After a lot of stress and confusion, I've managed to secure a grad role at a great fintech company starting early next year. It is a big step up on where I currently am, which is just an low level IT junior role. I have a few questions as I am thinking more about my career.
How soon after finishing the grad program, can I start to indicate to my boss that I am wanting to be considered for leadership roles and/or want to be on the leadership track? I don't want to seem too ambitious but I am nearing 40 so am probably not wanting to waste a lot of time waiting around for opportunities to come to me.
Has anyone done a graduate program as a mature aged applicant? Is is awkward working with people much younger than you? Is having other industry experience valuable, I've heard it is, but I'm not sure how if companies don't seem to care about the skills you developed in your previous non-technical career.
Could being female also be an issue as people may assume that you are going to get married and have children and will therefore put you on the mummy track. People at work and at interviews are always randomly telling me about maternity leave and flexible work options even though I don't have, and will never have, any children. Will telling people that help me avoid being put on that track?
Also can you apply for jobs if you don't have the required experience? For example, if the description says 10+ years of experience, but you only have 8 can you still apply (assuming you meet the description)? Is it easier to get promoted internally as they already know you? Or is job hopping usually a better way of finding new opportunities?
Thanks
1 - wait till you see what the company structure is like… Show interest but dont be pushy.
2- how awkward it will be depends on your attitude and those around you.. some people or places dont care… others are extremely toxic.
3- everyone tells them they will never have kids, most companies dont really care anymore about it either way,.
4- you can always apply for any job, most of the time its a waste of yours and their time … some companies are insanely picky these days with qualifications - they can pick and choose what they like.
YMMV