Building a Career in Tech Your Own Way

Discover unconventional pathways to building a successful technology career through this 12-minute lightning talk featuring two industry leaders who share their unique journeys to Kubernetes and the cloud native ecosystem. Learn from Cortney Nickerson, Head of Community at Nirmata, and Ramiro Berrelleza, CEO of Okteto, as they reveal how their diverse backgrounds—from softball diamonds in New Mexico to engineering competitions in Guadalajara—shaped their professional trajectories in unexpected ways. Explore the importance of trust, taking calculated risks, and building strong community connections rather than following a predetermined career blueprint. Gain insights into what it truly means to "find your way" in technology, especially for those who don't fit traditional molds, and understand how showing up, building meaningful relationships, and trusting your instincts can lead to success without requiring a master plan. Perfect for students and early-career engineers seeking inspiration and practical advice on navigating the tech industry through authentic, relationship-driven approaches.