Fit Feature: Jea Tang

Name

Jea Tang

Title

Program & Community Manager, Creative Entrepreneur

Age

32

Company 

Clicked

How long have you been in tech? 

4 years 

How did you know you wanted to get into tech?

After experiencing burnout in bedside nursing, I realized I needed a new direction in my career. I was drawn to the innovation and technology space, where I could blend my nursing background with my passion for teaching. Finding a role as a simulation coordinator at my nursing and healthcare college was truly eye-opening. It rekindled my excitement for technology and confirmed my desire to be in a more creative and innovative environment.

My first job as a nurse navigator in a healthcare tech company, following the completion of my nurse practitioner program, solidified my commitment to the tech industry. I love the growth and learning opportunities that come with working in tech and startups. These roles allow me to fully express my ideas and contribute to meaningful advancements.

In traditional bedside nursing, we are trained to care for patients using evidence-based practices and research. However, exploring nontraditional roles in healthcare, education, and technology has shown me the limitless potential we have to improve our communities and the lives of those we serve. Embracing these new paths has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am inspired by the impact we can make through innovation and creativity.

Did your family support you going into tech?

I’m very fortunate to have a family that supported my ideas. They were unfamiliar with nurses or nurse practitioners (NPs) going into tech roles. But during COVID and the rise of virtual and telehealth had made it easier for them to understand what I do. I think in my current role now, they’re just happy that I have a job that makes me feel happy.  

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to follow a similar career path?

Pivoting into a new career isn't about making a sudden 180-degree turn; it's about the small, day-by-day decisions you make. For those wanting to transition into tech from a different field, be prepared to learn, adapt, and grow. It's all about asking yourself, “What choices can I make to head in a new direction?” Some changes will be small, like a 1-degree turn, while others might be larger, like 30 or 45 degrees. Before you know it, these incremental shifts add up to a significant change.

I didn’t start directly in tech. My journey took me from bedside nursing to simulation coordination, then back to school for my NP degree. Along the way, I also dabbled in wedding photography, started a handmade jewelry business, and explored other creative endeavors. After a promotion to clinical manager, I thought I’d be in healthcare tech forever, but I eventually left to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. Now, I’m a program manager, and each step of my journey, with all its twists and turns, has led me here.

What skills do you think are most important to have to excel in that role?

If you’re looking to break into tech, figure out what makes you stand out and how you can add value to the company. Effective communication is key—being able to share your ideas clearly and listen well can make a big difference.

Your soft and creative skills will really set you apart. Things like empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving are super important in tech, where understanding both people and technology is crucial. 

Creativity helps you come up with new solutions to tricky problems.

Work on developing these skills and be confident in what you bring to the table. In a field that loves innovation and collaboration, your unique mix of talents and soft skills will help you shine and make a real impact. Enjoy the journey and let your individuality show!

Do you feel represented in tech?

Not really. In my previous and current role in tech, I’m usually the only one in the room that’s AANHPI. In the learning community, Filipinx are really underrepresented, especially in tech and would love to see more Filipinx take lead roles in tech. 

Do you feel supported by the Filipinos in the tech community?

I feel that when I do have a chance to encounter other Filipinos in the tech industry then we really do our best to support one another. 

What advice do you have for other Filipinos in tech who are having issues growing and obtaining promotions at their company?

To my fellow Filipinos in tech who are finding it tough to grow and get promoted, I get it—it’s not easy. Use your unique background and experiences to bring fresh ideas to your team. Keep learning new skills through education, online courses, or just teaching yourself, and make sure you apply what you learn. Networking is super important, so connect with mentors and industry pros who can support and guide you.

Make sure your contributions are noticed by regularly updating your bosses on your progress and the impact you’re making, and have the data & metrics to back it up. Stay positive and see setbacks as chances to learn and grow. Make sure that you help out others along the way and contribute to their growth too. 

If you’re still not seeing growth despite your efforts, it might be time to look for opportunities elsewhere. Sometimes, a change of scenery is what you need to really thrive. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is, “If you’re not growing, it’s time to get going.” Keep learning and learn to apply what you’ve learned, build strong relationships, and make sure your contributions shine. Whether it's in your current company or a new one, you'll set yourself up for success and promotion in your tech career.

What personal accomplishment are you most proud of?

It’s really being able to leave healthcare and go into tech and pursue my creativity. I’ve never been more myself and happier than in the life that I have now. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I really want to raise a family with my husband while building a stronger creative AANHPI community that my future kids are proud to see. I’d love to be able to be a source of inspiration for those who want to pursue a career in tech or in creative spaces and be a contributor.

On the fun side, I hope to be traveling more and doing more design and creative projects! 

What would you like to see more of from Filipinx in Tech?

More networking events! Would love to learn how we can all meet with each other and connect more. 

Do you have any tips for standing out or landing a job hunting in the current job market? 

Learn and learn to apply your skills across different fields. You never really “start new” and you’ll always have a previous skill or experience that you can lean on for your next job. I know that the current job market can be tough and crazy to get into but have faith and stay alert for any opportunities.

For instance, in my company called Clicked, we help people explore and launch different careers in tech. It’s a free opportunity where people can learn about different careers in AI, data and cybersecurity and build project portfolios to help people upskill and stand out. I think using resources like ours can really give you a leg up if you utilize it and even just give it a try!