The Pillars of Pivot: How Support Systems Can Power Tech Transitions
Arnetta Knight
Scientific Data Management | Product Manager | Software Developer | Instructor
Introduction
The tech industry, with its complex layers and constant evolution, may seem intimidating to newcomers. Much like the components in our favorite gadgets, the journey into this world demands connection, support, and collaboration. As I reflect upon my pivot into the tech field, I am continually reminded of the invaluable role my support system played. This article is both a testament to those who held me up during challenging times and a guide for those seeking similar support as they navigate their own tech transitions.
From Chowan to Life's Challenges
Fresh out of high school, I stepped onto the grounds of Chowan University, my eyes set on a singular goal: to become a History teacher. I've always been enamored with history, the tales of the past, and the lessons they brought. It was a passion I intended to share, to nurture others much like how I was nurtured.
However, life, with its unpredictable turns, had other plans. When I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to leave Chowan due to my pregnancy, the vast expanse of the unknown stretched out before me. How would I navigate this new challenge? The weight of the uncertainty, the what-ifs, bore down on me. But with the arrival of my son, I found myself not just in the role of a new mother at the age of 19, but also as an individual at a crossroads, with dreams and aspirations momentarily in the shadows.
A Grandmother's Gift: My Anchor in the Storm
In August 2008, with my son merely six months old, I took a leap of faith by enrolling at Thomas Nelson Community College. This decision wasn't made in isolation. My grandmother, a beacon of unwavering support, stepped up in ways I could never have imagined. By virtually raising my son during his early years, she gave me the freedom to figure out my life and pursue my education. It was a silent partnership; she took on the mantle of caregiving, while I dove headfirst into retooling my life.
A Mother's Unwavering Faith and Dedication
Tucked within the fabric of support that held me firm during my pivot into tech was the unyielding presence of my mother. Often, when we hear stories of triumph and transformation, there’s a guiding star in the backdrop. For me, that star was my mother.
She wasn't just a pillar of financial and emotional support but an epitome of sacrifice and tenacity. Working tirelessly, day and night, she fostered an environment where I could chase my dreams, even when the path was shadowed by my own bouts of depression and personal challenges, which I know often weighed heavy on her. However, with her at my side, I never truly went under, and my course remained steadfast. Someone once said, “The prayers of a mother are like whispered winds, unseen but powerful, shaping the destiny of her children with gentle persistence.” Looking back on my journey now, I can't help but believe that her silent strength and unseen prayers to God as I slept, have been the compass guiding me, ensuring I never lost my way.
Her vision for me was broad and laden with opportunity. From the vast landscapes she let me explore as a child — places she herself had never seen — to the stages where my love for the arts blossomed, she was there. Piano lessons, ballet, theatrical performances, performing arts school, various recitals; these were the arenas she introduced me to, recognizing my inherent gifts in singing and the arts. While my journey did not remain anchored in the arts, the well-rounded individual I am today is largely a testament to her foundational support. Her dream may have seen me basking in the limelight of artistic achievements, but her broader vision was clear: to nurture a daughter who would seize opportunities she herself never had. Today, my drive, my ambition, and my vision are hallmarks of her dedication and faith. Her efforts were far from in vain; they became the blocks upon which I built my dreams, and who knows, maybe one day I will have a full circle moment and return to my “roots”.
Guidance from a Mentor: Lessons from the Shipyard
Before my time at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the world of professional employment was largely uncharted territory for me. Despite having applied to several jobs, I faced a string of denials. With the birth of my son, I had to rely on TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), food assistance, and family for support. For the first three years of my son's life, this was our reality.
It was amidst this backdrop that a symbol of hope emerged in the form of a professor who informed me about the student co-op program at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. More than just offering information, this professor played an instrumental role in connecting me with the individual who would eventually interview me. A month later, I received the call that marked the beginning of my professional journey.
Within the shipyard, as I started to navigate this new world, a mentorship blossomed. The woman, whom I affectionately call Ms. Gail became a guiding force during my formative years in the student co-op program, which is now known as 'Pathways'. Her life and career lessons became pillars that shaped my perspective, especially as a Black Woman.
One piece of advice she gave remains etched in my memory. She told me, "Don’t get complacent. Grow, learn, and when the time is right, move on." This wasn’t just counsel for the role I was in, serving as an Administrative Support Assistant, but a reflection of her broader vision for my potential. Perhaps she saw even before I fully grasped it, that I was bound for wider horizons. Her wisdom served as a reminder: not just to exist, but to evolve, to push boundaries, and when destiny called, to answer with courage.
The Importance of Support When Pivoting
Pivoting, especially into an industry as intimidating and rapidly evolving as tech, requires more than just technical expertise and grit. It's an act of redefining oneself, shedding past identities, and embracing new challenges. Crucial to this journey is an environment that encourages growth, questioning, and the resilience to bounce back from failures. My family – from my nurturing mother to my supportive grandfather, encouraging aunts, my father with his financial backing and professional wisdom later in my journey, and even a boyfriend who unexpectedly paid the tuition for a class I desperately needed – became the bedrock upon which I built my goals and aspirations.
But why should the idea of 'pivoting' resonate with you?
In today's fast-paced world, industries evolve, roles transform, and the skills of yesterday may not necessarily guarantee the success of tomorrow. Many professionals, from journalists becoming digital content creators to salespeople transitioning into data analysis, have found themselves at a crossroads similar to mine. And here's where the concept of pivoting becomes universal. It's not just about a career change; it's about personal evolution, continuous learning, and the ability to adapt. According to LinkedIn's 2020 Workplace Learning Report, 51% of professionals believed that in the near future, they'll need to learn entirely new skills to do their jobs. Pivoting, thus, is not an exception but a looming reality for many.
Teams in Tech: A Reflection of Support Systems
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Now, let's bridge this personal experience to the broader landscape of technology. This theme of support and collaboration isn't just anecdotal, it resonates profoundly in the tech field. Behind every groundbreaking app, every innovative software solution, and every transformative tech project, there is a cohesive team working in harmony. A team that, much like a supportive family, collaborates seamlessly, elevating each member's unique strengths and compensating for their individual weaknesses.
Consider some of the most successful tech giants today. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, or Google aren't just defined by their products but by their teams – teams that champion diverse perspectives, foster innovation, and prioritize collective growth over individual accolades. According to a study by Google's 'Project Aristotle', the highest-performing teams weren't necessarily composed of top-tier experts but were those that emphasized psychological safety, role clarity, and dependability.
In essence, the dynamics of a nurturing family and a successful tech team are strikingly parallel. Both thrive on mutual respect, trust, and the shared understanding that each member, with their unique strengths and vulnerabilities, is essential. Both understand that success is a collective endeavor, where individual triumphs are celebrated, and failures are faced together.
Navigating the Tech Waters without a Personal Support System
Embarking on a career pivot journey without the comfort of a familial safety net can be daunting, but it's essential to remember that one isn't truly alone. The digital age, with its massive reach, offers an overabundance of communities, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities for those in similar situations. These platforms can, in many ways, serve as an adopted family. Their rich sources of guidance and wisdom can, at times, give one the motivational nudge required to keep pressing forward. Websites like Meetup.com, industry-specific forums, and even local hubs like libraries, coffee shops, and coworking spaces have emerged as focal points for tech-related events, discussions, and workshops. Such avenues not only foster learning but also encourage the building of relationships and the creation of one's unique support network.
Another worthy mention is the role of academic research in understanding the importance of support systems. A study from the Harvard Business Review emphasized that having a supportive network significantly enhances job satisfaction and overall well-being. This finding underscores the critical role support systems play in our professional journeys. ??
Expanding Your Support System: Tech & Mentorship Communities
While this list captures only a snapshot of the vast ocean of resources available, each community and platform holds a unique value. Their collective strength is powerful, especially for those seeking anchor points in their tech voyage, reaffirming that no one has to journey alone.
Conclusion
The fabric of technology is intertwined with threads of human connections, tenacity, and dreams. My odyssey into the tech world was not just a product of ambition but was deeply rooted in the rich soil of family love, mentorship, and community support. Also, as I reflect on my previously mentioned exit from Chowan University, life has a peculiar way of coming full circle. Years later, while my path may have deviated from that of a History teacher, the essence of my goal – to educate and inspire – found its way back to me. Currently, I stand proud as an Adjunct Instructor, imparting knowledge in computer science at the college level. It's a testament that, sometimes, detours lead us back to our true calling and desire in the most unexpected ways.
As the renowned poet Maya Angelou once said, "We may encounter many defeats, but we must not be defeated." The challenges I faced, the crossroads where I had to make decisions, and the moments of doubt were all defeated by my faith and trust in God and the love and guidance of those around me. For anyone embarking on a similar journey, remember this: every step you take, every pivot you make, is a part of your unique story. Whether you have a familial backbone or find solace in the embrace of the wider tech community, your journey will be filled with moments of learning, growth, and triumph. For those standing on the verge of change, always believe in the power of your journey, for it is a testament to your resilience and the strength of the community that stands with you.
~Best Regards ~
????Arnetta Knight
??Records & Information – IT Services | Web Developer | Adjunct Instructor