Amber Kearney, MBA
Global Product Lead, Google
July 13, 2023
How did you choose this path?
Early in my career when I was a technology consultant, I was denied the opportunity to transition into my dream role because 'I wasn't qualified'.
What are some challenges that you had to overcome?
Early in my career when I was a technology consultant, I was denied the opportunity to transition into my dream role (what I do now) because 'I wasn't qualified'. At the time, I was an MBA graduate, and held high honors from Hampton University, with 5 internships under my belt. I was disheartened that the team chose not to take a chance on me, and invest in my development.
To overcome this adversity, I sacrificed my time to invest in learning and developing the skills needed. As a result, I was selected for the role I desired after building relationships, and proving I had the ability to learn quickly and deliver results.
Do you have any advice for other Black Women in STEM?
Technology is not just for a certain major, or a particular skillset - it's for ALL. For anyone desiring to break into tech, I would recommend doing your homework to define what your interests and skills are. From there, search for the jobs that align, and do the work to fill in the 'gaps' of the outstanding qualifications (i.e. take a course, find a mentor, etc.)
Being a Black woman in STEM...
means to 'raise the bar' and consistently challenge your intellectual self to elevate in creativity.
