Bess Campbell: How to Pivot Careers with PDXWIT
On this episode of Humanizing Tech, we’re joined by Bess Campbell, Solutions Engineer at Actable.
After many years in the service industry, Bess decided she was ready to pivot careers and went back to school to become a computer programmer. To her advantage, the service industry taught her all about working with people under pressure - how to be a team player, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to create elegant, efficient systems.
In her Solutions Engineer role, she helps her clients route and transform data, engage with different marketing technologies, and contribute to projects utilizing Airflow, GCP, and Python.
PDXWIT events and programming and most importantly, the Invest In Your scholarship were the springboard to her success. Listen for practical ways to pivot your career with PDXWIT.
Learn more about PDXWIT here, Professional Networking - Women In Technology | PDXWIT — PDXWIT.
Transcript
Intro:
Welcome to humanizing tech, a PDXWIT podcast. We interview people to dig below the surface of their achievements and challenges showcasing the story behind the story. We believe that focusing on the person and humanizing their lived experiences will help us shape the future of tech.
Anusha Neelam:
This episode of Humanizing Tech is brought to you by First Tech Federal Credit Union. First Tech puts people over profit with personalized financial services and convenient banking solutions to help you thrive. First Tech offers individualized tools for your financial wellness, whether you're saving for college, buying a house, or looking forward to retirement. When you're ready to save time and money, visit first techfed.com and see how First Tech invests in you.
Before we get started, I want to acknowledge the land we are on, wherever we're turning in from. PDXWIT recognizes the ongoing violence, trauma, and erasure indigenous Oregonians and Native American face. We're recording from Portland today and Portland rests on the traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. We endeavor to have this acknowledgement be more than just words. The tech industry is building the future of our world, and it is up to us to ensure that there is a future for all. To find out more about how we're supporting the future of indigenous Oregonians and Native Americans, please visit our website. We'll add a link in the show notes as well.
Hello everyone. Welcome to another episode of Humanizing Tech. This is your co-host Anusha and my pronouns are she/her. Our episode today is gonna be a part of our mini-series where we highlight the story of another individual who is here to share their PDXWIT story with us, and how they benefited from the opportunities and resources that PDXWIT provides. Without further ado, our guest today is Bess Campbell. She currently works as a solutions engineer at Actable. She was introduced to PDXWIT when she was starting to think about transitioning away from the service industry. She started attending a coding bootcamp, which was a daunting task. And she didn't know anyone else going through the process, which was very isolating for her. But a friend was able to introduce Bess to the community at PDXWIT, and she was hooked. We will absolutely be talking to her more about that. But she was also a PDXWIT’s Investing In You scholarship recipient, which allowed her to better prepare herself for taking the bootcamp at home with the new standing desks and office set. So yeah, can't wait to dive into specifics with you Bess, thank you for being here.
Bess Campbell:
Thank you so much for having me, Anusha. So,
AN:
[giggles] I know that you've been involved with PDXWIT for a while and I really wanna let you share your story with us. I'm a sucker for a good “this is how I was introduced to PDXWIT story” [laughs]
BC:
My meet-cute, PDX meet-cute.
AN:
[laughs] Exactly, exactly. Why don't you talk to us a little bit about… We talked a little bit in the intro about how a friend was able to introduce you to PDXWIT. How was that process like for you and like, tell us more?
BC:
Yeah, absolutely. So I was laid off during the pandemic, working in the service industry, and really even before that, had been starting to look at new avenues, seeing where else I could go, just really not seeing longevity in the service industry. And I was out camping actually with a group of friends and I sat down and my friend was just like, well, what do you wanna do? And I was like, well, I don't wanna be in the service industry anymore. I've been thinking about going to this coding bootcamp. And they were like, you should absolutely be in tech. And they then introduced me to PDXWIT and that community. And it really just was so affirming and helpful, not only to hear that I should be in tech - this person who doesn't have any computer background and who has been working in the service industry for 10 years. Really not haven't ever been in any kind of business background where I'm working at a computer or in an office at all. It was just so affirming to have this PDXWIT member tell me that, yes, this is where you're supposed to be. And that has been my continued experience with PDXWIT.
AN:
That's awesome. Yeah. I mean, first of all, you've got great friends to encourage you to try something different and something new and give you that support. But also, I think it's a huge testament to the community that we've built here at PDXWIT and just how there's a lot of members that talk about that being a theme where they didn't feel like they fit in in any other community or space, but they really found that at PDXWIT. So it's great to hear that that was your experience as well.
BC:
I honestly don't think… like that small conversation really propelled me in a way that I am not quite sure I would be in the same position I am today without it.
AN:
Yeah. Well, so excited to hear that that was how things worked out for you. And you mentioned how you were coming into the tech industry without necessarily having ant deep technical skill set or a lot of knowledge just about the industry in and of itself. How did being a part of the PDXWIT community and engaging with the members… how did that help you gain more knowledge to be successful or set yourself up to be successful in the job search?
BC:
Yeah, so I would say a lot of it, at least in the beginning, was exposure. In my bootcamp, I feel like I walked in so green, day one, and had no knowledge of anything that I was starting a little further back than a lot of my classmate who had at least done some pre-class or had someone there who knew what they were doing. Just had a language I didn't have, it felt like. And so to go then to PDXWIT meetups and be able to not necessarily focus on those technical terms, but continued like, here, come talk to us about tech. You know? Come talk to us about what you wanna know and what you do know and what you wanna learn. And let's just be where you are and help you get further, is what it always felt like.
And I just remember so much positivity! At the first zoom happy hour I went to, I remember I even did some breakout rooms, just being able to talk to hiring managers of different companies. And even that was so great. I don't think I followed up with anyone… or I did meet one person who I don't even think was there as a hiring person. They were just like, oh, you're looking for a job? I'm gonna get… here, this job is available at my company. They weren't even a hiring manager. They're just like, oh, you're looking for a job, let me try to help you. Yeah. And it was just like, wow, there's this whole Slack channel where I just have everyone here who is wanting me to succeed. And that was, even though I knew nothing.
AN:
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
BC:
It was quite awesome.
AN:
No, that's awesome. You gotta love PDXWIT members for doing that too. Like, it's just like you're new and you might not know a lot, but they're just like, here, I'm gonna take it upon myself and help you out. [laughs]
BC:
Absolutely. Absolutely. It was just like, oh, here, hold my hand. [laughs]
AN:
No, that's great. And just taking a step back, when did you get involved with PDXWIT? Like what year was that? Was that pre or post pandemic?
BC:
It was during the pandemic, so yeah, I think 2020. Because that’s also when I went to boot camp, so yeah.
AN:
Okay. Okay. Yeah. So you were mostly exposed to the… PDXWIT for those where our listeners who don't know, used to do, and still does, happy hours every single month. And they were incredibly graceful in their turn to transition going from in-person events,which were super cool and just an event in and of itself. But I think during the pandemic they definitely transitioned over to still finding a way to connect this community. And it's so great to hear, Bess, from your story that you were someone who didn't really lose out because we had this global pandemic. You were still able to find that connection through the community. What was it like attending those virtual events? What were the differences? Did you feel like you still got a lot out of them?
BC:
To be honest, when I did the breakout rooms, that was the most helpful for me. I still felt… and like a lot of chatting over Slack or whatever. But even just like feeling like I was a part of it was a lot for me. Just like I wasn't ready to turn my camera on or anything. But it felt like there were a lot of people who already knew each other and to already see that was really exciting and to slowly become part of that. I have been to one event since that was in person and that was great. I went to a hiring event and it was also awesome. But it did feel like the Zoom happy Hours felt like an extension of that still, you know? A lot of that support and community was still very much represented in those Zoom happy hours as well.
AN:
Yeah, definitely. It's kind of like they didn't even miss a beat in terms of how quickly they were able to do that. And huge kudos to our PDXWIT staff for being able to wrangle things together so quickly. But yeah, I think it's also really great because we're now, as we've transitioned, I don't even know if we can say like post pandemic yet, but whatever that this era is, I do think it's cool that they are looking at ways to do both virtual, hybrid and in person as well. So even these in person events, there is an option for folks to join virtually and I think that's awesome. Cause for folks that maybe networking in person is just a lot like you're saying, where it's just you're not ready yet to just go off… [laughs] and just be on camera and talk to people, you know? And I think it's a great option still to be able to connect with recruiters and get that time.
BC:
Absolutely. Absolutely. I'm a little bit better in person because I'm like, you just have to talk to people. [laughs] there’s no hiding. It's so much better and it's a little more fluid. They're both great though. Absolutely. It was great.
AN:
Yeah. [laughs]. Yeah. I feel like we all have to find new and creative ways to get that out of ourselves to like network, but [laughs]
BC:
So true.
AN:
When you were searching for jobs and really diving more into your job search and how you were able to make the most out of these happy hours, what are some of the challenges that you were coming across being new to the tech industry?
BC:
Yeah, I would say some of the challenges were definitely a lot of jobs out there I was underqualified for, and wasn't quite sure which ones I should be applying for at first. And the recommendations from my career services and my bootcamp was just like, apply for everything essentially. Just put yourself out there, do it all. But I would say there were definitely jobs I was applying for that I wasn't qualified for. And recognizing which ones I was. Also, I would say before I started using the PDXWIT job board, I was definitely struggling to find jobs that felt I was really interested in, I actually applied, and that I got responses back to. I think having the locality of the PDXWIT job board was so helpful in that even though a lot of these jobs posted were remote, the ideal is that one day we were all going back into the office, and hopefully everyone would be able to do that. And so having the job board as a resource helped me so much. I would say I got maybe like at least three interviews from that job board [laughs]
AN:
Mm-hmm.
BC:
Just getting those interviews was so helpful, and was where I eventually got my job with Actable.
AN:
That's awesome. And so really you saw the job that you have right now on the job board, on the PDXWIT job board and then, did you just apply to it or were you able to get a hold of someone through the PDXWIT community to give you some more insider information?
BC:
I think I did just apply. It's hard to remember for that job at least. There were some, as I was talking about the hiring event or the Zoom happy hour, there were some like connections I made through there where job recommendations were given and also feedback about the job or like, Hey, here's a manager you could speak to more in depth about this. This is my… gosh I wish I remembered that person's name because they were like so thoughtful. [all laughs]
But no, for this job specifically, I did just apply. I may have reached out and just asked for someone to look at my resume once or something. I think that was a part of the PDXWIT event that I went to was bring your resume and we'll talk.
AN:
Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Yeah. Yeah. That's a super popular one. I myself have attended in the past and it's just so cool cause it's just a time for you and they do it several times or a couple times in the year, I think, or throughout the year. And it's just great, you can just bring your resume and show up with your resume cover letter and there's a room full of recruiters and they'll go through it with you. It's awesome. It's awesome.
BC:
It’s great to have that feedback. Like when I will look for a job again, if that at some point, I would definitely utilize that resource again.
AN:
Oh, that's, that's great. Yeah, and I think too, just one thing for our listeners and folks who are interested in getting into the tech industry, who are part of this community, PDXWIT does have really strong relationships with companies that are located within the Portland area especially. And I know that if you go sometimes and apply and under the how did you hear about us? Like there's even a PDXWIT option for some of these tech companies, which is really cool. I think it's like a great way to just utilize that, and see how to hopefully get further along in the process and just like all of that. So, um, yeah, definitely a really cool like just opportunities overall I think PDXWIT has for sure.
BC:
Absolutely. Absolutely.
AN:
And I know that you were also a scholarship recipient through PDXWIT in the past as well. How did you go about applying for your scholarship? What was the process like for you? Tell us a little bit about that.
BC:
Yeah, so I had learned about the scholarship either through a happy hour or I believe from following PDXWIT on Instagram and had seen the the scholarship posted there. My friend who also had joined the community was also the one who said apply for this scholarship knowing that I was going into this bootcamp. Which yeah, I think the Investing in You scholarship is literally for anyone who wants to advance their career in tech in some way.
AN:
Mm-hmm.
BC:
I believe you can correct me in that. [laughs]
AN:
That's right. [laughs]
BC:
And can be used towards a various number of different things like hardware or you need a chair you can sit in or really any way that it can help you. And I just remember I was working at home on a little sewing desk in the chair that was too hard. [laughs] And I had just my laptop and the first week of class, everyone was like, you're just working from your laptop?! [laughs]
AN:
[laughs] Yeah.
BC:
And so I applied for the scholarship. I believe it was a set of five to 10 questions with probably about a paragraph response. But really, I spent an evening filling that out and like being thoughtful, but otherwise just about how the scholarship would help advance my career. And also, I think I did touch on how I'd been in the service industry and how that would really be so exciting for me to move from service industry into tech and how that transition isn't necessarily the smoothest, but the service industry does have all these things that aren't the oddest to go into tech with. I feel like problem solving, creating efficient systems, like all these things are just like happening in both of them.
And so I applied and then yeah, when I found out I won, that was really just, or was awarded the scholarship that was just so exciting to me. I got a standing desk, which is, especially coming from the service industry where I was like running around all the time, so like sitting in a chair and now I can adjust up and down all day if I need to. And I got a monitor and it felt like I had a whole setup to just be and work at my home now.
AN:
That's awesome. I'm so glad that you were able to win that scholarship and get set up in a way that you were comfortable and able to focus on the bootcamp that you were going through at the time. I mean working from your laptop on a sewing table does not sound very comfortable. [laughs] Um, yeah, so glad that that was able to happen. One of my last questions for you here is overall, what sort of impact would you say PDXWIT has had on your life, your career overall?
BC:
Yeah, I am going to echo a little bit of the sentiment I said at the beginning of this interview. The affirmation that I could do this and I was wanted in this career and community was really so impactful for me. Not only through happy hours, but through the scholarship and hearing from people that I could do it it. [laughs] It was cool. It was really cool. And walking into something new and terrifying and daunting and knowing that I had people in my corner that were ready to help me was… it's hard to describe how much that really did make a difference in my life.
AN:
Yeah. Yeah. Well I love to hear it. I love to hear it and I'm so glad that you're a part of this community and that you were able to have so many resources to make use of that helped you land your first job in tech. And we obviously wish you all of the luck in your position within the industry. [laughs]
BC:
Thank you.
AN:
Just to kind of back up for a second too for our listeners, for those of you who are not familiar, PDXWIT does do a scholarship at different times in the year. And it's really to help tech professionals grow and develop their careers within the industry. And you can find out more on the website and we'll include all of the details in the show notes as well.
But, you can take a look and see the different things that would qualify for as far as purchases goes using that scholarship. But it's really a great way for you to develop and grow your career in all sorts of ways. Even if that is just getting yourself some equipment and things like that to get yourself set up. I think there's really a lot of opportunity there. So definitely take a look at the show notes for that information if you're curious to learn more. [laughs]. Okay. My shameless plug is over. [All laughs]
BC:
Like anyone who's getting into tech or anything, I feel l’ve just infected everyone and all of all these people I know are like going to bootcamps, getting into the industry and I'm like, apply for the scholarship! [laughs]
AN:
I know, right?
BC:
Go to the happy hours! [laughs]
AN:
Yeah. I definitely echo that. I feel like I do the same exact thing when people come to me for any sort of information on the tech industry. [laughs] Cause it really is, honestly, if I had to do it all over again, I would go through this organization. I don't know any better way to do it. [laughs] But as we come to the closing of this segment, Bess, I just give you an opportunity to share some advice or suggestions that you have with our listeners whether that's on navigating their own tech careers or whatever else you have in mind.
BC:
Yeah. I would definitely recommend utilizing your community. Reach out when you need help and there will be so many people here waiting to help you. If you have any questions about maybe getting into the tech industry, please reach out as well. There are just so many barriers in your mind that can keep you from making these changes and getting into this career. And I think that you should just do it too. [laughs]
AN:
That's awesome advice. I think that's great. Thank you so much for sharing that with us. And again, thank you so much for joining us today and just sharing your PDXWIT story. I think this will be super helpful for our listeners as they tune in. So I appreciate you taking your time.
BC:
Oh, I'm so happy to be here and share my story. I appreciate PDXWIT so much and it's community and anything I can do to sing its praises, I'd love to. [laughs]
AN:
Well, thank you again, and also a huge shout out to our incredible podcast team. We've got so many incredible folks on the team that make sharing these sorts of amazing stories possible. So, thank you. Thank you, thank you. And to our listeners ,thank you as always for tuning in and we will catch you on the next episode.
BC:
Byeee. [All laughs]
Outro:
PDXWIT is a 501C3 nonprofit. We're building a better tech industry by creating access, dismantling inequities and feeling belonging. Find out more about us at www.PDXWIT.org. Like this podcast? Subscribe and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Wanna give us feedback? Contact us podcast@pxwit.org to help us improve and ensure you learn and grow from the stories you hear on humanizing tech.