Choosing the right career in tech with Claire Alexander

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Are you a tech student who’s confused about choosing a career? Then this Programmable episode might just be what you need.

Today, we talked to Claire Alexander, whose career has spanned various roles. She is an HR professional, a talent advisor for tech companies, a career coach, and an ex-employment lawyer.

Claire helps job seekers get hired in tech startups and scale-ups, advance their careers and learn how to leverage AI to work smarter.

Claire aims to support over 1,000 job seekers and 500 people in challenging work situations. She also shares her views on how tech careers are changing and explains how to shape your future to land your dream job.

Let’s jump into our conversation with Claire!

Read ahead or listen to Claire on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Youtube

Subscribe & Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple & Youtube

The hottest career: Anything AI.

We began with the burning question: What roles should tech newcomers seek?

Claire’s instinctive response: “AI, AI, AI, and AI.”

But that’s not all; the top five roles, according to Claire, are:

“Positions in Data Science, Insights, Analytics, Product Management, Tech sales, and anything concerning AI.”

The next 15 years will be all about careers in fields related to AI, be it AI prompt engineering or AI marketing.

Next, Claire shares insights from a book she read called “AI Superpowers” by Kai-Fu Lee.

“He predicts that in the next 10 to 15 years, AI will make 42% of the workforce redundant.”

So, no matter your career path, you must remain conversant with AI changes. This is bound to set you up for success.

And AI is about to change the whole world. Claire compares it to the dot-com boom of the late 90s.

How do you choose a career for yourself?

We have all been there: standing at the precipice of our student journey and completely clueless about what lies ahead.

We asked Claire, “What should people ask themselves when choosing a tech path?”

Claire has a set of questions that you should ask yourself:

“What do you actually love doing? What really gets your juices flowing? What interests you? What makes you want to get out of bed? And then really think about what you are good at?”

If you answer all these, you’ll have a better idea of the realistic path you want to take.

If that still doesn’t lead you anywhere, ask yourself: What are my skills and interests?

The first answer to that should be the real answer. Claire says that society and our parents shape most of our choices.

Claire, being an AI enthusiast, suggests a fun activity involving ChatGPT. Here’s a rough prompt she indicates that you should type in:

“I want to try and work out what my top 10 interests are. Please ask me ten questions to help me work out what they are.”

Even career coaches have been confused about their career

Claire has changed her career five times. She practiced employment law at the start of her career. After three career changes, she is now a consultant and career coach. This journey took 20 years, and she is finally doing something she absolutely loves.

But Claire points out,

“I would have probably done something very different if I could do it all again if I was clear on what my real interests were and what my strengths were.”

A tough choice: Start-up or corporate?

Are you confused about which environment suits you best? Are start-ups suited to your work ethic? Or do you prefer the rigidity of corporate jobs?

Here’s what Claire says:

“Startups are renowned for their constant changes. You might be heading in a new direction each day, with no two days looking the same. It’s a fast-paced, unstructured environment where you must move quickly.”

On the flip side, she points out:

“In a corporate setting, especially early in your career, you have more resources and support. Startups tend to be more autonomous. You’re placed in a role and left to run with it.”

Ultimately, Claire suggests asking yourself two key questions:

Do you thrive in a fluid, ever-changing environment or prefer a more structured approach?

Answering these can help you determine the right path for your career journey.

Tips for building the perfect résumé

Are you stuck in the endless loop of applying for jobs but not hearing back from the recruiting team? Hang tight because Claire has some fantastic tips for you.

Don’t fill out every job application that you stumble across. Be selective. Tailor your resume specifically to the job that you are applying for. Think of it as a teaser for your future employer and what you bring.

Think critically about the role you apply for. When a company hires someone, they want to solve a problem. So, think of a new way to solve it. Step into the hiring manager’s shoes. Ask yourself questions that the hiring manager is probably asking after reading your résumé:

“If I hire this person, are they going to help me generate revenue for this company? Will they help me reduce costs? And thirdly, is this person going to help me save time? And then, finally, can they hit the ground running?”

Now answer these questions in your résumé, which should intrigue the hiring manager to call you.

Third and final advice? Use ChatGPT.

Copy and paste the job description into ChatGPT. Ask it to list the problems the hiring manager wants to solve. You can use this information to tailor your answers during the interview.

When is the right time to see a career coach?

A career coach can help you with a couple of scenarios; let’s go through them one by one.

When you’re struggling with interviews, a career coach can help you impress in an interview. They will train you to sell yourself to a potential employer.

Second, when you feel disoriented in your career and no longer find joy in your work. A career coach can help you find the job that suits you best.

It was third, helping you optimize your resume and your LinkedIn profile. In this day and age, this is an essential part of judging a potential candidate.

Resume dos and don’ts

Don’t pour your personality into your résumé. It is a document recruiters use to judge whether you are a good fit for the position.

“At that stage, a hiring manager is only testing your tech skills. So, can this person do the job? And can this person make me money, save me money, save me time, right?”

You should showcase your personality when you sit down for the interview. The hiring manager is now wondering if they can work with you and if you fit the company culture.

How to “audition” for the job you’re interviewing for

When interviewing, assessing if the job is the right fit for you is essential. Claire suggests asking,

“How would you describe me as a manager?” or “What’s the turnover rate in the team?” to get a genuine sense of the company culture.

You can also request to meet team members outside the interview to see if you can connect with them.

Also, check LinkedIn to contact current or former employees for insights. Review company patterns on Glassdoor, but be cautious of biased, overly positive reviews.

Don’t let a company’s brand name sway your decision. Focus on whether the role aligns with your values and career goals.

Tech tools that make Claire’s life better

We know AI is vital to Claire. So, what else does she use besides ChatGPT to boost her work?

She uses Voiceflow to create chatbots and streamline workflows. She uses Jasper AI for content creation. Claire also loves Canva for design work and MidJourney for creative projects.

To learn and stay updated, Claire listens to the Startup Podcast and FinTech Chatter, which explore tech founders’ journeys. She recommends Udemy for cheap courses on product management and Python and values LinkedIn Premium for its career-building resources.

Moving on

Our talk with Claire left us with such great ideas to chew upon. One of my favorites was stepping into the hiring manager’s shoes when applying for a job. This is something that I may implement in my daily life about problems in general. To hear more, listen to our podcast on any platform that you get your podcasts on.

Here are a few links to stay in touch with Claire:

https://www.coachclaire.co/
Claire’s LinkedIn

The AI Revolution and Career Strategy

Claire’s emphasis on AI careers reflects a broader transformation happening across industries. Her prediction aligns with many experts who see AI as the next major technological shift, comparable to the internet revolution.

Understanding the AI career landscape:

Emerging AI roles:

AI Prompt Engineer: Designing and optimizing prompts for AI systems
AI Ethics Specialist: Ensuring responsible AI development and deployment
AI Product Manager: Managing the development of AI-powered products
Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Engineer: Managing the lifecycle of ML models
AI Training Data Specialist: Curating and managing data for AI model training

Traditional roles being transformed by AI:

Marketing: AI-powered personalization and automation
Sales: AI-driven lead scoring and customer insights
Customer Service: AI chatbots and automated support systems
Finance: AI-powered analysis and fraud detection
HR: AI-assisted recruitment and employee analytics

Preparing for an AI-driven future:

Technical preparation:

Learn basic programming concepts, even if you’re not a developer
Understand how AI and machine learning work at a high level
Familiarize yourself with AI tools relevant to your field
Develop data literacy and analytical thinking skills

Strategic preparation:

Focus on skills that complement AI rather than compete with it
Develop creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving abilities
Learn to work alongside AI tools to enhance your productivity
Stay informed about AI developments in your industry

The Art of Career Self-Discovery

Claire’s framework for career self-discovery addresses a common challenge: many people don’t know what they truly want from their careers.

The introspection process:

Core questions to explore:

Energy audit: What activities give you energy vs. drain you?
Values alignment: What principles are non-negotiable in your work?
Natural talents: What comes easily to you that others find difficult?
Impact motivation: What kind of difference do you want to make?
Learning preferences: How do you like to acquire new knowledge and skills?

Using AI for self-discovery:

Claire’s ChatGPT exercise is innovative but can be expanded:

Additional prompts to try:

“Help me identify my core values by asking me situational questions”
“Ask me questions to help me understand my preferred work environment”
“Help me explore different career paths that match my interests in [specific areas]”
“Guide me through exercises to identify my transferable skills”

Combining AI with human insight:

Use AI for initial exploration and question generation
Discuss results with mentors, friends, or career coaches
Test insights through informational interviews and job shadowing
Validate findings through practical experience and experimentation

Career Change Strategy: Lessons from Claire’s Journey

Claire’s five career changes provide valuable insights into navigating career transitions successfully.

Common patterns in successful career changes:

Building transferable skills:

Every role develops skills that can be applied elsewhere
Focus on building a portfolio of diverse, complementary skills
Look for connections between different roles and industries

Network development:

Each career change expands your professional network
Maintain relationships even after changing directions
Leverage cross-industry connections for unique opportunities

Iterative refinement:

Each career move provides better self-knowledge
Use each role to test hypotheses about what you enjoy
View career changes as experiments rather than failures

Minimizing career change risks:

Financial planning:

Build financial cushions before making major transitions
Consider gradual transitions rather than abrupt changes
Explore opportunities for consulting or freelancing in your target field

Skill bridging:

Identify skills needed in your target career
Develop these skills while still in your current role
Look for projects that combine current and target career elements

Market research:

Understand the job market in your target field
Connect with people working in roles you’re considering
Research compensation, growth prospects, and industry trends

Startup vs. Corporate: Making the Right Choice

Claire’s guidance on choosing between startup and corporate environments addresses a crucial decision point for many tech professionals.

Detailed comparison:

Startup advantages:

Rapid learning: Exposure to multiple functions and responsibilities
High impact: Individual contributions have visible effects
Equity upside: Potential for significant financial returns
Innovation: Working on cutting-edge problems and solutions
Flexibility: Less bureaucracy and faster decision-making

Startup challenges:

Job security: Higher risk of company failure
Resource constraints: Limited budgets and tools
Work-life balance: Often demanding hours and stress
Limited structure: Less guidance and established processes
Compensation: Often lower base salaries than corporate roles

Corporate advantages:

Stability: More predictable employment and income
Resources: Better tools, training, and support systems
Career development: Structured advancement paths and mentorship
Benefits: Comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans, etc.
Work-life balance: Generally more sustainable work schedules

Corporate challenges:

Bureaucracy: Slower decision-making and more red tape
Limited impact: Individual contributions may feel less significant
Politics: Complex organizational dynamics to navigate
Innovation constraints: Risk-averse culture may limit creativity
Specialization: May lead to narrow skill development

Making the decision:

Consider your career stage:

Early career: Startups offer broader learning but less guidance
Mid-career: Consider your financial obligations and risk tolerance
Late career: Evaluate whether you prefer stability or new challenges

Assess your personality:

Risk tolerance: How comfortable are you with uncertainty?
Learning style: Do you prefer structured training or learning by doing?
Work style: Do you thrive in chaos or prefer clear processes?
Impact motivation: Do you need to see direct results from your work?

Modern Resume Strategy in the AI Era

Claire’s resume advice reflects how job searching has evolved in the digital age, especially with the rise of AI-powered recruiting tools.

Optimizing for AI screening:

Keyword optimization:

Research job descriptions for common terms and phrases
Include relevant technical skills and certifications
Use industry-standard job titles and terminology
Balance keyword density with natural language

Quantifiable achievements:

Use specific numbers and metrics wherever possible
Demonstrate impact with before-and-after comparisons
Include relevant timeframes and scope of responsibility
Show progression and growth over time

The hiring manager perspective:

Claire’s framework of helping companies generate revenue, reduce costs, save time, and hit the ground running is universally applicable:

Revenue generation examples:

Developed features that increased user engagement by X%
Led sales initiatives that generated $X in new business
Created marketing campaigns that improved conversion rates
Built products that opened new market opportunities

Cost reduction examples:

Optimized processes that saved $X annually
Automated tasks that reduced manual effort by X hours
Negotiated vendor contracts that cut costs by X%
Improved efficiency that reduced resource requirements

Time-saving examples:

Streamlined workflows that reduced project timelines by X%
Created tools that automated repetitive tasks
Improved team productivity through better processes
Reduced time-to-market for new products or features

Quick integration examples:

Demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly
Successfully onboarded and contributed within X timeframe
Adapted to new roles or responsibilities effectively
Required minimal training or supervision

The Strategic Use of AI in Job Searching

Claire’s recommendation to use ChatGPT for job search preparation represents a broader trend of leveraging AI for career development.

AI applications in job searching:

Job application optimization:

Analyze job descriptions to identify key requirements
Generate tailored cover letters for specific positions
Create multiple resume versions for different role types
Practice interview questions and responses

Company research:

Summarize company information from multiple sources
Identify key employees and decision-makers
Understand company culture and values
Research recent news and developments

Skill development planning:

Identify skill gaps for target roles
Create learning plans and resource recommendations
Track progress and adjust strategies
Find relevant courses and certifications

Best practices for AI-assisted job searching:

Maintain authenticity:

Use AI as a starting point, not a final product
Ensure all content reflects your genuine experience
Customize AI-generated content to match your voice
Verify all factual information and claims

Combine AI with human insight:

Use AI for research and initial drafts
Get feedback from mentors and peers
Practice conversations and presentations with real people
Validate AI recommendations through personal experience

Building a Career Coaching Relationship

Claire’s work as a career coach highlights the value of professional guidance in career development.

When to consider a career coach:

Career transition periods:

Changing industries or functional areas
Moving from individual contributor to management
Returning to work after a break
Navigating layoffs or job loss

Skill development needs:

Improving interview performance
Building leadership capabilities
Developing networking skills
Learning to negotiate compensation

Strategic career planning:

Setting long-term career goals
Identifying advancement opportunities
Building personal brand and reputation
Balancing multiple career priorities

What to look for in a career coach:

Relevant experience:

Background in your target industry or function
Track record of successful client outcomes
Understanding of current job market trends
Certifications or training in career coaching

Coaching approach:

Collaborative rather than prescriptive style
Focus on your goals and preferences
Practical, actionable advice and exercises
Regular check-ins and progress tracking

Chemistry and communication:

Clear, honest communication style
Ability to challenge you constructively
Respectful of your time and commitments
Genuine interest in your success

The Future of Tech Careers

Claire’s insights reflect broader trends shaping the future of work in technology and beyond.

Emerging trends:

Remote and hybrid work:

Increased flexibility in work arrangements
Global talent competition and opportunities
New tools and processes for distributed teams
Changed expectations for work-life integration

Continuous learning requirement:

Rapid pace of technological change
Need for ongoing skill development
Rise of micro-credentials and specialized certifications
Importance of learning agility and adaptability

Interdisciplinary collaboration:

Breaking down silos between technical and business functions
Increased importance of communication and collaboration skills
Need for “T-shaped” professionals with deep expertise and broad knowledge
Growth in hybrid roles combining multiple skill sets

Purpose-driven careers:

Increased focus on meaningful work and social impact
Emphasis on company values and mission alignment
Growing importance of environmental and social responsibility
Desire for work that contributes to positive change

Claire Alexander’s comprehensive approach to career coaching addresses the complex challenges facing modern tech professionals. Her emphasis on self-discovery, strategic thinking, and practical tools provides a roadmap for navigating successful tech careers in an rapidly evolving landscape.

The key takeaway from Claire’s advice is that career success requires both self-awareness and strategic action. By understanding your own motivations and strengths, staying current with industry trends, and leveraging available tools and resources, you can build a fulfilling and successful career in technology.