When approached by the Stanford People of Color in Technology (POC-IT) affinity group to share her story in a virtual event, Maria Inciong was unsure if she was fit for the job.
“I don’t have a PhD, I am not uber successful,” she thought.
Maria pondered how she originally set out to be a lawyer when she found herself captivated by IT, and pursuing a passion that developed into a lifelong career at Stanford. Reflecting on the many lessons learned along the way, Maria realized that her story could benefit the Stanford community.
On May 4, Maria Inciong, Director of Technology Solutions Alignment in University IT’s Enterprise Technology group, shared lessons she has learned through her 23-year career at Stanford in an event entitled “The Career Journey of an Asian American at Stanford.”
5 Lessons Learned
From the importance of relationships to finding your strengths, Maria shared five key lessons from her career.
5 Key Takeaways: The Journey of an Asian American at Stanford
#1: Find work that you care about and care about your work.
You may not like everything about your job, but find something that brings you joy. For example, Maria loves the marriage of technology and business, and the ability to use technology to transform business processes to make them more efficient.
#2: Relationships are paramount.
Working relationships can grow into solid friendships and support systems. When asked what she is most proud of, Maria explained that she is equally proud of her contributions to the university and the relationship and confidants that she developed along the way.
#3: Let your work speak for itself, but speak up when necessary.
Let your work speak of itself, but don't hesitate to explain your work, passion, and how that experience can be applied to a new opportunity.
#4: Skills are transferable. Learning is never ending.
Focus on and speak to the skills and strengths you bring and how your skills can be applied to new opportunities.
#5: Sometimes you have to take a step back to see which direction you want to go.
In each job change, Maria was not interested in linear mobility or gain, but she was interested in learning and applying her skills to something new. For Maria, each career pivot was intentional for positive growth.
Cultural Values
In addition to these five key lessons, Maria shared how her cultural values contributed to her success in the workplace.
The concept of makibaka, the importance of community and contributing to the greater whole, guided Maria in putting team goals over personal goals. By setting this example of teamwork, Maria’s contributions have led to much success.
Overcoming Adversity
As Maria’s cultural values guided her achievements, they also inspired her to overcome adversity.
Maria explained that like many people of color, she experienced Imposter Syndrome, or not feeling like she belonged because she looked different from others in the workplace.
She was often the only woman and the only person of color in meetings, Maria explained. “Even though this other person may be a fancy director and went to an Ivy League school, and my heart is beating fast, I will share my thoughts and ideas.”
Maria continued, “I don’t look like someone I would expect to be in this space, but now there is someone in this space who looks like me, and it is me, so I am going to embrace it.”
Learn more
To learn more about Maria’s journey and the lessons she learned along the way, watch the event recording.
