Vivid Seats Inclusion & Diversity

Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

I’ve been really fortunate throughout my career to have had managers who have looked out for me and made space for me, and to have other women in both technical and non-technical roles in my corner who I have leaned on for advice, support and encouragement. That said, there have been many times where I have looked around a room and realized that I am one of few women or the only woman present. This can be isolating and can certainly amplify feelings of imposter syndrome, which is perfectly normal to experience, by the way! 

I’ve found it helpful to keep a folder of positive feedback I receive so that I can reflect on past wins and jobs well done when imposter syndrome creeps up. I also like to keep track of accomplishments of all sizes at work, whether it’s solving a small but tricky bug or leading a team through a complex project. It can be so helpful to remind myself of what I’ve accomplished. Lastly, I find a mentor at work or otherwise who can help be a sounding board and reframe moments of growth!

What are your professional goals, and how has Vivid Seats enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?

Right now, I’m continually focused on sharpening my strategic architecture decision-making skills and leading project teams more effectively. For the long term, I aspire to be in a leadership position. I’m energized by working collaboratively and I’m excited to lean more heavily into that as my career progresses. I’m inspired by other women I see in engineering leadership positions, and I’m looking forward to being a mentor to other women engineers early in their career. 

Vivid Seats offers a lot of different opportunities to hone those skills. I am currently going through the Clifton StrengthsFinder program, where it’s been so insightful to learn more about how to leverage my strengths and about my teammates’ strengths and working styles. On the technical side, engineering at Vivid Seats has a culture of team-wide ownership. If you have an idea for a process improvement or technical enhancement, you will have the support and space to take ownership, experiment and make those changes. We also have a variety of forums to discuss new technologies and best practices, such as our React Guild and our AI Meetup, so there are always opportunities to learn and brainstorm with others.

What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?

Before interviewing, review the company values and benefits. Do they align with an environment where growth and development are a priority? If you are a parent or caregiver, are there company policies in plan to support you? If you are in the interview stage, don’t be afraid to ask your interviewers for examples of times where they have supported a teammate or direct report in the career, or for a time that they have received that support. Additionally, interviews should be similar to what collaborating day to day will be like. Would your interviewers be people who you could see yourself working alongside to further your career? Choosing the right team is about more than the role itself; it’s about finding a place where you’re encouraged to bring your whole self, where your voice is valued and where your growth is not just supported but celebrated.