Moguldom: Why did you start Tech Stack’d?
Bria Sullivan: I started Tech Stack’d to fill in the gaps that cause underrepresented people to fail when trying to join the tech space. When looking at what privileges I had to help me get to a role at Google, I noticed that many of these privileges are not available to people who look like me around the country. These privileges also allow me to be able to launch a tech startup whenever I want, and the chances of it doing well are much higher because of my technical knowledge and my access to more developers like me to execute a vision. I want to make these privileges more accessible to the people (in technical roles and non-technical startup founders) who need that little extra help to get to the next level. Ultimately, I created Tech Stack’d so that these people can level up their skills/careers, then network with others in the community so that they can break off and start their own companies.
Moguldom: Who funds Tech Stack’d?
Bria Sullivan: Tech Stack’d is a 100-percent bootstrapped project of mine.
Moguldom: How is Google involved with Tech Stack’d?
Bria Sullivan: Google’s only involvement with Tech Stack’d is that they are providing virtual workshops for us the same way they would do for a club at a university.
Moguldom: How many resumes does Google get per year and how many people get hired?
Bria Sullivan: Over 2 million applications in one year and 7,000 hires. This was as of 2014 (and what can be shared publicly).
Moguldom: For people who are deciding whether to join this workshop, what are the most important things Google recruiters look for in a resume?
Bria Sullivan: I can’t speak to what the most important things Google recruiters look for, as they will be covering that in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to give an overall view of the application process, debunk any myths about the process, and teach people what they’re looking for and how to stand out. They want to hear from everyone and are doing at least 30 minutess of general Q&A. Everyone who registers for the workshop can also provide questions ahead of time and all of the questions will be reviewed by the recruiters beforehand so that they make sure to cover most of what people want to know.
Moguldom: Is Google doing outreach to underrepresented adults who want to advance their careers in tech?
Bria Sullivan: I’m not sure what else Google is doing outside of the University Programs. GV invested in Lambda School, so it’s on the radar to see how we can assist people joining tech through non-traditional paths.
Moguldom: What misconceptions do underrepresented people in tech have about working at Google?
Bria Sullivan: In recent years, Google has dedicated extensively to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Although not perfect, the company provides many programs to help shift the narrative of tech being a “white boys club.” The Google in Residence program at HBCUs, the diversity budgets with no questions asked, the Queer Students of Color event, have all changed my view of how much Google cares. Lastly, a misconception that I often hear is either that Google makes it harder for underrepresented people to get hired or (the opposite) that Google makes it easier for underrepresented people to get hired. I don’t believe either is true and there are thousands of people on the inside fighting for fairness in the process.
The resume workshop is for Tech Stack’d members. Sign up for free at techstackd.com.