Real Talk from Women in Tech: Career Tips & Inspiring Stories for Girls Breaking Into Tech

To shed light on the realities of this journey, we’ve gathered stories and advice from seasoned women who’ve navigated Silicon Valley and beyond. Their experiences reveal not just the triumphs, but the missteps, lessons, and strategies that every aspiring woman in tech should know.

By YEET Editorial Team | Published Today, Updated Today

1. Relationships in Tech: A Double-Edged Sword

When Claire landed her first job at a hot new AI startup in San Francisco, she was thrilled. At 24, she felt like she was living the dream—working alongside brilliant engineers in a sleek SoMa office with free kombucha on tap. But as the weeks went by, her excitement gave way to tension.

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She’d started casually dating Matt, one of the lead engineers, who was a charming and well-connected presence in the small startup. At first, everything seemed fine. They kept their relationship quiet, but whispers started circulating. When their relationship ended after a minor disagreement, Claire thought it was just another failed romance.

Months later, Claire applied for a senior product manager role at a neighboring fintech company, where Matt had since moved. She made it to the final round of interviews, only to learn she didn’t get the job. A colleague tipped her off that Matt had warned the hiring manager against her, citing "interpersonal issues." Claire was devastated.

“I never thought something so personal could have such a professional impact,” Claire reflects. “It taught me how small and interconnected the tech community really is.”

Claire’s story isn’t unique. Hannah, a marketing specialist at a Palo Alto robotics firm, faced similar fallout after dating a VP at her company. Though she consistently delivered results, her promotions were delayed, and her colleagues began to dismiss her ideas, assuming her success was tied to her relationship.

Advice from the Trenches: Women like Claire and Hannah emphasize one thing: avoid dating within the workplace. The risks often outweigh the rewards in an industry as tightly knit as tech. For many, building relationships outside the tech bubble has proven to be a healthier and less complicated choice.

2. The Allure (and Limits) of Big-Name Companies

Emily, a Stanford grad with a degree in computer science, couldn’t wait to start her first job at Facebook’s Menlo Park campus. The perks were incredible—shuttle rides, gourmet meals, and a six-figure salary. Her parents were ecstatic, but something felt off.

“I was a project manager, but I had no real say in the product’s direction,” Emily says. “It felt like I was there to make the team look more diverse, not to actually lead.”

After two years of being stuck in a supporting role, Emily decided to take a risk. She left Facebook to join a mid-sized health tech startup in Oakland, where she was put in charge of building an entirely new product line.

“At first, it felt like a step down. The office was tiny, and the pay wasn’t as good,” she admits. “But I finally got to make decisions that mattered.”

Now a VP of Product at the same company, Emily credits her success to taking that leap. “Big names don’t always mean big opportunities,” she advises. “Sometimes the best moves are at companies no one’s heard of—yet.”

3. The Power of Working with the Right People

When Priya landed her first engineering job at a cryptocurrency startup in Los Angeles, she was thrilled to join an ambitious team. But as the only woman in her department, she quickly realized how isolating the experience could be.

“The guys were mostly in their early 20s, fresh out of college. They’d spend hours debating video games or the latest crypto memes, and I felt completely out of place,” Priya recalls.

One day, after her suggestions were repeatedly dismissed in meetings, she reached out to a mentor she’d met during an internship—Marcus, a seasoned engineer in his 40s who worked at a major cloud computing company in Seattle.

“Marcus told me to prioritize working with people who valued my skills, not just my presence,” Priya says. Inspired by his advice, she left the startup to join a more established fintech firm where the engineering team was older and more diverse.

“The difference was night and day,” she says. “I finally felt like my ideas were taken seriously.”

Now a lead developer herself, Priya makes it a point to mentor younger women in her field. “Your colleagues shape your confidence,” she says. “Choose your environment wisely.”

Advice From Women Who’ve Been There

For young women entering the tech world, the advice is clear:

1. Think Carefully About Workplace Relationships: The tech industry is a small world. Office relationships can complicate promotions, hiring, and team dynamics.
2. Don’t Be Swayed by Big Names: Companies like Google and Amazon may look impressive on a resume, but smaller firms often offer more meaningful roles with real leadership potential.
3. Seek Supportive Colleagues: Surround yourself with mature, experienced professionals who will mentor you and respect your contributions.

The Bigger Picture: A Career, Not Just a Job

For women like Claire, Emily, and Priya, success in tech wasn’t just about landing the right job. It was about learning when to walk away, how to stand up for themselves, and where to find allies in an industry that still has a long way to go in supporting women.

As Priya puts it: “Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on building the skills and relationships that will carry you through the long run.”

By sharing their stories, these women hope to empower the next generation to navigate the tech world with confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Keywords:

Women in Tech, Career Advice, Tech Industry, Women in Tech Leadership, Silicon Valley Women, Women Tech Entrepreneurs, Tech Careers, Female Mentorship, Women in Leadership, Overcoming Challenges in Tech, Work-Life Balance in Tech, Tech Industry Insights, Empowering Women in Tech