health care benefits, and paying highly competitive salaries there are so many earning/learning opportunities within this industry. But with all that being said, is working in tech right for you? To help answer this question I bought a special guest on the show. In today's episode, Grace chats with David Macjones a technical specialist at Amazon Web Service (AWS) about how to figure out If working in tech is for you if college degrees are overrated, how to spot catfishing tech jobs, and how to use social media to connect with the right people in tech. ___   David Macjones is a technical specialist with Amazon Web Services. He has over 6 years of technical support experience while working at Apple, Amazon, and a few startups. David is passionate about educating and helping people with non-traditional backgrounds land a role in tech. ___   What you will learn: How to assess if working in tech is for you How to spot catfishing tech jobs Are college degrees overrated in tech? The importance of content creation in tech 4 Keys to unlocking your tech career Why it's important to do your research before reaching out to people     Why you shouldn't look down on non-FAANG (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix Google) companies.  ___   Resources: https://www.freecodecamp.org/news/tag/coding-bootcamps/ https://generalassemb.ly/ https://www.geekwire.com/2022/amazon-more-than-doubles-max-base-pay-to-350k-for-corporate-and-tech-workers-citing-labor-market/     Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Connect with David: Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-macjones-a949758b Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

Web3 is one of the biggest buzzwords right now in tech. Some see it as the future of the internet and others believe it is just a fad. Regardless of how you feel about Web3, it is a technological concept that shouldn't be ignored because it has the potential to change use and interact on the internet In today's episode, Grace chats with Jessica Lawson CEO + Founder of Radia and Web3 Influencer on TikTok about the pros & cons of a decentralized internet, the benefits of Web3, and the future of web3. If you're looking for a simple and relatable way to learn about web3, this episode is for you.   Jessica Lawson is a Web3 Influencer on TikTok and CEO and Founder of Radia, a web3 music and virtual artist company transforming NFT characters into live touring musical artists. As a queer Latina, she is passionate about Web3, music, and providing opportunities for all to come together and create. As the former Chief Operating Officer of Spirit Bomb, the world's first virtual artist record label, and Strangeloop Studios, a music visual laboratory, Jessica is an expert in virtual artists. She attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business for her MBA and majored in International Politics at Georgetown University.   What you will learn: Why do we need web3? What are the benefits of decentralization? Challenges of building a company in web3 Opportunities for people of color in web3 Current problems with web3 What is yield farming? How to DYOR (Do your own research)? What will the future of web3 look like?   Resources: Web3: web3resourceguide.com What is web3 What Is Web 3.0 & Why It Matters   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter : @gracemacjones LinkedIn Instagram: @gracemacjonez   Connect with Jessica: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicaelawson?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessicalawson92 Radia_world: https://twitter.com/radia_world   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

It's hard to talk about tech in 2022 without talking about money, specifically fintech (Financial technology). It is an emerging industry that uses technology to advance financial services. From online banking, investing apps, and crypto, Fintech is disrupting the traditional financial systems we once knew.   In today's episode Grace chats with Nicole Casperson, a fintech journalist turned content creator about top fintech trends people of color should know and the future of this rapidly growing industry. If you love learning about money, tech, and innovation, you will enjoy this episode. Nicole Casperson is the founder and host of WTFintech? a fintech podcast and newsletter that provides industry professionals the news and analysis they need to get ahead in their careers — and hosts interviews with founders and investors you won't hear anywhere else.  Nicole intertwines her years of experience as a hard-hitting finance journalist with industry expertise to provide culturally relevant content that explores how technology sparks innovation, inclusion, and fun in financial services.    Nicole is a part of rising media company Workweek, as one of their founding content creators. Workweek entertains, educates, and connects the business community through unique personalities, unparalleled expertise, and innovative operations.   What you will learn: What is fintech and why is it important? Top 4 fintech trends you should know about What is wealthtech? The problems with traditional finance Tips on how to participate in the creator economy How to get into fintech The future of fintech   Resources: RSVP: Women of Color in Emerging Tech:  NFTs for beginners study session  https://lu.ma/a9st5ks8 Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Nicole: Twitter WTFintech Newsletter WTFintech Podcast Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

Recently, I was asked what I would do if I had to start my tech from scratch in 2022 and it got me thinking about what I would do differently or if I would change anything about my tech career path. In this episode, I share 3 important things I would do if had to restart my tech journey. To hear how I got into tech in the first place, check out episode 16 of the podcast.   Join my Women of Color in Emerging Tech study group: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1w9-uRmEOvtNb0r4u_xnbJnsC8XQ-L2ZlT661bCpaxWcfiQ/viewform   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

Community plays a vital role in the Web3 ecosystem. Community is more than a discord channel or a social media following. Who's responsible for helping to foster and maintain an engaged community in web3? Today on the show, Grace speaks with Alisha.eth about how she transitioned into web3 with a law & e-commerce background. Alisha shares what she does at Ethereum Name Service (ENS) as a community manager, skills needed to thrive as a community manager, and her experience working in web3 as a Woman of Color. demystifying  Key takeaways: What is Web3? and Why do we need Web3? What is Ethereum Name Service (ENS)? how does it work The problem ENS is solving Decentralizations vs centralization DNS vs ENS What is the role of a community manager in Web3 What are some skills needed to thrive as a community manager in Web3 How does it feel to be a woman of color working in web3? Resources: Women of Color Blockchain 101 study session RSVP: https://lu.ma/oc87jut8 Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Instagram   Connect with Alisha.eth: http://alisha.mirror.xyz https://twitter.com/futurealisha http://youtube.com/futurealisha   Learn more about ENS: - Website: https://ens.domains - Twitter: https:/twitter.com/ensdomains - Discord: https://discord.gg/ens   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

53 | 5 Tech Trends predictions for 2022 The tech industry can be difficult to predict because tech moves fast. Two years ago, almost no one talked about NFTs, Web3, or the Metaverse, etc. Forward to today, those trending tech buzzwords of 2021 might be the foundation of what 2022 will look like. As we enter this new year Grace shares her top 5 tech trends prediction for 2022 in today's episode.   Key takeaways: Is there a healthy way to criticize emerging tech (Web3, NFTs, DAOs)? Who is investing in the creator economy Will the NFT hype finally die down in 2022? How much is big tech investing in cybersecurity? Which countries will be next to fully/legally adopt bitcoin? Will AR/VR ever become mainstream?   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com    Women of Color study group sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1w9-uRmEOvtNb0r4u_xnbJnsC8XQ-L2ZlT661bCpaxWcfiQ/viewform   Sources: 5 predictions for bitcoin, NFTs and the future of money Local leaders, investors share top tech predictions for 2022 5 Impactful Emerging Technologies for 2022 - Gartner The biggest tech trends of 2022, according to experts - Fast ... Ten tech predictions for 2022: what's next for Twitter, Uber and NFTs 4 Cryptocurrency Predictions for 2022 The top 5 wildest crypto moments of 2021 From bitcoin hitting $1 trillion in market value to Elon Musk's dogecoin tweets: 12 key crypto moments from 2021 Meta's Oculus Quest 2 has shipped 10 million units, according to Qualcomm Cybersecurity Breaches Of 2021 Worth Taking A Look Big tech firms pledge more than $31 billion and 250,000 jobs to strengthen cybersecurity In 2022, the new space race will get more heated, crowded and dangerous      

What will the future of the internet look like? How will it be developed? Will it have the simple structure of Web1 (the early days of the internet) or maybe be structured like Web2 which is the internet we are currently using today?  Today on the show, Grace chats with Steph Orpilla is a Software Engineer at Amazon and Blockchain developer about Web3 + the future of the internet, DAOs, the future NFTs and how to become a Blockchain developer. Steph Orpilla is a Software Engineer at Amazon (previously AWS, SONY, and startups). At work she focuses on frontend development, building bespoke experiences to enhance Prime Originals. After hours, she's a Web3 developer with 2 Dapps and counting built on the Ethereum blockchain. Steph is also the winner of the 2021 EthGlobal Hackathon. Whether developing a feature, writing a smart contract or trying something entirely new, she loves the challenge of creating elegant solutions while learning by doing. Key takeaways: What is Blockchain technology What is Web3 and why should you care about it Web1 vs Web2 vs Web3 What are DAOs? Are they really decentralized? How to find Blockchain dev jobs How to know what NFT or Blockchain projects to invest in  Why you can't  just right-click save (screenshot) an NFT The future of NFTs How brands/businesses will leverage Web3 tech   Resources: How to Get Into Crypto and Web3 as a Developer Consensys, Chainlink, Colt Steele's Blockchain course NFT projects to look out for (Not financial Advice): Stapleverse by Jeff Staple: https://www.stapleverse.xyz/ WGMInterfaces: https://twitter.com/WGMInterfaces Steph Curry NFT: 2974sc.com   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephorpilla/ https://www.instagram.com/_steph.js Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com    

Sometimes as an early career professional, you don't know what you don't know. This is why it is important to learn from other people's career journeys or mistakes. In this episode, we share top career advice from season two guests on the podcast. If you're looking for inspiration, motivation, or guidance in your career right now then this episode is for you. Enjoy!   Join our Women of Color study group Looking for Save space to learn about emerging technologies like Blockchain, Crypto, NFTs? sign up for our WoC Study Group   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram     Connect with Grace: Instagram  Twitter LinkedIn   Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Back in the early 90s, it would've been difficult to imagine that people would have jobs solely dependent on the internet, such as a Social Media Manager, a Cloud Engineer, or even a Content Creator. Right now, the world is changing right before our eyes as talks of the Metaverse continue to unfold.  What new job opportunities could the next evolution of the internet bring and how can we prepare for it?  Today on the show Grace discusses 5 key jobs that could exist in the Metaverse. Join our Women of Color study group Looking for Save space to learn about emerging technologies like Blockchain, Crypto, NFTs? sign up for our WoC Study Group Articles: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXEvlkmFc8Y/?utm_medium=copy_link (IG post) 5 jobs that will exist in the Metaverse & how to prepare for them https://influencermarketinghub.com/virtual-influencers/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig8ZnFt3UPA&ab_channel=CNBC https://analyticsindiamag.com/career-opportunities-in-the-metaverse/ New Jobs in the Metaverse https://metropolismag.com/projects/architecture-virtual-environments/ Lil Miquela And The Rise Of Digital Models   What you' ll learn: What exactly is the metarverse 5 Careers that could exist in the metatverse Why people are investing in digital assets Is now a good time to buy virtual land Questions we need to ask about in metaverse   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram     Connect with Grace: Instagram  Twitter LinkedIn   Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, are currently the hottest buzzwords in tech. What is the big deal about NFTs and why should you care about them? If you want to learn about NFTs but find the concept confusing or overwhelming then this episode is perfect for you. Today on the show, Grace chats with Harold Hughes the Founder and CEO of BandwagonFanClub, a venture-backed identity infrastructure company that helps its customers transparently manage, aggregate, and store valuable consumer identity data They chat about NFT basics, risks vs benefits of investing in NFTs, and the wealth creation opportunity for Black & Brown communities in the NFT space. Harold Hughes is the founder & CEO of Bandwagon – a venture-backed identity infrastructure company that helps its customers transparently manage, aggregate, and store valuable consumer identity data. A rising star in data, identity, and experience space, Harold has had his ideas validated as a graduate (and now mentor) of the Founder Institute Greenville chapter; graduate of Capital Factory – Austin, one of the inaugural companies in Google for Startups Black Founders Exchange Program, and most recently the inaugural cohort of the IBM Blockchain Accelerator in 2019.   A man of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Harold is actively involved in his community participating on the Board of Directors for Rebuild Upstate and Visit Greenville. He also serves as a board member for Women@Austin, a non-profit that focuses on the advancement of women entrepreneurs as they grow their companies. To that end, Harold is also an active angel investor, investing in women, people of color, and Black founder-led companies. Most notably, he has invested in Partake Foods, the Jay-Z backed CPG company making allergy-friendly, healthy snacks, and HireKanna, a marketplace and training platform for the gig economy in the cannabis industry. As a strong believer in mentorship, he makes time to speak with youth and his peers about his journey to entrepreneurship and how he has found success along the way. Harold Hughes is a graduate of Clemson University where he received Bachelors degrees in both Economics (B.A.) and Political Science (B.A.). As a “Triple Tiger”, he also completed his MBA at Clemson, before pursuing a graduate certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Stanford University.   What you will learn: Wealth creation opportunities for Black and Brown in NFTs What is an NFT and how they are created How to become a creator in the NFT space The risks of investing in NFTs Difference between Ethereum vs Bitcoin What does it mean to mint an NFT How to decide if an NFT is worth buying How to secure your  digital wallet using cold storage How to earn crypto for free (via coinable) How DAO, Web3, and NFTs are shaping the future of the internet   Resources: Fractional Ownership is Ownership (Part 1) — My intro to NFTs Fractional Ownership is Ownership (Part 2) — Creating Community with NFTs Bandwagon Proof of Experience NFT handbook by QuHarrison Terry https://mashable.com/video/beeple-explains-69-million-nft-success   NFT sites:   https://opensea.io/ https://mintable.app/ https://foundation.app/ https://rarible.com/   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Harold Hughes: Website Twitter Linkedin Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Do you currently feel stuck in your career? Do you want to make a career transition but don't know how to start? This is the perfect episode for you! Today on the show, Grace chats with Linda Vivah a Software Engineer, an AWS Community Builder, a mom of 2, a part-time wedding singer &  founder of Coding Crystals about how to get unstuck in your career and develop the mindset needed to make successful career transitions.    Linda Vivah is a Software Engineer at a major media organization in NYC, an AWS Community Builder, a mom of 2, a part-time wedding singer & the founder of a shop called Coding Crystals: a jewelry & accessories company taking inspiration from STEM. She creates content around tech including coding, cloud computing, career tips with a sprinkle of lifestyle. Linda had an untraditional journey into tech and broke into tech post-college via self-studying and attending a coding bootcamp. She currently works as an SRE (Site Reliability Engineer). She was previously working as a Web Application Developer (mainly JavaScript) for 5 years and transitioned from Web Development to an SRE role last year to be more hands-on in the cloud computing space.  Key takeaways: How to shift your mindset when you feel stuck in your career Practical tips for getting unstuck in your career How to learn a new skill while balancing your day job Why most people in tech experience imposter syndrome  The truth about coding bootcamps Top 3 things you should look for in your first tech job Resources: AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (CLF-C01) The Cloud Resume Challenge AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate Flatiron Bootcamp Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn   Connect with Linda: Instagram TikTok YouTube Twitter Medium Coding Crystals Shop   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com    

Data science is one of the fastest-growing careers in the tech industry. According to Linkedin, there is a 650% job growth in data science since 2012 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated 11.5 million new data science jobs will be created by 2026. You don't need to be a math expert, have a master's degree or Ph.D. to become a data scientist. Today on the show, Grace chats with Marizza Delgado a Data Scientist on Etsy's Product Analytics about how you can launch your data science career and the skills needed to thrive in this career. Marizza Delgado is a Data Scientist on Etsy's Product Analytics team, fashion model represented in NY and SF, and Miss New York Earth USA 2021. As an advocate for Women in STEM, she uses social media to increase the visibility of women in stem role models and expose young girls to the opportunities that come with working in technology, such as financial responsibility, work/life balance, continuous learning, and how empowering it is to work in a male-dominated field.     Key takeaways: Three different types of data scientists that exists in this career field What happens in the data science interview process Technical skills needed to become a data scientist A day in the life of a Data Scientist How to handle post-grad anxiety & rejection The power of community   Resources: Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate on Coursera Towards Data Science Podcast and Medium Blog, Algorithms of Oppression Book by Safiya Noble Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn   Connect with Marizza: https://www.instagram.com/marizzadelgado/ https://www.instagram.com/missnewyorkearth/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marizza-delgado/   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

Bloomberg Intelligence believes the market opportunity for the metaverse could be eight hundred billion dollars by 2024. Recently, there has been a lot of excitement & chatter about the Metaverse but there is also a lot of confusion as well. So what truly is the Metaverse and why should YOU care about it? Key Takeaways: What is the Metaverse? Where is the Metaverse located? Who is building the Metaverse? Why should you care about the Metaverse? Is the Metaverse fake or a new reality?   Sources: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-09-29/what-the-metaverse-is-who-s-in-it-and-why-it-matters-quicktak https://www.matthewball.vc/the-metaverse https://www.matthewball.vc/all/forwardtothemetaverseprimer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvZSdDC9rWo&ab_channel=JohnCoogan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99BnZ8js1_k&ab_channel=Reuters https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DpJlRbbgGU&ab_channel=CNETHighlights   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Grace: Instagram Twitter LinkedIn   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

From computer chips to construction materials, there is a global supply chain shortage happening right now according to the New York Times. So what is supply chain? what role does it play in the tech ecosystem? and what jobs exist within this career field? In the last episode of season two, Grace chats with Malcolm Hodge a Strategy Sourcing Manager at Microsoft about how supply chain works within tech, day to day responsibilities of a Sourcing Manager, and simple tips for your personal finance. North Carolina A&T graduate, Malcolm Hodge graduated with a B.S degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering and now works as a Global Sourcing Manager leading Mixed Reality strategy at Microsoft Corporation in Seattle, WA.   During his time at North Carolina A&T, Malcolm spent 2 internships with BMW and Boeing, as well as completing 2 international internships in the Virgin Islands and Australia. In addition, Malcolm spent time abroad studying in South Africa and China. These experiences inspired his passion for seeing the world.  As a big advocate of giving back, Malcolm used his love for traveling to found The Dreamer's Creative Foundation. TDCF is a non-profit whose mission is to provide financial support through scholarships for minority students looking to study abroad. In addition to allowing others to see the world, he also aspires to create the next generation of millionaires by teaching financial literacy and helping others understand the importance and value of money. Regardless of what hat he's wearing, his end goal remains the same – to help make the world a better place by empowering and inspiring others to pursue their wildest dreams.   Key Takeaways: The basics of supply chain How Microsoft finds its suppliers Skills needed to thrive as Sourcing Manager How to deal with being the youngest in the room Tips for negotiating  3 key things you should do with your personal finance early in your tech career   Articles : nytimes.com/2021/08/30/business/supply-chain-shortages.html https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-09-02/food-prices-driven-up-by-global-worker-shortage-brexit   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Malcolm: Website Linkedin Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Are you struggling to meet new people while working from home? Do you hate networking but still want to build your network? Goodnews, this episode is for you! In this episode, Grace shares 5 tips on how to network in a remote and hybrid workforce.   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

If you've ever used a chatbot or virtual assistance on your bank or social media app then you're no stranger to conversational AI. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) refers to technologies, like chatbots or virtual agents, which users like you and I can talk to. Today on the show, Grace chats with Surbhi Rathore Co-Founder & CEO Symbl.ai about why you should care about conversation AI, her inspiration behind building Symbl, and the future of conversational intelligence.  Symbl is bringing to life Surbhi's vision for a programmable platform that empowers developers and businesses to monitor, act, and comply with voice, video conversations at scale in their products and workflows without building their in-house data science expertise. This Techstars alum co-founded Symbl almost 3 years ago and is now backed by Amazon and has raised an early-stage venture round of $6.5M which deployed capital to grow a global team of tech enthusiasts to more than 40 people. She comes with experience from technical and customer-obsessed roles in both startups and enterprises such as Nevis Networks and Amdocs. Before co-founding Symbl, she worked in the Conversational AI space with a focus on delivering value to Telecommunication users. Surbhi is an international tech leader who advocates for Women in AI with a personal mission to inspire more women to work in Data Science. She is a national speaker, an accessibility equity champion, and the ultimate adventure capitalist.  Key Takeaways : Why should people care about conversation AI Real-world examples of symbl How symbl  is prioritizing + protecting customer's data and privacy The future of conversational AI Skills to get started in conversational AI Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Cassandra: Linkedin  Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Okay, here is the heartbreaking news you're not the energizer bunny. You are human and you need time to recharge. In this episode, Grace shares 5 signs you need a mental health day and how to prioritize self-care at work. If you have been looking for a sign to take a break, to rest, or recover this episode is for you.

About 40% of the workforce in America is looking to change jobs in 2021. That's 4 out of 10 people and  4 million people in the U.S. voluntarily quit their jobs in April, the highest monthly number ever reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics So if you're thinking of quitting your job, the good news is you're not alone. This new “ I quit” trend is called the Great Resignation.  great resignation is one of many bi-products of the pandemic. In this episode, Grace unpacks why many people are leaving their jobs, 3 things to consider if you want to quit your job, and new trends shaping The Future of Work. There are a lot of things that are uncertain right now but one thing that is certain is that people are ready for a change. If you are ready for a change then this is the episode for you.   Key takeaways: What is the “Great Resignation”? 5 reasons people are quitting their jobs 3 things to consider before quitting your job How to quit gracefully  New trends shaping the Future of Work Articles : Millions of workers are quitting their jobs during the pandemic. Meet six who made a big change. 4 million people quit their jobs in April The Next Great Disruption Is Hybrid Work—Are We Ready? As The Pandemic Recedes, Millions Of Workers Are Saying 'I Quit' The 'Great Resignation' is here How much time do we spend at work vs home?   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

We can all agree that the tech industry would not exist without innovation. So where does innovation come from?  Today on the show, Grace chats with Cassandra J. Collins Principal UX Design Director at Microsoft about the power of curiosity and how curiosity leads to innovation. Cassandra also shares how she uses AI, game technology, UX design, and simulation to tackle massive data problems and empower large organizations. Cassandra J Collins is currently Principal UX Design Director at Microsoft working with an elite Azure team that uses game technology, AI, and simulation to empower organizations with plant-scale and massive data problems. With over 25 years in the video game, entertainment, and technology space, Cassandra leverages Human-Centered design, User Experience, and Inclusive Design methodologies to develop a unified simulation platform and experience across a wide section of industries such as defense, industrial, and space.     She serves as the Girls Voice Coordinator and is on the Workshop Leadership Team at IGNITE Worldwide (Inspiring Girls Now In Technology), where she hosts IGNITE UX 101 Design workshops that helps to elevate girl's voices in STEM fields.  Since 2018, she has served as a Design Subject Matter Expert on Microsoft's Worldwide UX Design Communities and in 2011, as the User Experience Chair of AIGA Seattle.     Key takeaways: Why curiosity leads to innovation How to practice being curious  The cost of being different The importance of having a diverse portfolio of sponsors and mentors   Follow Tech Unlocked for career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Cassandra: Linkedin  Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Do recruiters really spend 7 seconds per resume? Are cover letters out? Do you need an engineering degree to become a recruiter? If you want deep insights into the recruiting world from the perspective of a recruiter then this episode is for you! Today on the show, Grace chats with Breanne Thompson who is a Tech Recruiter and D&I Champ at Microsoft about what it takes to become a tech recruiter, skills needed to thrive as a recruiter, top mistakes to avoid when reaching out to recruiters, and 3 ways to stand out as a job seeker. Breanne has spent her full professional career at Microsoft, where she's worked as both a Recruiter and a Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager. She has recruited Software and Hardware Engineers from University to Principal-level talent for the majority of her time at the company, with a focus on candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. As a Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager, she provided guidance to senior leaders around inclusive efforts to increase representation and retention of underrepresented employees, supported the launch of two employee resource groups, and led an early in career program of about 3000 employees. She was also a leader within Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) for almost three years, serving as the BAM Talent Acquisition Lead. In this role on the BAM Leadership Team, she has created and led several innovative programs pertaining to increasing the representation of Black employees at Microsoft.   Key takeaways: 3 Skills needed to thrive as a recruiter Day-to-Day responsibilities of a recruiter 3 Ways to stand out as a job seeker 3 things mistakes people make when reaching out to recruiters How to understand your job offer package   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram Connect with Breanne: Linkedin  Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

EP 38 | 5 In-Demand (Non-coding) Tech Jobs in 2021 Can you work in tech without knowing how to code? YES, you can! There are numerous tech jobs out there that are non-coding related but which ones are in high demand? In this episode, Grace shares the top 5 tech jobs that are in demand in 2021 that require no coding. She shares the skills needed to strive in these roles, key responsibilities, average salary, and more! If you've been looking for a sign to take the leap in transiting into the tech industry this is it.   Resources: Articles: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurencebradford/2017/03/07/16-tech-careers-you-can-land-no-coding-required/?sh=5a38537f26af https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/computer-science-jobs-without-coding https://www.itprotoday.com/careers/6-non-coding-tech-jobs-consider   Youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_fuiK3b9OA&ab_channel=Bukola https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnDvBgWZ7rw&ab_channel=LifeofLuba   Jobsites: https://www.payscale.com/ https://www.pocitjobs.com/ https://www.diversifytech.co/job-board/ https://blacktechpipeline.com/jobs/ https://www.ziprecruiter.com/ https://www.glassdoor.com/member/home/index.htm https://www.indeed.com/hire   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/   Connect with Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

Are you curious about becoming a designer but don’t know where to start? Don't worry we got you covered in the episode! Today on the show, Grace chats with talented and multidisciplinary designer Bekah Marcum about her unique journey into her product design career, three things she wished she knew before joining tech, and the skills needed to thrive as a product designer Currently a Product Designer at Instagram, Bekah combats the spread of misinformation on the Instagram App, leading the design for the Accurate Information pillar as a part of the Well-being team. Her background spans both UX and Visual Design – after starting her career at REI as a 3D and Product Designer, she spent four years at Amazon as a Designer then Art Director crafting custom ad experiences for brands on Amazon including Fire TV and Fire Tablet playable mini-games, Amazon custom boxes, and custom online stores. After moving over to Zillow, Bekah helped to lead the design for Zillows' newest product offerings – Zillow Offers and Zillow Rewards.   Key takeaways: Should designers learn how to code Top 3 core skills needed to thrive as a UI/UX designer The difference between a Visual Designer vs an Art Director vs a Product designer How to decipher design role titles while job hunting Networking vs Building Community   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Bekah: Linkedin  Instagram @DesigningWhileBlack    Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn   Enjoyed listening to this episode? Please leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

In this episode, Grace shares some personal updates about her life and the podcast. Also, as we wrap up Women's History Month in the United States, she shares five of her favorite tech podcasts hosted/co-hosted by some incredible women in tech. 

Only 13% of the US workforce is passionate about their jobs based on a study by Deloitte. So how does one find what they are good at and passionate about? Today on the podcast, we revisit an early episode from season one of the podcast with Tiana Davis Kara, Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She shares her non-traditional path into tech and how she found a passion for preparing the next generation of female tech leaders. Tiana Davis Kara (she/her), advocate for the future female workforce, is currently Executive Director for BUILT BY GIRLS. She oversees strategic direction and brand development for the social impact brand; furthering its mission to equip the next generation of female and nonbinary tech leaders, builders and creators. Previously she worked with Black Girls CODE developing strategic brand partnerships that furthered the organization's efforts to increase STEM education opportunities for girls of color. With more than a decode of marketing experience, she's led creative collaborations and built cultural relevance for major global brands in tech and retail.   What you will learn: -How to determine your passion in tech.  -Code-switching vs bringing your authentic self to work.       -What Gen Zs are looking for in a tech company -What is the mission of BUILT BY GIRLS -What is the role of an Executive Director   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Website Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Tiana Davis Kara: Website: https://www.builtbygirls.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/tianawanda?lang=en  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianadaviskara   Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Deloitte Study: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/talent/future-workforce-engagement-in-the-workplace.html Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

If you’ve been on social media lately chances are you have heard ALOT about cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. So what’s the big deal about cryptocurrency and why should you pay attention to it now? In this episode, Grace chats with professor Tonya Evans who is a Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School about the basics of cryptocurrency, the technology that powers it, and why it is important for folks in Black/Brown communities to learn about it now. Tonya M. Evans, Esquire, is Visiting Full Professor of Law at Penn State Dickinson Law School. Prior to Dickinson Law, Professor Evans served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law at the University of New Hampshire School of Law, where she created and directed the school’s Blockchain, Cryptocurrency & Law online professional certificate program and developed its world-class instructor pool and curriculum. She is also the former Chair of the Intellectual Property & Technology Online Programs. Professor Evans has expertise in the areas of intellectual property, new technologies (including blockchain and distributed ledger technology), entrepreneurship & innovation (including advisor to startups), entertainment law, trusts & estates, and municipal finance. She writes, speaks, and teaches primarily about the intersections of copyright and new technologies, blockchain and the law, and trusts and estates. Professor Evans is a graduate of Northwestern University (Dean’s List) and Howard University School of Law (cum laude). She also served as the Howard Law Journal editor-in-chief. She is licensed to practice law in PA, NJ, NY and DC.   What you will learn: The Who, What, When, Why, and Where of cryptocurrency Why Black and Brown communities need to pay attention to cryptocurrency Why Bitcoin is legal in some countries and banned in others What will happen in the future when the last Bitcoin is mined The type of  technology that enables cryptocurrency to exist How to safely get started in investing in cryptocurrency   Resources:  - Sign-up for the From Cash To Crypto Masterclass here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/24/810v9bn0 Thursday, 18 Mar 2021, 6:30 PM EST -Bitcoin and Black America by Isaiah Jackson   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Professor Tonya Evans: Website Twitter Linkedin   Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

In this episode, we are highlighting the 4 winners of the Tech Unlocked Scholarship. Congratulations to Blessing Adogame, David Sykes, Shondace Thomas, and Emeka Obi! THANK YOU to everyone who donated to make this scholarship possible!! We appreciate you investing in the future of Black technologists and innovators!   Meet the 4 amazing winners of the Tech Unlocked scholarship! Blessing Adogame: A Senior at Drexel University studying Computer Information Systems. She is a global citizen who has lived in Nigeria, Germany, Scotland, and the United States. She serves as a Community Leader and Woman in Tech. She is also the co-founder of the Students of LinkedIn movement at Drexel University. This campaign started as a hashtag, and “ bloomed into a global community of students who encourage each other to find their voice, expose the limitless opportunities that they can find/create, and educate each other on the importance of personal branding as college students.” Blessing is an adherent believer in the power of storytelling - she believes that stories and experiences pave the path that enhances a person's voice. She will be working at Microsoft as a program manager after she graduates.   David Sykes: David is a Senior studying Computer Science at Cardinal Stritch University with minors in Graphic Design and Technical Writing. He has gained experience in customer service and collaboration as a student employee at the IT-Help desk at Cardinal Stritch University. He recently accepted an internship as an IT Project Management Intern with Eversana,Inc. He plans to get his master's degree in Computer Science or work as a Software Engineer after graduating.   Shondace Thomas: Shondace is a Senior at Howard University studying Computer Science. She is originally from Guyana which is also known as the Caribbean of South America. During her time in college, she realized the importance of creating meaningful experiences, such as conferences and internships. Attending conferences allowed her to build a network outside of the one at her school provided. She has interned at Google and Dell in the past. She will be working at a tech company after she graduates. Emeka Obi Emeka is a Junior majoring in Electrical Engineering, and minoring in Computer science and Math at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He grew up in  Lagos, Nigeria but is originally from Anambra State Nigeria. He participates in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as the Vice President for the TAMUK chapter, he is the media specialist for the International Students' Fellowship at TAMUK, and is also the Vice President of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for the TAMUK chapter. Emeka loves to learn new technology and loves to help people around him. In his downtime, he enjoys playing Soccer and Ping Pong. After graduating, he wants to get his master's degree in Computer Science.    Follow Tech Unlocked: Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/ #TechUnlocked   Connect with Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones Questions about sponsorship or want to be a guest on the show? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

  “If perception is reality in the workplace, you could have one perception, and that totally not be you. Write your own story and make sure that you are the person who is telling what you can do and why you do it well.”  -Deena   Deena McKay is the founder and host of the podcast, Black Tech Unplugged. Black Tech Unplugged is a monthly podcast that highlights Blacks who innovate and work in the tech industry. Deena started Black Tech Unplugged as a way for Blacks to see people who looked like them in the tech industry. She also wanted to share tips and advice for those trying to get into the industry. Additionally, Deena works as a Functional Delivery Lead for a digital tech firm. In her role, she acts as a thoughtful problem solver who learns and understands her client’s business and works with her team to bring the client’s vision to life.    Keys Takeaways: -Skills needed to be a successful business analyst in tech -How to have a difficult conversation with your manager -3 questions to ask during your one on one with your manager -Characteristics of a good vs bad manager -The importance of meeting with your manager’s manager -What inspired Deena to create her podcast (Black Tech Unplugged)   Follow Tech Unlocked: Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/ #TechUnlocked   Connect with Deena: Instagram: @deena_mckay & @blacktechunplged Twitter: @deena_mckay & @blktechunplged LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/deenamckay Website: blacktechunplugged.com Facebook: facebook.com/blacktechunplugged   Connect with Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones   Questions about sponsorship or want to be a guest on the show? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com

“Thanks for your interest, but we’ve decided to go with another candidate.” That is a statement no job seeker wants to hear. Let's be honest, rejection sucks!   As an international student, Akosua got rejected for almost 2 years when she applied for jobs/internships because she was an immigrant and most companies did not want to sponsor her. Unfortunately, this is a common reality most international students face repeatedly. So how does one bounce back from being constantly rejected, move forward, and live a bold life? In today’s episode, Akosua Boadi-Agyemang shares her journey of moving to America, dealing with constant rejection as an international student, going viral on LinkedIn, getting her dream job at Microsoft, and is now living a bold life.   Commonly known on the LinkedIn platform as “The Bold Journey girl” and for sharing her stories on going from rejection to working full-time for Microsoft, and for utilizing the platform to build community and uplift others. Akosua Boadi-Agyemang boldly radiates her light as an Experiential Marketing Lead on the Global Events team, where she focuses on change management and communications for internal audiences and demand gen’. Akosua was born and raised in Francistown, Botswana to two Ghanaian parents. She moved to Oxford, Ohio to seek higher education at Miami University where received her Bachelor of Science in Business in May 2019 (Accounting and Human Capital Management & Leadership). Upon arriving in the US in 2015, Akosua started an initiative called “Re-Envision Africa” which focuses on educating people about the untold narrative of Africa. This initiative pushes to highlight the whole story of Africa and not just the usually told single narrative of poverty, war, and famine – and although these stories are not untrue, focusing solely on these narratives renders Africa’s story incomplete. Akosua hopes that through Re-Envision Africa, more people will come to understand that there is education, wealth, innovation and beauty etc. that comes from the Continent. Akosua is the middle child amongst her siblings. She is a lover of all thing’s education, innovation, public speaking and enjoys helping people share their own stories through various mediums.   Key takeaways: -How to overcome the fear of rejection -3 tips for using social media to get a job -The importance of being authentic online -How to figure out what type of content to post on LinkedIn -What NOT to post on Linkedin -3 lessons Akosua learned from going viral     Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Substack Twitter Instagram   Connect with Akosua: Linkedin  Instagram Linktree Connect with Grace: Twitter LinkedIn Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com  

“At some point, coding will click and you'll realize that with enough time and resources you could build whatever.” -Ali   Have ever felt like you don’t belong in the tech industry or felt you aren’t good at coding? Well, today’s guest on the podcast has been where you are. In this Episode, Grace chats with Ali Spittel, Senior Developer Advocate at AWS about how she found a passion for coding and why she loves teaching others how to code. If you would like to learn how to code in 2021 or curious about becoming a frontend developer then this episode is for you! Ali Spittel teaches people to code. She loves Python, JavaScript, and talking about programming. She has been writing React since before es6 classes. She is a Senior Developer Advocate on the AWS Amplify team. Ali also blogs about code, aimed mostly at a beginner audience. Her writing has gotten over a million readers in the past year. She has also spoken at over 50 events in the last few years. When Ali's not working, you can find her watching New England sports, competing on CodeWars, taking runs around the city, rock climbing, or participating in coding community events. Keys Takeaways : 11:00 What is the job of a Developer Advocate? 12:50 Skills needed to be a successful Developer Advocate 15:45 What is the Frontend development  18:36 Common Frontend programming languages you should know 20:00 Challenges for frontend Devs 21:39 How to prepare for the interview process 26:38 (3) Interview questions to ask your interviewer   Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here: https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/ We appreciate your support!!   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/   Connect with Ali: LinkedIn Twitter https://alispit.tel/ https://dev.to/aspittel  Learn more about the Ladybug podcast   Connect with Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones   Free Coding resources FreeCode Camp: https://www.freecodecamp.org/ CodeWars: https://www.codewars.com/ Advent of code https://adventofcode.com/ Code Academy: https://www.codecademy.com/ Resilient coders: http://www.resilientcoders.org/   Are you an underrepresented person looking to get into tech? Check out this awesome Job board curated for underrepresented folks by the amazing Veni Kunche. Follow Her on Twitter! AWS (Amazon Web Services ) is hiring: https://gist.github.com/jamesonwilliams/b73b0b03c0ce355db477ddfbcf8187ce#job-opportunities-at-aws-amplify   Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com      

In 1991, Shaka Senghor entered prison for committing second-degree murder. Today, he’s a best-selling author, a lecturer at universities, and leading voice on criminal justice reform. Raised in a middle-class neighborhood on Detroit’s east side during the height of the 1980s crack epidemic, Shaka was an honor roll student and a natural leader who dreamed of becoming a doctor. But at age 11, his parents' marriage began to unravel. The beatings from his mother worsened, sending him on a downward spiral that saw him run away from home. On the streets, he quickly turned to drug dealing to survive, running crack houses and getting caught up in the hopelessness of the life that surrounded the epidemic. At 18, he was shot in an altercation in front of his home. By 19, he was in prison for murder, fuming with anger and despair. During his 19 years incarcerated—including seven in solitary confinement—Shaka began a journey of self-reflection, inspired by reading and writing as a means of understanding his past, his present, and his future potential. By embracing forgiveness, hope, and everything that’s possible when you refuse to be defined by your past, he’s become a leading voice on the potential inherent in us all when given support and a second chance.  In the decade since his release, he’s garnered awards and fellowships, lectured at universities, started and worked with nonprofits seeking to lift people up, visited the White House, been interviewed by Trevor Noah and Oprah Winfrey, given award-winning TED talks, and tirelessly worked to help create the personal and societal change we need for a more inspired, just, fulfilling future.   Key Takeaways: How Shaka found himself in prison at the young age of 19 Transferable skills formerly incarcerated folks can bring into the Tech world  What tech companies can do to have a positive impact on the US Criminal Justice System. How we reimagine our current education system 3 tips for protecting your mental health during challenging times Article: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/30/shaka-senghor-interview-prison-reform-incarceration-book-writing-my-wrongs-cut50   Help us raise $2000 in scholarships for Black/African American students studying Computer Science or STEM by buying a t-shirt or donating directly here: https://www.bonfire.com/techunlocked/ We appreciate your support!!   Follow Tech Unlocked for updates and career tips: Twitter: https://twitter.com/techunlockedpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techunlockedpod/   Connect with Shaka: Twitter Website Instagram YouTube   Connect with Grace: Twitter: https://twitter.com/GraceMacjones LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemacjones   Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to our Podcast on iTunes and Spotify. Tag us @techunlockedpod on Instagram or Twitter too! Questions about sponsorship? Email us techunlockedpod@gmail.com