This GoDaddy Developer Says a Personal Website on .Gay Can Bolster Your Professional Career
Kayde “Kay” Piotrowski, is a passionate programmer and software developer, currently working as a Website specialist at GoDaddy where they leverage their expertise in HTML, CSS, and web design to assist clients. When not at work, Kay is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys being transported by a good book or movie. Kay resides in Tempe, Arizona and, together with their family, Kay seeks fun and adventure along with continued opportunities for learning and growth.
“Whether it's acquiring a new skill, delving into a fresh topic, or simply exploring the wonders of the world, I thrive on the process of discovery.” Kay said. “Learning keeps the mind sharp and opens doors to endless possibilities.”
Kay knew having a personal website would help fuel opportunity. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Kay chose a .gay domain extension, PandaKay.gay, to showcase her work and personal development.
“I want to use this site to show who I am over the coming years, how I grow,” she said. “[Having a personal site will] help me continue to grow within my community and my career!”
Having a personal website allows individuals creative freedom to showcase their work and unique personalities in ways not possible through a traditional resume. According to Workfolio, 56% of all hiring managers are more impressed by a candidate's personal website than any other branding tool, yet they report only 7% of job seekers have such a site.
Developing a personal website can be challenging, especially for those who are relatively new in their field or who are still developing a portfolio of work. Kay knows this frustration too well.
“My content is very limited at this time… meaning my portfolio is only a small snapshot,” Kay said. She laments that their current work does not yet convey their full ability or potential. Still, Kay remains positive.
“For years, I have wanted to … showcase my abilities and to show my pride in who I am.” When she realized she could get a .gay domain extension, Kay said “everything else began to fall into place.”
In 2020, the .gay domain extension became available to the public as part of ICANN’s new generic top level domain extension program. The domain serves as a sort of virtual Pride flag that embraces the diverse spectrum of LGBTQIA+ identities and reinforces the notion that everyone is welcome. .Gay’s owner and operator, GoDaddy Registry, donates 20 percent of the revenues from every new .gay registry to LGBTQIA+ organizations to support vital human stories that foster inclusivity and representation. Unlike traditional domains, .gay allows individuals and businesses to simultaneously convey their identity and support a cause.
When asked about their .gay domain experience, Kay expresses pure enthusiasm. “Yes! Absolutely, it is a fabulous idea! It waves your pride flag and showcases your talent all at the same time, showing that you can do anything and be exactly who you are!”
Having an informative and well-designed website sends a message that you take your work seriously. With so much business happening online, it’s expected that potential employers and collaborators will seek you out online. Having a personal site gives you agency over some of that information.
Though it might seem like a daunting task to set up a personal website, GoDaddy and others often include help to get you started. For those who might still be hesitant, Kay offers this simple advice:
“...take the leap. Everything starts out difficult but if you stick to it and are proud of what you have and what you are doing, things will work in time.”