Sharian started her career in IT as a keypuncher at Electronic Data Systems in 1977. Her experience includes programming at the National Institutes of Health Information Technology, United States Congress and IBM. She was also a Systems Engineer with IBM Systems Integration where she specialized in RISC system technology, artificial intelligence software, project management, and corporate training. Since 1989, Sharian has had extensive experience as a teacher in both elementary schools and community colleges. She is currently a Professor in Business Information Technology at San Diego Community College.