Dropbox VP Morgan Brown's Top Advice for Breaking Into Tech: Show Your Work

Morgan Brown, Vice President of Product and Growth at Dropbox, has a powerful piece of advice for those aspiring to enter the tech industry: "show your work." Brown emphasizes that this mantra is particularly crucial in the current technological landscape dominated by artificial intelligence (AI). The idea is to demonstrate your capabilities through practical actions, such as building apps, creating websites, and sharing your thought processes. Job seekers often face challenges when trying to break into tech, especially if they lack formal credentials. However, Brown argues that the abundance of free tools and online courses makes it easier than ever to start building a portfolio. According to Brown, all it takes is a smartphone and internet access to create something tangible. This approach allows candidates to stand out by showcasing real-world projects and demonstrating their skills and problem-solving abilities, which can be more compelling than traditional resumes. Brown's advice is rooted in his own unconventional journey into the tech industry. He began his career as a biology major who had to drop out of college due to personal setbacks. His first job was in data operations at a startup during the dot-com boom, where he learned digital marketing by trial and error. At the time, technology was less advanced, and much of his work involved manually typing information from physical newspapers to drive web traffic. Through perseverance and a willingness to learn, Brown taught himself how to build websites and blogs, which later evolved into more complex product development. Despite not having a traditional background in product management, Brown has held significant roles at prominent companies like Facebook, Instagram, and Shopify. His book, "Hacking Growth," offers insights into driving business growth and has been widely acclaimed. Brown believes that publishing your work—whether it's through online platforms, personal projects, or even writing a book—can open doors to new opportunities by attracting the attention of potential employers. Many aspiring tech professionals hesitate to take on side projects or share their work, fearing criticism or lack of expertise. Brown counters these concerns by noting that initial efforts may not be perfect but will contribute to a learning curve and help build a reputation. "Learn by doing" is a key principle Brown advocates, encouraging candidates to experiment and improve their skills in the process. The tech industry values innovation and the ability to adapt quickly to new challenges. By showing your work, you can illustrate your creativity, commitment, and continuous learning. This approach is especially beneficial in the age of AI, where the ability to leverage new technologies and demonstrate practical applications is highly prized. For example, a candidate interested in machine learning can start by building a simple algorithm or an AI-driven project and publishing their findings. Similarly, someone with a passion for software development can create a mobile app or a web application and share it online. These projects not only help you gain hands-on experience but also provide concrete examples of your capabilities. Brown's journey highlights the importance of resilience and self-motivation in the tech industry. His experiences at various startups and large companies have taught him that the tech world is always evolving, and those who can adapt and continuously learn are the ones who succeed. His advice to publish and show your work has resonated with many in the industry, providing a practical and effective strategy for job seekers. Industry insiders often agree with Brown’s approach. They view self-published content and personal projects as valuable indicators of a candidate’s potential and their alignment with the company’s culture. This method of evaluation goes beyond just technical skills and considers initiative, creativity, and the ability to tackle real-world problems. Companies like Dropbox, known for fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, benefit from identifying candidates who are proactive and willing to take risks. In summary, Morgan Brown’s advice to "show your work" is a timeless and effective strategy for breaking into the tech industry, particularly relevant today with the advent of AI and the plethora of resources available. It encourages candidates to take control of their learning and development, offering a path to success that is open to everyone, regardless of their background. By building and sharing projects, you can attract the right opportunities and demonstrate your value to potential employers.