Translating Research into Real-World AI Impact

This is another episode in our Women in Tech series, where we spotlight the talented female colleagues driving innovation at SmartRecruiters. Today, we're featuring Maryam Habibi, a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, who is approaching her four-year anniversary with the company. Maryam shares her journey from university research to deploying real-world AI products, the importance of embracing challenges for growth, and her commitment to developing technology that delivers meaningful, practical outcomes in the HR space.

Journey & Inspiration

What sparked your interest in a technical field?

Maryam: My interest in the technical field began during my university studies, where I became deeply engaged with how technology can interpret and interact with human language. Through subsequent research and collaborations with industry partners, I worked alongside product managers, domain experts, and engineers—experiences that highlighted how diverse perspectives drive innovation and help translate research into real-world impact.
This motivation was further reinforced by my time in industry, where I had the opportunity to build and deploy real products. Seeing how applied machine learning can directly improve systems—such as enhancing HR processes for faster and fairer hiring—deepened my commitment to developing technology that delivers meaningful, practical outcomes.

How did you get to where you are today in your career? Can you share a pivotal moment that jumpstarted your journey?

Maryam: I’ve reached this point in my career by embracing challenges and viewing difficult situations as opportunities for growth. Stepping outside of my comfort zone has allowed me to take on high-impact projects and make meaningful contributions to the organization. A pivotal part of this journey has been developing self-awareness—reflecting on my strengths, identifying areas for growth, and understanding what motivates me—which has enabled me to make intentional decisions, collaborate effectively, and continue evolving both personally and professionally. This mindset has helped me tackle complex problems and consistently deliver results that support the organization’s goals.

What’s one myth that people think about what you do?

Maryam: A common misconception is that if you give AI enough data, it will automatically make flawless decisions. In reality, AI’s true value lies in enhancing efficiency, consistency, and scalability—not in replacing human judgment.
In areas like HR, for example, AI can support recruiters by analyzing large applicant pools, generating match scores, and highlighting the most relevant candidates for further consideration. By automating these repetitive tasks, AI allows professionals to focus their time and expertise on higher-level evaluation and strategic decision-making. In the end, people and technology work together—AI handles the repetitive tasks, while humans bring judgment and understanding, so together they achieve better results.

Skills, Success, and Contribution

What specific skills or qualities do you believe are most crucial for success in your particular technical area?

Maryam: Success in applied machine learning and technical work requires not only a solid understanding of core algorithms but also staying current with evolving tools, technologies, and best practices. Equally important are interpersonal and collaborative skills: listening actively, working effectively across diverse teams, and integrating multiple perspectives to develop well-rounded solutions.
For example, when building systems like applicant tracking or candidate matching tools, it is essential to understand the overall workflow, organizational objectives, and real-world challenges faced by end users. Clear communication with stakeholders and the ability to translate technical insights into actionable recommendations help ensure that solutions address the intended problem effectively.

Which of our values do you think plays the biggest role in your day-to-day work? How?

Maryam: The company’s values resonate strongly with my work and professional approach. Solve the Biggest Problem inspires me to focus on high-impact challenges, such as leveraging AI to streamline recruiters’ workflows, improve candidate matching, and enhance overall hiring efficiency. Commit and Dig Deep is particularly central to my day-to-day work, as developing reliable ML solutions demands persistence, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Together We Will Win serves as an important reminder that meaningful results emerge from collaboration—combining technical expertise with insights from product and HR teams. Among these, Commit and Dig Deep plays the most significant role in guiding me to deliver robust, data-driven solutions that make a tangible impact.

Advocacy, Insight, and Influence

What role have SmartRecruiters’ managers played in your career growth?

Maryam: I’ve been fortunate to work with leaders and managers who are deeply committed to both collective success and individual growth. Their constructive feedback, openness to dialogue, and willingness to provide guidance have fostered a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. By encouraging critical thinking and collaboration, they create an environment where ideas are valued, developed, and turned into meaningful outcomes. I’m truly grateful for the support of Mahdi Hamdani, Matteo Sumberaz, and Andriy Martyniv, whose leadership has had a lasting influence on my professional growth and development.

Beyond your technical skills, what unique strengths or perspectives do you feel you bring to your team in this field?

Maryam: Beyond technical expertise, I embrace the mindset that approaching challenges from all angles leads to stronger solutions. I value examining problems thoroughly, considering multiple solution paths, and fostering open discussion and knowledge sharing. From my point of view, collaborative decision-making and a holistic approach help teams create more informed, balanced, and impactful outcomes. I believe this approach, grounded in both rigor and inclusivity, strengthens products and team effectiveness.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in tech, or those who are just starting out?

Maryam: Throughout my career, I’ve often worked in environments where women are in the minority, and workplace norms and practices are largely shaped by the majority. My advice to women in tech is to approach these spaces with confidence, communicate openly, and stay focused on your goals. Don’t let the feeling of isolation affect you — instead, embrace these situations, accept the challenges they bring, and use them as opportunities to grow. If the environment doesn’t initially feel inclusive, don’t be discouraged; stay resilient and work toward creating positive changes that foster diversity and open opportunities for other women as well. By doing so, you not only strengthen yourself but also become a role model for other women entering the field.