I will never forget my first years in tech. I worked hard, delivered results, and yet—when it came to speaking up in meetings—I hesitated.
I watched my male colleagues confidently share their ideas, and I questioned myself: Am I really adding value here?
Do you resonate with that?
It turns out, I wasn’t alone. And that’s exactly why I had this conversation with Akanksha Gupta, Engineering Manager at DoorDash, who has spent years mentoring new grads and building hiring programs.
She’s seen it over and over:
The biggest mistake early-career engineers make—and the one skill that will set you apart (and no, it’s NOT your coding ability).
The Career Trap Most New Grads Fall Into
Early in your career, it’s easy to think that your technical skills are all that matter. You focus on coding, algorithms, and getting things “right.”
But here’s the truth: The people who succeed long-term are the ones who know how to communicate, collaborate, and advocate for themselves.
Akanksha shared how, when she ran a hiring survey at Netflix, the #1 quality engineers wanted in new grads wasn’t deep technical knowledge.
It was this: The ability to ask for help.
That’s right. Not algorithms. Not frameworks. Asking for help.
Because here’s the thing—tech is constantly changing. What matters most is your ability to learn, problem-solve, and communicate with others.
The Secret to Standing Out: Soft Skills
Akanksha and I talked about the soft skills that truly make an impact, including:
Writing clear documentation: This may not sound exciting, but it’s one of the best ways to communicate your ideas and demonstrate clarity of thought.
Understanding the business side of tech: If you only focus on your code, you’re missing half the picture. Great engineers think beyond their code—they understand how their work impacts the business.
Asking the right questions: You don’t need to have all the answers, but you do need to engage in meaningful discussions.
Confidence in speaking up: This one is huge for women in tech. So many of us hesitate to take up space, but learning to communicate your value is a game-changer.
Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling in Your Own Mind
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when Akanksha talked about the mental glass ceilings we create for ourselves.
She shared how women often downplay their accomplishments. Instead of saying, “I led this project,” we say, “I helped with this.”
It’s time to change that.
As Akanksha put it: Lead with data. When you describe your contributions, start with measurable impact:
Instead of “I was part of the team that worked on…” say “I built X, which improved Y by Z%.”
This small shift in how you talk about your work can transform how others perceive you—and how you see yourself.
Want More Advice Like This?
This episode is packed with real-world strategies to help you stand out, speak up, and thrive in your career—whether you’re a new grad or an experienced engineer.
Listen to the full episode now: 
https://limorbergman.com/podcast/
Have you ever struggled with speaking up at work? What helped you break through that challenge? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Watch the Video version of this episode:
About Akanksha Gupta
Akanksha Gupta is an Engineering Manager at DoorDash and former Netflix engineer who helped build Netflix.com.
She is passionate about mentoring new grads, developing engineering leadership, and creating inclusive tech teams.
She’s actively hiring! If you’re a backend engineer or engineering manager looking for your next opportunity, connect with Akanksha on LinkedIn!
About Limor Bergman Gross
I’m Limor Bergman Gross, a former Director of Engineering with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. Today, I’m passionate about mentoring and coaching women in tech, helping them break through barriers and advance their careers.
Through my podcast, From a Woman to a Leader, I share conversations with inspiring women who provide actionable strategies to help you thrive in tech leadership roles.
Listen to the full episode: limorbergman.com/podcast
Connect with me:
- Website: limorbergman.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/limorbergman/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limorbergman
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LimorBergman
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