Neha Sharma, MPS, PMP, ICP
Neha Sharma, MPS, PMP, ICP, is a Managing Consultant at IBM based in Washington, D.C., with over seven years of experience in technology and management consulting. She specializes in bridging technical and functional domains, helping organizations translate emerging technologies—such as AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity—into practical, scalable business solutions. Her work focuses on client engagement, resource management, and guiding enterprises through complex digital transformation initiatives.
She began her academic journey at Penn State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences and Technology and a master’s degree in Management & Organizational Leadership. Her education combined technical foundations with business strategy, shaping her approach to consulting at the intersection of people, processes, and technology. She has also pursued continued professional development through certifications and training in business analytics, project management, AI foundations, and business acumen.
Throughout her career at IBM, Neha has progressed from associate consultant to senior consultant and into her current managing consultant role. She is actively involved in thought leadership around emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography and AI adoption, while also contributing to mentoring and professional development initiatives. Beyond her client work, she participates in industry and academic engagement efforts, supporting programs that connect students and professionals and strengthen the future technology workforce.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)®
• IBM Consulting - Core Experienced
• IBM Generative & Agentic AI Foundation
• Business Analytics Science
• Method Essential
• Business Problem Framing Course
• IBM Mentor
• Generative AI Overview for Project Managers
• IBM Consulting Way - Apply Habits
• IBM Growth Behaviors
• IBM Consulting Way Habits - Foundational
• Leadership Essentials, part of Asian Leadership Academy
• Agile Fundamentals
• Digital Insights - Knowledge Delivery
• Data Science Foundations - Level 1
• Hadoop Administration - Level 1
• Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
• ICP
• Penn State University - M.P.S.
• National Center for Women & Information Technology Award (NCWIT)
• Community Services Chairperson for HOSA
• WConnect Member Spotlight
• Penn State Alumni Association
• Streetwise Partners
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my experience in tech consulting, my education at Penn State University, and my current role at a major technology company.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to get comfortable with the unknown and view challenges as opportunities for growth. I’ve learned to embrace uncertainty, fail fast, and quickly adapt from setbacks, using each experience as a way to improve and move forward. Ultimately, it’s about owning my journey and defining success through continuous learning and resilience.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The first thing that comes to mind is really owning your story. I didn't start in the tech space when I was in school, and I had to fail quickly and learn how to adapt in a way that stayed true to my wants and needs in the educational setting. I think it all came together into who I was at the time, and how that led me to where I am now. Just be comfortable with that story, own it, and be able to grow it as you go. Really drive that force into something that you're proud of.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is keeping pace with the rapid advancement of tools and skills, particularly AI as it moves from concept to practical application. It requires not only learning new terminology and systems quickly, but also understanding how to effectively apply them in day-to-day work and client solutions. In a client-centric environment, the opportunity lies in becoming a trusted advisor—someone who can confidently translate emerging technologies into practical, structured outcomes while continuing to learn in real time and adapt as the landscape evolves.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, integrity, and empathy.
Locations
IBM
Arlington, VA 22202