Being intentional about your career means having a plan that will enable you to get where you want to go. It's about taking the wheel and not letting things happen to you. It's about choosing instead.

As women in IT, you face not only your doubts. You can also feel the pressure of succeeding in a male-dominated environment. This is why I believe that you should focus on building your confidence. There's nothing worse than the imposter syndrome that stops wonderful women to realize their full potential.

Of course, I don't undermine the formal education. It's a big part of staying on top of the current trends and validating your skills. You have to choose wisely, though. When you have a career plan, you know what should you prioritize. Set milestones, grow continuously, and prevent yourself from feeling stuck and miserable.

Last but not least, network. You have to know the right people. The majority of recruitment processes in the IT field are closed with a referred candidate. It can be you. But first you need to build quality relationships with people who can help you achieve your goals. Don't mistake it for exploiting them. You are there for each other, you can be a supporter too. In fact, a conference like the one we meet at is a perfect opportunity to make connections with fellow great women in IT.

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Key Takeaways:

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1. Confidence over competence. Working on your self-portrait is as (if not more) important than building skills and gaining certificates.

2. It won't happen if you don't intend it. You need to take time and think about where you want to get, plan the next steps and envision how your dream job looks like.

3. People are the key. Having meaningful relationships with people in your field will significantly increase your chances of achieving your career goals.