“Don’t let others define you” is the tip from Basecamp, LLC COO Mercedes De Luca as she discussed career pivots with Jeff Frick (@JeffFrick), cohost of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team.

What vectors do you move along?

Speaking from the Girls in Tech Catalyst Conference 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona, De Luca gave three important vectors for taking the risk out of making a career pivot:

• Industry. Which industry is right for you?
• Function. What function do you want to fulfill within that industry? For example, do you want to change from engineering to project management?
• Level. What level best serves your goal? For example, are you looking to fill a management role or work as an individual? Do you want to be part of a large or small company?

Take the first step and start the journey

Addressing many young people’s concern that they have to “make the right decision,” De Luca offered the advice to just make a decision and get on the path.

“Know what is important to you and make sure your move is aligned with that,” she said. “It’s about making that next step.”

Watch the full interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of the Girls in Tech Catalyst Conference.

Photo by SiliconANGLE