Leveling Up: What I Learned from Attending a Tech Event Alone

 

Why I Attended This Event

Recently, I’ve been looking at ways of challenging my confidence, so I decided to go solo to a Code Like A Girl x TikTok event (despite how terrifying that is) in which we heard from people in the industry on how to make sure the tools you are applying to jobs with are well refined.

So there I am, surrounded by a bunch of amazingly skilled strangers, and I decide: sink or swim. I push myself to start socialising (because really, it is just that easy, right?).

I spot a astoundingly stylish person and run over to compliment this person, and we start chatting. She turns out to be a senior developer and starts giving me advice on entering the industry and how I should be answering questions. And, like the complete shameless dork I am, I whip out my phone and start taking notes.

I also did the brave thing and asked for her LinkedIn.

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The Talks: Confidence, Impostor Syndrome & Interviews

The event kicked off with a talk on confidence and impostor syndrome. It was so comforting to hear that even bright, successful people deal with the same critical self-doubt that plagues most of us.

Then came a panel of women working at various levels within TikTok, and they each shared interviewing tips & workplace advice. 

Key lessons:

You belong in your workplace, but you also need to show up—contribute to meetings, engage in discussions.

In interviews, there is a vacancy in the company they want to fill quickly so productivity doesn’t suffer, the interviewer is on your team—they want to help you succeed!

The dreaded practical interview section? Just keep talking! Ask questions. Maybe not a million, but at least a few.

Even if you don’t solve the problem, explain your thought process. Show them:

✅ You analyze problems logically.

✅ You don’t panic and shut down.

✅ You ask clear, concise questions.

✅ You can organise and communicate your thoughts

(That’s it. That’s the secret.)

Would I have loved a demo of a live interview? YES.

Did I survive with good notes instead? Also yes.

Imposter Syndrome Tried to Take Me Out

At one point, we were given a sheet with different tech roles & skills—some I knew, some I didn’t. Cue the anxiety attack.

I had that “I need to leave, I don’t belong here” moment. I mean… I only have a portfolio website?!

But then, my besties (bless them) told me to sit my tush down because I belong here. And you know what? I DO. Because I say I do.

…Turns out, the sheet was actually a socializing bingo game.

The heavens parted.

The anxiety evaporated.

I now had an excuse to network.

Some people even asked to put me down on their sheets! And I met some wonderfully interesting people to add on Linkedin.

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LinkedIn: The Ultimate Cheat Code

Lesson from this segment:

Stop being scared of LinkedIn—just use it.
Post about events you attend, new technologies you research, and even small projects.
LinkedIn is your portfolio of proof that you belong in this wild tech world.
Get LinkedIn recommendations—and don’t forget to write them for others!

For the posts you might want to make, follow the Content Trio:

• Learning and growth (Talking about the skills you are developing and resources you may use)

• Achievements! Wins!: (Completed courses, career milestones, new projects)

• Fails & Mistakes: Show times when bugs got the best of you or a lesson you learned the hard way.

Portfolio Pamper

For the portfolio section, the most important part is just having one! Whether you make it yourself (bonus points if you do!) or use a website like Wix or Square, just make one!

Make sure it has a clear breakdown in sections:

• Hero section

• Experience section (If you have no professional experience, this is where you talk about the how, when, and where of what you have learned and practiced)

• Side projects section

• Contact me section

Make sure to avoid using large chunks of text that people might get lost in. Use dot points and be as concise as possible.

For the design, they just said to make it professional but still about you. Use an online tool to choose a colour palette that actually goes well. (Try to stick to the 3 colour rule.)

A super helpful tip was for the text: don’t use black, use something like #444444, as it makes it softer on the eye.

Seeing this made me realize: I’m going to unapologetically be me. Why not? Be bright, be pink, be yourself and people will love you for it.

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Networking: The Best Part

After the talks, we had 30 minutes to socialise.

I flitted around the room and chatted to so many people and people even began to introduce me to their groups like, "Oh my gosh, this is Shan, she’s really cool!".

I admit in the whirlwind of it all I messed up the difference between React vs. another Node JS and wanted to pass away… but the girl I was talking to just laughed and said she used to mix them up too. (We love supportive people.)

I made sure to go up and thank each panelist as well! Even if it is just a quick thank you!

And then—THE MOMENT OF ALL MOMENTS.

ALLY WATSON FOUNDER OF CODE LIKE A GIRL HERSELF REMEMBERED ME.

She walked up to me and was like “Oh hello how have you been good to see you!” and I am staring open mouthed and just say “Oh hello! Do you remember me?” and she then says in that wonderful accent of hers “Of course I remember you! You asked such a great question at the last event.”

Ladies, gents, and nonbinary besties, this is all I need to keep me going for the next six months.

If Ally believes in me, then you all better be ready—because she just unleashed the motivation of the gods upon all of you.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Event Mattered

Going solo to this event was terrifying.

But I left inspired, connected, and more confident than ever.

Plus your own hero might recognise you.

So if you’re thinking about attending something like this:

1. Go.

2. Take notes.

3. Talk to people.

4. Have courage to look a bit silly and to say things wrong.

Your future self (and maybe even your future hiring manager) will thank you.

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