Some years ago, Maurice Kuykendoll was simply an attendee at the AFROTECH ™ Conference. Now in its eighth year, he will approach the annual tech affair as an official speaker on the Executive Stage. It’s not lost on him that when he attended the conference, he was responsible for global expense management at insurance company Prudential, with one of its largest expenses being technology. During the transformation, he notes how vital the event was to his leadership development. “I was transforming my team simultaneously, so it was an area of development for me,” Kuykendoll said in an interview with AFROTECH™. “So, a couple of days at this conference, where there’s Black people, and they know all about technology, I was like, ‘I’ll go and see if this can be one of the things I put on my calendar every year to make sure that I am developing this essential part of what’s going on in the world.’” After sitting in many rooms alongside founders and talking to them about their latest...

Auntie. Unc. These nicknames came out of nowhere, and they’re not coming from your actual nephews and nieces. Birthdays are flying by, but you still feel the same age as prior years. Weird times. Photo credit: Polina Tankilevitch You may already know that starting a retirement plan early on means you’ll be ahead of the game, but it just seems like retirement is so far away. According to recent data from the Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances , 45.6% of families are not investing for retirement. Whether you’re in the 54.4% who do have a retirement plan or not, the birthdays are going to continue regardless. Or, maybe you’re one of the few who decided to start trying to figure out the retirement savings “magic number” to strive for while Gen Z and Gen A have already assumed you get senior discount breakfasts and an AARP magazine subscription . Can You Survive On Social Security Benefits While Working? Instead of worrying about gray hair on your head ( or other places )...

As a business owner, bracing yourself for potential setbacks is a matter of survival. It’s necessary and a great business practice that allows you to plan for the future. In the meantime, you’re able to work towards that goal and stay abreast of everything else. Add in politics and you have some new possibilities to consider. You might be wondering what politics has to do with being a business owner. However, the ways in which certain taxes and tariffs waiver directly impacts business profit. No matter your party preference, politics have the power to impact how your business functions. And with steady success and growth being the ideal goal, there are steps that you can take now to ensure they come to fruition. Will the upcoming election shake up your business? Here’s how to get prepared now. Will The Upcoming Election Shake Up Your Business? The short answer is mostly likely, but educating yourself on policies is what will empower you to make the right decisions for your business....

Ambitious people can be notoriously independent, but most figures who’ve made it to the top couldn’t possibly have achieved their goals alone. Instead, political leaders, monarchs and even company CEOs have relied on teams of mentors and experts to guide them for centuries. Historically speaking, just because advice comes from a confidant doesn’t mean it will be good, but that’s why it’s so important to go over some good questions to ask a mentor when you think you’ve found your match. Like with therapy, your first connection might not be the perfect fit, but that doesn’t mean the right mentor isn’t out there waiting to guide you to new heights. Good Questions To Ask A Mentor That Might Help Outside The Workplace Most people seek out mentorship in hopes of securing their dream job, but the experts you connect with can have valuable insight that can transform your personal life too. Make it a priority to ask questions about them in the vetting process, such as why they decided to...

Before you close your laptop and get ready to enjoy the long weekend, there’s one last thing to check – is your Labor Day OOO message ready to go? If you’re not familiar, “OOO” stands for out-of-office, which many employees will be in lieu of Monday’s (Sept. 2) holiday. Setting up an auto-response not only lets people know you’re not available, but it also clarifies when they can expect to hear back. It “shows that you’re conscientious and organized while providing people with the information they need to get their needs met in your absence.” The process might seem trivial to some. However, if maintaining good communication is important to you, taking 15 minutes to set up a strong Labor Day OOO message can save tons of email anxiety for you and others. A delayed response (even over a holiday) can be perceived as “digital snubbery, a lack of interest or even negligence,” as TexTex Pander puts it. To keep you away from that drama, we’ve crafted some templates that colleagues and...

Texas’ economy is arguably the largest in the United States: over fifty Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. are situated here. Texas is an industry leader in the global energy sector and a number of major oil companies are based in Texas, though it’s not just oil. There is also tech, finance, aeronautics and healthcare. Texas is one of the major hubs for computer hardware and software development in the country. Jobs in Texas are growing faster than in other parts of the US, and salaries can vary based on experience, education, location, and employer, though some careers tend to offer higher pay across the board. Let’s go over the highest-paying jobs in Texas right now. IT Managers And Software Engineers The tech industry in Texas, particularly in cities like Austin and Dallas, is booming. IT managers, software engineers and software-related roles are in high demand, and their salaries reflect this demand. IT managers, for example, who oversee technology projects and teams, can earn...

Today’s job market is competitive, so if you’re looking for ways to stand out, you’ll want to listen up. Some people are lucky enough to get hired off of word of mouth or their resume alone, but more often than not, candidates who wind up securing their dream jobs (and salary) are those who put in work on their applications. Having a concise, well-designed CV is a great start, but now, many positions ask job hunters to include a cover letter too. A lot of time and effort can go into perfecting these things, but if it puts you on track toward the career of your dreams, every minute is well spent. If you’re wondering how to go the extra mile, read our guide on how to ask for a letter of recommendation below. It’s worth noting that employers rarely ask for something like this outright; instead, applicants include contact information for their references on their resumes. The Muse Career Coach Tara Padua says that exceptions occur in “ junior roles where someone lacks experience or...

California is popular for its booming tech industry , healthcare system and the glamorous city of Los Angeles. This West Coast state accounts for more than 50% of vegetables and fruits produced in the US, with a robust economy and a metropolitan setting. The most populated US state, California holds lucrative career opportunities across various fields, including aeronautics , medicine and agriculture. Here’s a look at some of the highest-paying jobs in California. IT Managers And Systems Architects California’s Silicon Valley is synonymous with the tech industry, and IT managers and systems architects are among the highest earners. These professionals oversee complex IT infrastructures and develop advanced software systems, earning salaries that range from $150,000 to $250,000 annually. Orthodontists Orthodontists specialize in correcting teeth and jaw alignment, providing treatments like braces and retainers. With the increasing demand for cosmetic dental procedures, orthodontists...

Fresh starts are mostly full of excitement, but with major shifts in life come nervous jitters. No matter how old you get, the first day of a new semester or a job interview can still give you sweaty palms and a racing heart. However, if you’re as well prepared as possible for what’s yet to be thrown your way, you’ve got nothing to worry about. There will always be things out of your control, but if you manage to maintain your confidence while chatting with a potential new boss, friend or date, you’re on the right path toward success. Even if you don’t land the job, become close pals with the person who sat beside you in class or lock it down with your gym crush, you’ll still leave every situation more confident after showing up as your best self. In many cases, job interviewers and professors alike enjoy getting to know people in lighthearted ways, such as “fun fact about me” games. Some university students spend time at the beginning of the semester carefully planning what...

Asking for a raise can be one of the most nerve-wracking endeavors in the workplace. It implies you esteem your services to be of greater monetary value than your company is currently offering. However, asking to be paid more doesn’t have to be an intimidating process. If you do your research, prepare thoroughly, and approach the conversation with confidence and professionalism, you can have a successful outcome. Remember, advocating for your worth is an important part of your career growth, and if you don’t believe you are worth more, no one else will. Here’s how you can approach the matter: Do Your Homework Before you even think about approaching your boss, it’s essential to do some research: Market Rates: Research the average salary for your position within your industry and geographic area. Visit websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary that provide valuable insights. Company Standards: Understand your company’s pay structure and where your current salary fits...

Requesting for a letter of recommendation can feel daunting sometimes, but you have to be objective about it. Asking for a recommendation means you are asking someone to promote your competencies while simultaneously trying to sell yourself to them. We have a guide that will help reduce your toil and present the request in a way that it demands minimal time and inconveniences from the recommender. This guide is applicable in contexts of job applications, college admissions, and scholarships alike. Choose the Right Person First, identify who to ask. Pick someone who knows you well and can speak positively about your abilities, character, and achievements. Ideally, this person should be relevant to the context of your application. For example: Academic purposes: Choose a teacher, professor, or academic advisor. Professional purposes: Consider a current or former supervisor, mentor, or colleague. Personal character reference: A community leader, coach, or family friend who knows you...

Work culture in the US consists of routinely long hours and nearly mimics hustle culture which prioritizes securing the bag over all else. So, it’s understandable when employees want time off from work. From countless double shifts to working in environments that are chronically short-staffed, US work culture can use an overhaul. However, there are countless memes dedicated to highlighting how difficult it can be for employees to take advantage of paid time off (PTO), regardless of whether it’s paid or unpaid or the promoted generosity of that PTO policy when a person was hired. From blackout dates to refusals because of overlapping out-of-office scheduling, there are an endless number of excuses managers give to block vacations. But these days, managers are at a disadvantage now that many people work remotely or in hybrid environments. And now, many employees are taking advantage of this newfound flexibility. While the concept isn’t exactly new, the phrase “hush vacations” is...

At the top of their X profile, the official @IRSnews account has pinned a tweet advising Americans to be cautious while filing their annual return . “There are many different kinds of social media content,” they wrote, “including tons of misleading tax advice that can put you at risk.” Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to be diligent amid the endless scams and near-constant flow of fake news online. Currently, the rumored IRS $8700 stimulus check has people asking questions. Here’s everything we know about the situation so far: What Are Stimulus Checks? After a bumpy few years navigating the “new normal” following the COVID-19 pandemic , Americans have become familiar with stimulus checks. The idea behind them is to generate economic activity during times of strife. Thanks to bonuses from the government, consumers have more to spend without the stress of going into debt or dipping into savings. In March 2020, then-POTUS Donald Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic...

It’s important for workplaces to embrace neurodiverse and disabled individuals. By definition, Harvard Health Publishing refers to the term neurodiverse as “‘the diversity of all people,’ but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as other neurological or developmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disabilities.” National Institutes of Health (NIH) data estimates that 15% to 20% of the population worldwide is neurodiverse. Some individuals who are classified as neurodiverse experience stigmas while in the workplace. A 2024 study released by Understood.org shows 59% of respondents believe their condition would negatively impact them in the workplace, and 49% are unsure of the necessary internal communications to pursue for workplace accommodations. To create an accepting atmosphere, there are protocols that should be put in place. Wells Fargo Systems Operations Associate Danielle Washington, who has maintained her role since September 2023...

Money. Every single one of us is working for it, it’s why we’re logging into these computers everyday, but for some reason, it’s also something we’re scared to talk about. In a recent LinkedIn survey, 40% of Black professionals felt like they were underpaid, but get this; only 30% had plans to ask for a raise, and 34% of us feel the hardest part of job searching is salary and benefits negotiations. If we agree that we’re all working for money–Lord knows I work HARD for mine–then why are we so scared to talk about compensation? By traditional measures, the U.S. labor market looks pretty good on paper. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the U.S. economy added more jobs than economists expected in February 2024, however, on LinkedIn we’re still seeing just one job opening for every two applicants. My goal is to help people, who plan to stay in their roles, better understand how not to leave money on the table and to help folks negotiating for new opportunities arm...