Women in Technology: Meet Mary Beth

Marissa: Tell us your story on how you got into technology?

Mary Beth: I came out of college just before the Dotcom Bubble burst. The job market was hot and the Boston public relations agency I joined was flush with technology clients looking to spend more to beat the competition. The hours were long, the pace was fast, the learning experience was incredible, and I loved it. After seven years in B2B Tech PR, I made the jump to marketing for a growing technology solution provider and marketing within the tech space is where I’ve stayed.

Marissa: Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do?

Mary Beth: Not really. I landed in B2B technology by chance, and once I had a taste I was hooked. The beauty of this industry is that the only constant is change — it is always evolving and growing which means new challenges and opportunities.

Marissa: How long have you been with Dataprise? 

Mary Beth: I’m a newer ‘Priser – I joined Dataprise in March 2021! 

Marissa: Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

Mary Beth: Dataprise is in growth mode, building on its incredible 25-year history, which means marketing and sales have an enormous opportunity to make an impact and drive growth. While no two days are the same, every day is a blend of building winning marketing strategies, driving demand generation, deepening customer engagement, elevating brand awareness and collaborating with my amazing team.

Marissa: What is one piece of advice you would give to young women looking to get into the technology field?

Mary Beth: This advice is really for any woman and especially those early in their careers:

• Always negotiate.
• Don’t underestimate your value or let others do so.
• Advocate for yourself – don’t assume someone else will do it for you.
• Find people you can trust – mentors are amazing.
• Have open conversations with your manager about your professional goals and set a measurable plan on how to achieve them. You won’t always get what you want but you will be in control of your career.
• Always say something in a meeting and get a seat (literally) at the table – you are there for a reason so find your moment to add value and commentary. Don’t stand next to the wall, in the back of the room, or get everyone coffee.
• Don’t fall into the trap of being the automatic notetaker just because you are female, junior or “nice.”
• Raise your hand for responsibility and be strategic about what you pick.
• Have a voice, know your stuff and always be overprepared.

Marissa: What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

Mary Beth: That we can open doors, move roadblocks, and have honest conversations that make it easier for younger generations to climb the corporate ladder. Having young boys and girls see more females in leadership positions, regardless of industry, matters immensely.

Marissa: What is it that you enjoy most about your current job at Dataprise?

Mary Beth: The people, our vision, and our values. The people at Dataprise are amazing, our vision for the future is clear and the company truly lives its values. This monthly ‘Women in Tech’ feature is just one small example of Dataprise’s commitment to, and appreciation of, diversity.

Marissa: Where do you see yourself going from here?

Mary Beth: My work has only just begun – I’m not going anywhere until we fully execute on Dataprise’s vision for the future!