How to Work for Top Companies
I AM AFRICAN & I CAN is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 08/02/2024
Mariame Barry’s father’s death played a big role in her becoming ambitious. She grew up seeing her father providing everything for her mother. When her mother’s main source of income cut off after his death, it was an epiphany for Mariame to buckle up and take control of the direction her life was heading.
Education has always been fundamental in Mariame’s family. Before migrating to the United States, she lived with a large extended family in West Africa. Within a year of being in the United States, her father passed away. “My dad was a good person, but he still died. Depending on a man is not a solution,” Mariame said.
Mariame’s father’s death convinced her that a woman should always have income on the side as back-up, because if a man is financially stable today, even if he’s a good person, one day there’s a possibility that he could lose it. And even if a man provides everything for his family, death is inevitable.
She wasn’t sure what career path she wanted to embark on, but she knew that she wanted to make a lot of money.
“There is a system in place. The wealthiest set their children up for success very early,” Mariame said. “If you’re aware of the system, you’re going to move differently.”
Part of moving differently, she says, entails choosing the right high school and college that has the right program and maintaining a good academic and personal record.
“You don’t just get into the top schools in the US by accident. You have to start planning early,” Mariame advised. “Good grades are not enough.” She added.
In addition to good grades, students should participate in extra activities/projects outside of school, volunteer, seek leadership roles, and expose themselves to many fields.
Another thing she observed is how much university reputation plays a role when deciding where to recruit from. If candidates went to an IVY League, their chances of finding employment are greater. Even if you’re smarter than your peers, recruiters will lean on reputation to finalize their picks, Mariame explained.
Although Mariame’s parents always prioritized education, they were not well acquainted with the educational system in America, and she feels like she missed some opportunities because of it. Knowing what she now knows, she plans to invest in her children’s education and in other areas to set them up much better than she was.
In 2013 Mariame earned a Bachelor of Arts in accounting, and in 2015 a master’s in finance. She completed both degrees at Lehman College, where initially she went in for Nursing, but later changed course after realizing that she liked math better than science. Because she lived in the Bronx, she prioritized convenience, but had she known what she knew today, she would have chosen to go to a more reputable school over other factors.
Mariame worked at one of the Big Four accounting firms, Ernst and Young (EY), for two years as an accountant doing audits and working 60 to 70 hours per week. And From 10 p.m., to 12 a.m., she studied for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam.
“You don’t know what it is until you practice it,” Mariame expressed the difference between learning about accounting in textbooks (theory) and working in the field (practice). She realized she didn’t like the field she was in and started networking to learn about other options. Finally, after networking enough and making strategic career moves, she did an internal transfer and settled on being a consultant—a position she says she would have chosen from the get-go had it been presented to her. Now, as a Tech Consultant she earns more, and the role is less stressful. On the side, she coaches people on their journey to finding the right career.
Aminat Adebayo, Mariame’s close friend says, “There is so much to be said about Mariame Barry. She is an amazing, determined, and talented woman—a pillar of encouragement and influence on those around her. Mariame can be described as resilient, disciplined, sweet, funny, and inspiring.”
“I don’t know anyone who has met her and not feel inspired to be their best self through her influence. Her dedication to the African community through philanthropy and access to resources is truly admirable,” Aminat added.
Now a wife and mother, Mariame’s success story teaches us to always have a back-up plan to achieve financial security. We are allowed to make career changes until we find what suits us. And when we’re honest about how much we want to earn, we put in the work and don’t settle; eventually we’ll acquire it.
Inside the Life of A Tech Consultant
“Network! Find out which companies are hiring. Network with people on LinkedIn and career fairs.”
“A strong woman is a persistent person. Strength isn’t about the physical. Strength is being able to bounce back from setback.”
“Success is being happy the way your life is.”
Connect with Mariame:
Instagram: @aay_aan
Career coaching page: https://www.instagram.com/careerwingwoman/?igsh
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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