So you want to transition into tech, huh?

How I Transitioned Into Tech Recruiting

Hey friends,

Welcome to my first official newsletter! In each newsletter, I will share bits and pieces of my career journey, like how I got into recruiting, my career journey, tips, and things I did during my job search. Although I am no longer in tech recruiting, I think it’s a big part of my story and how I have been able to be so successful in my recruiting journey.

Job Title: Sr. Systems Engineer

Current Employer: Centersquare Data Centers

What do you do in your role?

As a Senior Systems Engineer, my job revolves around building, managing, and maintaining secure, high-performance IT systems for a large-scale enterprise. I work with both cloud-based and on-premise infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. My responsibilities include optimizing system performance, integrating different platforms, and managing critical areas like disaster recovery, data protection, and identity management. I also focus on automating processes and scaling systems to meet the growing needs of the organization. Essentially, I make sure the tech backbone of the company is reliable, secure, and ready to handle whatever comes its way..

How did you get into tech? 

My tech journey started in 2014 when I was working in IT sales, selling Microsoft Office 365 subscriptions to small and medium-sized businesses. At the time, the laptops we used weren’t the greatest, and I often found myself troubleshooting my issues because I didn’t want to wait for IT support. Surprisingly, I discovered I enjoyed solving those technical problems way more than I enjoyed selling cloud subscriptions. When the company’s only in-office IT person left, I saw an opportunity to step into that role, even though I had no idea what I was doing. I was determined to move away from sales and dive deeper into IT. That leap of faith was my entry point into tech, and since then, I’ve grown my career by constantly learning, building things, and connecting with others in the industry. 

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to break into tech? 

If you’re thinking about pursuing a career like mine, the first step is to ask yourself why you want to do this. It’s not just about the financial rewards—it’s about understanding what drives you and whether this path aligns with your passions and goals. Once you’ve figured that out, research the specific technologies and skills (both technical and interpersonal) that are essential for success in this field. And don’t underestimate the power of community! While it’s possible to go it alone, having a network of supportive, like-minded people can accelerate your growth and open doors you might not even know exist. Remember, the relationships you build can be just as valuable as the skills you develop..

Meet Tiare Dugger

Job Title: Manager, Infrastructure Engineering

Current Employer: Abrigo

What do you do in your role?

• Mentor and guide a team that enhances infrastructure and operational practices, fostering technical growth.  

• Evaluate team tasks and participate in hiring and feedback processes to ensure the team's growth.

• Provide guidance on technical issues while collaborating closely with product and R&D teams to find and resolve software bugs.

How did you get into tech? 

I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. I primarily applied for help desks and support roles, where I didn't need much experience and could learn and grow my technical skills on the job. I started as a Support Analyst, providing entry-level software support, and worked my way up to engineering, where I began troubleshooting complex application, performance, and SQL server issues.  

What advice would you give to someone who is trying to break into tech? 

This is just general advice for those who are trying to break into the tech field. This field is so much more than just the technical roles you see on social media. There is a place for everyone—both technical and non-technical. Do your research, focus on getting your foot in the door with the skills you already have, and always continue to learn new skills while growing the ones you already have.

Chit Chats With Lonni Podcast 🎙

I also have a podcast that is FREE and is what this newsletter is based on. Feel free to tune in. I hope to be able to get some more amazing guests to contribute to my newsletter like I was able to do with my podcast. ^☺️

Business Spotlight

Meet Kristi Kennebrew, Founder of GetMeHiredKristi

Get Me Hired Kristi was created to bridge the gap between unrepresented talent & entry level roles within the tech space. It stems from my personal experience of using my transferable skills to transition into a career field that I love, talent attraction! Now I guide others with their transition, taking it a step further, helping them with their personal brands as well! I’m currently selling t-shirts to remind job seekers that their “Transferable Skills Are Real!” & “Rejection is Redirection” & LinkedIn reach out templates to help candidates with making connections.

Meet Tyra Jean, Founder of Naturally Verified Co.

Naturally Verified Co. is a beauty and wellness brand focused on empowering communities of color by offering luxury, organic products at affordable prices to enhance their self-care routines. We’re committed to promoting transparency and authenticity in the beauty industry.We prioritize products that are ethically sourced, sustainable, and made in the U.S. We currently have two collections: "Supple Skin" and "Herbal Halo" Hair Growth Oil.

Meet Tynnetta Muhammad, Founder of Tynnetta Sells LLC.

Tynnetta Sells LLC leverages over 20 years of expertise in education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to deliver transformative professional development and training solutions. We empower individuals and organizations through innovative programs that integrate academic rigor with practical skills, fostering leadership and communication. Our Learning and Development programs blend academic depth with real-world application, offering tailored workshops, staff training, and leadership initiatives. We enhance public speaking capabilities while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our proven initiatives drive leadership, effective communication, and organizational efficiency.

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Chit Chat with Lonni (Q&A)