Navigating professional careers within the Black community looks different for everyone. In the tech sector, where only 23% of tech workers are from minority ethnic backgrounds and 13% are in senior roles, planning your career can be daunting. When working in an underrepresented field, you might encounter challenges such as imposter syndrome, or the pressure to overcompensate to impress your colleagues. The lack of adequate representation in top management or leadership – and not having people who look and sound like you, or people with similar backgrounds – can easily become a demotivating factor.

These pressures can make it challenging when considering the next stage of your career. However, by breaking it down into smaller, measurable steps – focusing on getting quick wins and achieving short term goals – advocating effectively for a promotion, and having a clear idea of what you want to achieve in your career, you’re well on the path to success.

Working towards your north star
When planning your career journey, it can be helpful to think about it as charting a course towards your own professional ‘north star’. Where do you see yourself in the next year, or the next five years? Whether this is a specific job title, an income target, or a role with certain responsibilities, having a constant, long-term goal can help guide you through your career and navigate the difficulties you may face.

It is important to have a compass and clock approach to your career, there must be a destination in mind, the ultimate goal and the unrelenting driving force. This serves as a compass and provides a sense of direction even when there is a detour. The clock, on the other hand, constantly gives a sense of time based on where you are at every point in your career and the objectives you have set. This approach fortifies your focus and eliminates the desire to chase after things with vanity outcomes.

The next step is to break down that long-term goal into smaller, measurable milestones. By doing so, you’ll be able to clearly see how to progress from A to B in your career and keep yourself motivated by celebrating the smaller achievements along the way.

However, there will be blocks in the road. Hitting that goal is rarely a linear process so it’s essential to stay adaptable and be ready to change course or find alternative ways of getting to your destination, when necessary. The compass and the clock approach helps in the understanding of the fact that the only way to achieve a long-term goal is the consistent completion of short-term goals irrespective of the direction or detours. In your career journey, there has to be a laser focus on getting things done, and breaking down big and complex problems into smaller milestones and valuable outcomes will help you achieve that.

Putting yourself forward for that promotion
Putting yourself forward for a promotion can be daunting. Feelings of doubt or imposter syndrome might creep in, particularly when you’re in a sector such as tech, where the representation of senior level ethnic minorities drops to 13%. It’ll be great to have more role models at the very top of recognised organisations, but without that, you still should not limit yourself to what is on the table. There is the obvious ethnicity gap in pay and senior roles because of the timidity that comes with not seeing someone like you higher up the cadre. We should always put in the work and strive to get results but you need to know how and when to move to move to the next level, and sometimes a promotion could mean a horizontal move between organisations rather than waiting for a vertical move within an organisation.

To position yourself best for a promotion, consider a few key factors. First, be clear and intentional about the outcomes you want. Confidence in what you aim to achieve with this promotion will greatly help when discussing with your employer why you’re the best candidate for it. Before applying for the promotion, target and achieve specific milestones that put you in a better position – this could involve taking on a new role or acquiring new skills to make you more credible. Essentially, use all your experiences to demonstrate readiness for the next step. 

Additionally, evaluate your work environment. Is it the right place for you? Can you see yourself thriving in a different setting? If you’re seeking new challenges, consider this when contemplating the next stage of your career. 

Balancing the opportunity to earn more money against professional growth
When thinking about the next stage of your career, financial stability is undoubtedly a crucial factor. However, it’s important to not let the salary solely determine your decision. Instead, think about how it factors into your professional career goals. Understand where you are in your career, the next steps you intend to take and, critically, what you need for the next level. If earning more money provides you with the liquidity to equip yourself, then go for it with a plan in mind. If less money but growth opportunities offers the experience you need to take the next step, then this might be the better option.  

The most important factor here is the plan you have for yourself, and the commitment to that plan. When making these types of decisions you’ll need to have a high integrity of commitment to the choice you make – it’s not a right or wrong decision, it is the commitment to the short-term objectives you have set that makes the difference.

Building a community and allyship within the workplace
Building a meaningful professional network is crucial for career advancement, and it’s certainly not reserved for the LinkedIn super-networkers. Finding a mentor is a two-way street; it’s about what you can gain and what you can offer, as well as how you can contribute to a mutually beneficial relationship. Especially when just starting your career – you’d be surprised by how many people are willing to offer assistance.

There are various ways to go about this, such as organising coffees with your colleagues when you start, or joining industry-specific professional organisations or associations. These groups often offer networking events, mentorship programs, and opportunities to connect with experienced professionals. It might be intimidating at first, but finding mentorship, allyship and a community within the workplace and industry will only benefit you and your career. If you have alumni networks from your schools or universities, tap into them. Alumni often have a sense of connection and are willing to offer guidance to fellow members of their cohort. 

While there may be difficulties in navigating an underrepresented field, it’s crucial not to be discouraged and to persevere in pursuing your goals. Approaching your journey with a proactive mindset, underpinned by a strong support network, will showcase your skills and potential for career advancement.