My journey has definitely not been straight forward to get to where I am today. In fact, if you had asked 18 year old Maria what she thought she would be doing with her life she would have said Marine Biology. However when I started my Marine Biology and Zoology degree it turned out I really was terrible at Chemistry and I could no longer wing it. So I changed universities and changed career paths to become involved with Marine policy. Which also didn’t turn out go to plan!
After time offshore, community engagement work and going back into Oil and Gas as a data analyst I ended up moving to Shetland to begin my technology career. Talk about jumping into the deep end. Fast forward 10 years later, I am now running two technology based businesses. I am an advocate for the tech sector from Aberdeen up to Shetland, I have been involved in government roundtables, supported the development of new curriculum in technology related topics and appeared in numerous podcasts about everything from Graduate Apprenticeships to optimising work placements in small businesses through to navigating careers in the technology industry. I support projects that bring more STEM opportunities to the Highlands and Islands, support the start up communities across the region and generally doing as much as I can to level the playing field for the rural technology sector.
What would you tell your teenage self?
You can plan your career as much as you want pal, however you can’t plan for curve balls. I would also tell myself to breathe, and learn how to let go of being a perfectionist. It took me a long time to become comfortable with the fact that not everything has to be planned down to the last detail and that even though you feel like you’ve planned for every potential scenario, the universe will catch you out. And that’s OK!
What attracted you to a career in computing / tech?
What I absolutely love about this sector is the innovation that technology provides over a wide range of industries.
Does your mum know your career is?
She understands the main parts of it and asks a bazillion questions around the parts that she doesn’t understand, which I have grown to appreciate. It helps me finetune pitches.
What makes you happy?
Knowing and seeing I’ve had a positive impact on a clients business, or with a student that I’m working with. I get a real kick out of delivering workshops and business analysis sessions.
What is your favourite past time?
I enjoy travelling, crocheting, hill walking and generally being outdoors. I also enjoy hosting friends and family (not the cleaning up afterwards though!)