WOMEN IN TECH BLOG SERIES: ADVICE FOR WOMEN LOOKING TO BUILD A CAREER IN TECH

vertosoft and eskillz

Written By: Maya Biggs, Vice President of Professional Services and Sales, eSkillz

Maya Biggs Headshot

Maya Biggs is a Vice President of Professional Services & Sales at eSkillz Corporation, a leading provider of professional services that empower organizations to maximize the potential of their talent management and performance support ecosystems. With 20 years of experience, Maya has a strong background in managing Public sector and Fortune 500 client accounts, specializing in software implementations, optimization, support, maintenance, and sales within the Human Capital Management software and consulting industry. Initially joining eSkillz as a Director of Professional Services, she now leads the entire business unit, focusing on client success and growth. Maya holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Management Information System and Computer Science from Loyola University in MD and a Master in Business Administration degree from University of Maryland, College Park.  Outside of work, Maya spends most of her time with her family in the DMV area enjoying occasional travel to warmer climates.

  • It starts early at home: Parents, encourage and believe in your daughters.  Dedicate as much time and resources to your daughters’ education and STEM activities as you would for your sons. Look past gender stereotypes on hobbies and preferences. Many girls have the potential to be VERY good at math and science if they are exposed to these subjects early in their lives.
  • Take the hard classes: STEM should not be intimidating – it’s interesting, challenging, insightful and fulfilling.  So don’t be afraid to be the only girl in your class, sign up for that AP Calc or Computer Science.  Even if that’s not the route you go as your primary career, you will never regret having fundamental knowledge in these areas.
  • Learn business fundamentals: Regardless of what career path you choose, take a few business classes to get baseline understanding of core business topics, including marketing, entrepreneurship, accounting, finance, and economics.  This will enable you to understand the “why” behind many decisions you or your employer will need to make and offer you a more comprehensive understanding of business operations.
  • Advocate for yourself: If you don’t ask, you are likely not going to receive.  If you are lucky, you may be recognized and rewarded for your hard work and output.  However, on many occasions, you have to speak up on your behalf, highlight your contributions, and ask for what you think you deserve or are striving for.  Your next promotion, change of role, new exciting project assignment may depend on it.
  • Exude confidence: Confidence is critical, but is only effective if it’s substantiated by knowledge and skills. Otherwise, you’ll be called on your bluff and lose credibility.
  • Knowledge is power: Know your stuff… And then learn more stuff! You may have to prove yourself more or work harder, but once those around you recognize that you bring value and expertise to the table, they won’t be able to deny you the credibility or the respect you deserve.
  • Compete, but with yourself: Strive to be a better version of what you were last year, last month, last week.  Don’t get caught up with competing with others on who is getting more recognition or pay.  If you are doing all the right things, you will build your brand and value regardless of where others are.
  • Get comfortable building relationships with male colleagues, mentors, bosses:  This is especially important in the male-dominated field of tech.  You won’t be able to learn as much as you need or get ahead if you don’t pursue and maintain healthy professional and friendly relations with men throughout your career.
  • Mentor, teach, enable and empower other women: This will not only continue to create opportunities and expand the presence of women in tech, but also will be very fulfilling to watch them expand and grow professionally with your advice and support.
  • Don’t forget to breathe! The tech industry is fast-paced and requires long hours and serious commitment to succeed.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the deadlines, daily pressure of responsibilities and constant requests and asks. Many women also have many personal responsibilities in their roles as mothers, daughters, spouses, and caretakers.  Remember to take a step back and take care of yourselves.  This could mean 20 minutes of Pilates in the morning to start the day before it gets too hectic or a walk during lunch or dedicated time to yourself after everyone is asleep, but make sure to do something that is good for you.