Introducing...
The Black Girl’s Guide To Thriving In Corporate America — Early Career Lessons I’ve Learned (A THREAD+#AMA)
At 27, I’ve worked for one of the biggest global sports brands. Travelled the world on a company’s dime. Met Beyoncé at work. And tripled my compensation.
The Black Girl’s Guide To Thriving In Corporate America — Early Career Lessons I’ve Learned (A THREAD+#AMA)
At 27, I’ve worked for one of the biggest global sports brands. Travelled the world on a company’s dime. Met Beyoncé at work. And tripled my compensation.
But truth is, I've made so many mistakes in my career. I learned the hard way so other black women reading this don't have to.
Lesson 1: Always negotiate your compensation.
Even if you’re satisfied with the offer. Because chances are, they lowballed you knowing the average person would negotiate.
Negotiating at the onset is crucial because once you accept that job offer, you lose all your leverage.
Even if you’re satisfied with the offer. Because chances are, they lowballed you knowing the average person would negotiate.
Negotiating at the onset is crucial because once you accept that job offer, you lose all your leverage.
Lesson 2: When you realize you deserve more money, save your breath and get a counteroffer.
Don’t waste your time explaining how much work you do or lamenting that Billy makes more than you because he’s white. Play chess — test the market, get an offer, and force their hand.
Don’t waste your time explaining how much work you do or lamenting that Billy makes more than you because he’s white. Play chess — test the market, get an offer, and force their hand.
Lesson 3: And never stop interviewing.
My biggest regret is not interviewing more frequently. Yes, even if you love your job. Interviewing serves as a form of networking. Plus, it’ll keep you fresh and remind you what you’re worth.
My biggest regret is not interviewing more frequently. Yes, even if you love your job. Interviewing serves as a form of networking. Plus, it’ll keep you fresh and remind you what you’re worth.
Lesson 4: Your network is your net worth.
Having a strong network is crucial. Make sure you are networking upward, downward, and laterally. This world is about who you know and who knows you, and you never know who will be in a position to help you in the future.
Having a strong network is crucial. Make sure you are networking upward, downward, and laterally. This world is about who you know and who knows you, and you never know who will be in a position to help you in the future.
Lesson 4 (cont...): Also quietly, a strong network is leverage. Because when you know that you can walk out the door and go anywhere, you can move so differently.
Lesson 5: Make yourself indispensable.
Align yourself with work that is important to the organization and with leaders who have organizational buy-in.
Don’t get stuck doing work that isn’t an organizational priority and don’t get stuck with a leader who isn’t taken seriously.
Align yourself with work that is important to the organization and with leaders who have organizational buy-in.
Don’t get stuck doing work that isn’t an organizational priority and don’t get stuck with a leader who isn’t taken seriously.
Lesson 6: You won’t be rewarded for working hard.
I once spoke with an HR executive and he recommended proactively setting up meetings with your manager throughout the fiscal year to track progress towards your goals.
I once spoke with an HR executive and he recommended proactively setting up meetings with your manager throughout the fiscal year to track progress towards your goals.
Lesson 6 (cont...): In addition, he suggested matter-of-factly asking — what do I need to do to get a promotion at the end of the year?
This will help you prioritize the work that matters. #WorkSmarterNotHarder
This will help you prioritize the work that matters. #WorkSmarterNotHarder
Lesson 7: Know when it’s time to move on.
BW are programmed to be fiercely loyal. Many of us will stay in toxic work situations because we feel indebted to our company, managers, or direct reports.
PSA: If a work situation no longer serves you, know when to walk tf away.
BW are programmed to be fiercely loyal. Many of us will stay in toxic work situations because we feel indebted to our company, managers, or direct reports.
PSA: If a work situation no longer serves you, know when to walk tf away.
Lesson 8: When you do walk away, find a manager that stans you.
I’ve had the best year of my career because I found a manager who rides for me and has given me unparalleled exposure and opportunity. If you are working for someone who doesn’t believe in you, get out now!
I’ve had the best year of my career because I found a manager who rides for me and has given me unparalleled exposure and opportunity. If you are working for someone who doesn’t believe in you, get out now!
Lesson 9: Build allies.
Unfortunately, black women have a long way to go when it comes to being heard and valued in corporate America. Allies can help amplify your voice and advocate for you in the rooms YOU can’t get in.
Unfortunately, black women have a long way to go when it comes to being heard and valued in corporate America. Allies can help amplify your voice and advocate for you in the rooms YOU can’t get in.
Lesson 9 (cont...): I had a white male colleague land a wickedly good gig at a socially-conscious sportswear brand. He was building out his team and begged me to send him qualified black candidates.
Lesson 10: Pull up a chair at the table for the next generation of young black women.
No more excuses. We are now in positions to hire other black women, bring black women on to projects, mentor black women, invest in black women, etc.
No more excuses. We are now in positions to hire other black women, bring black women on to projects, mentor black women, invest in black women, etc.
Lesson 10 (cont...): Stop gushing at being the only black woman in a room and INVITE MORE BLACK WOMEN TO THE ROOM. The time is now!
Black women, feel free to chime in with the biggest lessons YOU'VE learned in your careers. ☺️ #30DaysOfThreads
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