How Self-Advocacy Can Skyrocket Your Career 

In tech, one skill can really set leaders apart: self-advocacy. Speaking up for your value can be the difference between staying stagnant and reaching new heights. At Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC), this idea is woven into four pillars: getting hired, trained, advanced, and funded. We created these pillars as strategies for our community to experience lasting growth in tech, on their terms. 

We’re committed to helping those already in tech or looking to get into tech get skilled, hired, promoted, paid, and funded so they can thrive and lead. The payoff? Over time, effectively advocating for yourself can add millions to your lifetime earnings while expanding your impact. Read on and find out how these pillars can empower your career and beyond.  

Why Self-Advocacy Matters in Tech 

Advocating for yourself means knowing your worth, voicing your goals, and taking an active role in shaping your career path. For mid-to-senior professionals, it’s essential. Research shows that professionals who advocate for themselves through negotiation, visibility, and networking can earn up to $1 million more over their careers compared to those who don’t. Beyond financial gains, self-advocacy leads to greater influence, leadership opportunities, and long-term career satisfaction. 

Yet many talented professionals, especially those from underrepresented groups in tech, hesitate to self-promote or push for what they deserve. That’s where the GHC pillars of getting hired, trained, advanced, and funded come in. Each one is a framework for practicing self-advocacy, from negotiating a salary to requesting training, pursuing promotions, or securing funding for your ideas. By mastering these pillars, you set the stage not only for personal success but also for driving change across the industry. 

Pillars of Career Growth You Can Apply 

The four pillars of GHC are frameworks for self-advocacy that can significantly shape your earnings, influence, and opportunities over time. 

Getting Hired 

Landing the right role starts with knowing your value. Before any interview, identify your top strengths, skills, and accomplishments, then practice telling your story in a way that highlights your impact. Treat the interview as a two-way conversation: ask insightful questions to ensure the company and role align with your goals. 

And don’t skip the negotiation. Studies show that negotiating your starting salary can increase lifetime earnings by hundreds of thousands, or even millions, over a 20–30 year career. Advocating for yourself at this first step sets the tone for every role that follows. 

Getting Trained 

The most successful professionals never stop learning. Define your growth goals clearly, whether it’s mastering a new programming language, earning a certification, or strengthening leadership skills. Then, communicate these needs proactively to your manager. 

When requesting training, frame it as a business case: explain how your new skills will help the company innovate or solve problems more effectively. By positioning yourself as the solution, you show initiative and create opportunities that benefit both you and your team. 

Getting Advanced 

Promotions don’t happen in silence. Keep a “win list” or “brag bank” where you track accomplishments, metrics, and positive feedback. Use this as evidence when discussing raises or promotions. 

Visibility also matters: share your successes in one-on-ones and team meetings, tying them to larger company goals. Take on high-visibility projects that align with your career aspirations, and build relationships with senior leaders who can advocate for you when opportunities arise. This combination of documentation, visibility, and networking keeps your career trajectory moving forward. 

Getting Funded (Projects or Ventures) 

For those driving initiatives or pursuing ventures, funding is critical, and self-advocacy is key. Start with a clear strategy or business plan that demonstrates your vision and impact. Keep meticulous records to strengthen grant applications or investor conversations. 

When seeking support, be direct about your needs but open to collaboration. Build a network of mentors and peers who can offer guidance and introductions. And always document agreements in writing! Clear records ensure alignment and accountability as your project grows. 

The Financial and Professional Impact of Self-Advocacy 

Each pillar compounds over time, creating powerful financial and professional returns. Negotiating a stronger starting salary alone can mean hundreds of thousands more in lifetime earnings, while ongoing promotions, training, and funding opportunities add to both income and wealth-building potential. 

But the benefits don’t stop at the paycheck. Advocating for yourself also unlocks leadership opportunities, greater visibility, and the chance to shape projects that align with your values. For many, this means not only climbing the ladder but also influencing the direction of their organizations and the tech industry at large. 

Not Just Another Tech Conference 

Grace Hopper Celebration is a celebration, a tech conference, and a launchpad for your career. From honing your skills and expanding your network to discovering opportunities to get hired, trained, advanced, and funded, GHC provides the tools and connections you need to advocate for yourself and accelerate your growth. 

If you’re negotiating your next role, seeking training, aiming for a promotion, or exploring funding for a project or venture, the pillars come alive at GHC. This is your chance to learn from leaders, gain practical strategies, and build relationships that can shape your career for years to come. 

Don’t wait to unlock your potential! Register for GHC 25 today and take control of your career trajectory.