Ernst and Young Hires Guinean-American Tech Girl
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 05/22/20
At only 24 years old, Marriam Bah works at one of the largest firms in the world.
A proclaimed nerd, habitual overachiever, Marriam graduated salutatorian in high school and obtained a full-ride scholarship to Syracuse University—where she studied Information Technology (IT) and Management.
While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Syracuse, she joined the African Student Union and was involved in Tech programs for Girls (Girls who Code). When Marriam studied abroad, she took on Africana studies, Tech courses and had the opportunity to visit a different city in Europe (London, Italy, and Germany) every 2 weeks.
While most college students wait until their junior or senior year to find an internship, Marriam began her search early. In her freshman year, Marriam sought internship opportunities even though many told her to wait.
Straight out of high school, Marriam attended a career fair, where she met recruiters from Ernst & Young. She went up to recruiters, introduced herself, and told them how she could be an asset to their company. Though she was only a freshman at the time, the recruiters were impressed by her drive. Marriam kept in touch with them, and was later invited to attend a 2-week summit in DC. After making a few more connections, that is how she got an internship at one of the Big Four.
“You miss the shots that you don’t throw,” Marriam said.
As Marriam interned at Ernst & Young, she noticed that there’s a difference between what students learn from textbooks and the tasks professionals take on once they begin working in their field. She learned proper work etiquette such as answering emails, working in a group where people had opposing views, and adapting to cultural differences, and so much more.
Marriam showcased good attributes of an intern and was curious to learn. The following summer, she got another offer, and began working there full time after graduating. She could never forget the moment she stood at their Times Square office, and was handed a contract, salary, and bonus. It was an overwhelming feeling, knowing that at 21 years old—a daughter of West African parents from Guinea and Sierra Leone—she was going to work at one of the largest firms in the world.
Coming from a community where most girls don’t pursue higher education, Marriam says that she is grateful to her parents for always putting her education first and pushing her to go after her dreams, and her siblings—whom are all Master’s holders—for setting the bar high and leading by example.
Though Marriam was born and raised in the Bronx, every year she went back to Guinea with her parents. It helped her stay grounded and connected to her roots, but it also reminds her of the work that needs to be done there.
“There are so many people back home without proper resources (i.e., computer, software coding),” Marriam expressed.
Her goal is to create jobs, training courses and certification courses for people back home.
Marriam’s bestfriend, Aisha Wann, says, “Marriam is one of the most educated and ambitious young women I know. The ideas she thinks about are always so creative and outside the box. Anything she sets her mind to, I Iook forward to supporting because I know how driven she is.“
“I admire how giving and hardworking she is as well. And do not get me started on her confidence! I’m not even sure she knows how many people she inspires, including me! As a friend, she is loyal, genuine, encouraging, uplifting, literary the cassava to my leaves. I am more than thankful to have her in my life and cherish all of our experiences together. To many more,” Aisha expressed.
Marriam started off as a staff consultant at Ernst & Young, and within two years got promoted to Senior Technology Consultant. Every day is different. She assists and finds solutions for financial firms, and some of the biggest tech companies in the world. She says that Ernst & Young offers its employees courses to excel in their field.
In addition to learning soft and hard skills that could help her excel in her field, Marriam is learning French. This would help her as she plans on going back to Guinea and Sierra Leone one day to build a tech hub.
The young “Tech Girl” has a track record of helping others as she strives for her own success. In 2018, she invested $500 of her own to start a scholarship program. She remembered her college days, when all she had in her bank account was $20. She understood that it is difficult to go to school and work at the same time, so she wanted to facilitate the process for college students in any way she could.
When she announced on social media the inception of a scholarship program, others got on board and together they raised $3000. In the application, each person has to state who they are and provide a resume, proof that that they were either accepted or enrolled in college. Although Marriam wished she could have given the scholarship to all applicants, out of the 25 people who applied, 6 won the scholarship.
Over the years, she kept in touch with the recipients, whom have attended Ivy League schools. Sometimes, they reach out to her and ask for school advice.
Marriam’s love of math and tech led her to work in that field. Her success story teaches that if you want an opportunity, you have to step up and show that you’re qualified. Had she never stepped up to the Ernst & Young recruiters, they would have not noticed her. Although she is successful at a young age, she doesn’t want to be remembered for fame or money. She wants to have foundations that can impact the world even after her death.
Welcome to Marriam’s World
“A strong woman is one that is fearless, able to follow what she desires, and stays away from negativity that comes towards her.”
Marriam enjoys spending time with family and friends, bike riding, bowling, and traveling. But she also enjoys relaxing indoors, drinking tea and watching Netflix.
“You miss 100% of the shots that you don’t take. Thus, you cannot succeed unless you TRY. You have to take action, step out of your comfort zone and continuously put in the effort. And always stay true to yourself, your values and your principles.”
“A successful person is one who finds inner peace and happiness with whatever they set their mind to.”
Connect with Marriam:
Facebook: Marriam Bah
Instagram: @marriam.belle
Email: marriambah@gmail.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.info/blog
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