Vanessa

As part of Step Up, a free six-month program for female students in their penultimate year of university in the UK, we offer participants access to skills development training, career events and mentorship. Working with our sponsoring businesses, BT Group, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone, we pair our students with mentors to work alongside them for the duration of the program.

As we wrapped up another successful program this summer, we spoke to some of our mentees and mentors to learn more about their experience.

Applications are now open for Step UP 2024 here and interested companies should email info@girlstalkcorporation.com for more information

BT mentor and mentee: Ian Yearwood, Delivery Manager, BT and Folademilade Oyeleke

How would you summarise the program in three words?

Ian: Fulfilling, fun and collaborative

Folademilade: Engaging, empowering and supportive

Folademilade, how has the program contributed to your career progression?

It has given me confidence in the skills that I have and also self compassion to learn any necessary skills to excel in my career without rushing myself. I recently secured an internship with Kraken Technologies and the self compassion and confidence I’ve honed in the program have really helped me make the most of my internship and excel.

Ian, what skills did you gain or improve from being a mentor?

I was able to improve on my listening skills and adapting my communication and presenting style according to my mentee’s needs which has been helpful within the workplace.

Folademilade, can you share your most impactful learnings?

That I should have more confidence in myself and my abilities and also that me promoting myself in spaces that can get me opportunities is not cringy or something to be embarrassed about.

Ian, which element of the Step UP program did you enjoy most?

Seeing the growth of the mentees has been awesome from the very start of the programme in January right up to graduation in June when we watched the deliver their group presentations.

As part of Step Up, a free six-month program for female students in their penultimate year of university in the UK, Ghana, Germany, Singapore & India, we offer participants access to skills development training, career events and mentorship. Working with our sponsoring businesses, BT Group, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone, we pair our students with mentors to work alongside them for the duration of the program.

As our 2023 program ended, we caught up with the mentee Amirah and her mentor, Thankamani, a senior project manager at Vodafone, to learn more about their experience.

Mentee: Amirah Zakirah | Commercial and Industrial Sales Associated at Schneider Electric 

How would you summarise Step UP in three words?

 Exciting, adventurous, supportive.

 How has the program contributed to your career progression?

The program has allowed me to absorb and learn from my mentor’s work experiences and gain clarity on career growth and the tech industry. The tech industry is vast, consisting of even telecommunications, which is essential, especially in this 5G age. My mentor arranged a local office visit, and I managed to interact with the staff there. I’ve also made global friends with whom we still stay in contact now!

Can you share your most impactful learnings?

I learned to adopt the tips and tricks shared by my mentor in my intern journey at Johnson Controls. Receiving people management advice, such as taking feedback openly and navigating my relationships at the workplace, allowed me to understand others better. One thing I learned is to be humble and listen before communicating.

 What’s next for you?

After the program, I ended my internship, and I’m now working full-time as a commercial and industrial sales associate at Schneider Electric, where we deal with sustainable energy management!

Mentor: Thankamani Menon | Senior Project Manager at Vodafone 

How would you summarise the program in three words?

Well-structured, inspiring and rewarding.

What skills did you gain or improve from being a mentor?

Mentoring has given me a feeling of self-satisfaction. The program also allowed me to be a good listener and learn new perspectives from my mentee. It also allowed me to enhance my soft skills and leadership capabilities. 

Which element of the Step UP program did you enjoy most?

I liked the excitement and enthusiasm of mentees as we progressed through the mentoring sessions. I was happy to see that my mentee could use my guidance and tips back at her workplace and how it helped her improve her outlook with people, which made her feel optimistic about the everyday situations at work. It was a proud moment for me when she presented her joint project and graduated from the program.

Meet Margaret 

Margaret’s journey started with a leap into the food tech scene in Kenya. She had this idea to change the way we consume healthy food through technology and leveraging nutritious superfoods that are overlooked. In the process, Margaret quickly learned that running a business was more than just having a great idea. Two years in, she decided she needed to know the business side of things inside out, not just the tech.

So, she moved to London to study business, which has been a game-changer for her career so far. 

Margaret isn’t just learning the ropes of business but diving deep into data analytics. “It’s fascinating how data tells the story of a business, what’s working and what’s not, and how to improve. Every day, I improve at making sense of these numbers and am eager to apply this knowledge to the business world.

I started with a passion for entrepreneurship and faced the hard truth that I needed more business knowledge. Now, I’m equipping myself with the business and data skills to make an impact. It’s been quite the ride.”

Black woman in tech

What are your biggest challenges as a Black woman in tech?

Having access to opportunities and networking effectively is the biggest challenge for me. In the tech industry, networking can often feel like navigating an exclusive club where the rules aren’t exactly spelt out. It operates heavily on a ‘who you know’ basis, which can be challenging for someone like me. Breaking into these circles requires more than skill; it demands building connections in spaces where you might initially feel uncomfortable or represented. It’s a hurdle, but it’s also motivated me to find more inclusive networking opportunities like the Black Girls Tech events.

Valuable lessons

What did you learn from our event with Amazon last year?

I learned to put myself out there unapologetically, to fearlessly pursue the opportunities I deem crucial to my career and life journey, and to be bold!

What was your favourite thing about the event? 

The panels were my favourite part of the event. One quote stood out to me: “Really use your differences to your advantage and learn how to do less and better.” 

How did Girls Talk support you in securing a role at Amazon?

At the BGTS Summit 2023, we had the opportunity to attend a career workshop led by Palantir, which transformed my approach to resumes and self-presentation through a recruiter’s lens. Additionally, Vanessa sent us a newsletter highlighting student roles available at Amazon. Both helped me spot the opportunity and prepare my applications with a well-informed and strategic mindset.

Meet Margaret 

Margaret’s journey started with a leap into the food tech scene in Kenya. She had this idea to change the way we consume healthy food through technology and leveraging nutritious superfoods that are overlooked. In the process, Margaret quickly learned that running a business was more than just having a great idea. Two years in, she decided she needed to know the business side of things inside out, not just the tech.

So, she moved to London to study business, which has been a game-changer for her career so far. 

Margaret isn’t just learning the ropes of business but diving deep into data analytics. “It’s fascinating how data tells the story of a business, what’s working and what’s not, and how to improve. Every day, I improve at making sense of these numbers and am eager to apply this knowledge to the business world.

I started with a passion for entrepreneurship and faced the hard truth that I needed more business knowledge. Now, I’m equipping myself with the business and data skills to make an impact. It’s been quite the ride.”

Black woman in tech

What are your biggest challenges as a Black woman in tech?

Having access to opportunities and networking effectively is the biggest challenge for me. In the tech industry, networking can often feel like navigating an exclusive club where the rules aren’t exactly spelt out. It operates heavily on a ‘who you know’ basis, which can be challenging for someone like me. Breaking into these circles requires more than skill; it demands building connections in spaces where you might initially feel uncomfortable or represented. It’s a hurdle, but it’s also motivated me to find more inclusive networking opportunities like the Black Girls Tech events.

Valuable lessons

What did you learn from our event with Amazon last year?

I learned to put myself out there unapologetically, to fearlessly pursue the opportunities I deem crucial to my career and life journey, and to be bold!

What was your favourite thing about the event? 

The panels were my favourite part of the event. One quote stood out to me: “Really use your differences to your advantage and learn how to do less and better.” 

How did Girls Talk support you in securing a role at Amazon?

At the BGTS Summit 2023, we had the opportunity to attend a career workshop led by Palantir, which transformed my approach to resumes and self-presentation through a recruiter’s lens. Additionally, Vanessa sent us a newsletter highlighting student roles available at Amazon. Both helped me spot the opportunity and prepare my applications with a well-informed and strategic mindset.

As part of Step Up, a free six-month program for female students in their penultimate year of university in the UK, Ghana, Germany, Singapore & India, we offer participants access to skills development training, career events and mentorship. Working with our sponsoring businesses, BT Group, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone, we pair our students with mentors to work alongside them for the duration of the program.

As we wrapped up another successful program this summer, we spoke with our mentee, Anna Bugain and her mentor, Jenny, at Virgin Media O2 to learn more about their experience.

Mentee: Anna Bugain | Second-year student at Birkbeck, University of London, studying BS, Data Science and Computing. 

How would you summarise Step UP in three words?

Transformative, priceless, and launchpad.  

How has the program contributed to your career progression?

The highlight of the programme has been meeting my mentor, Jenny Viganego. She has played an integral role in the success of the Step UP programme. She helped me rewrite my CV and understand my strengths and weaknesses from a corporate perspective. She took the time to schedule additional meetings to ensure she was current with my training and progress on the Step UP scheme. Jenny kindly used her own network to find three technology professionals at VMO2 willing to share their learning journeys with me. Seeing the diverse backgrounds of these data professionals boosted my confidence in the end-of-scheme Steppers Assemble project.  

I landed a paid and full-time summer software engineering internship with SEO London. Furthermore, I received a permanent job offer as a Client Relationship Manager with Folio Financial Advice. 

I have grown a network of inspiring peers. We can lean on each other for reassurance and support. We can also turn to each other for advice and constructive feedback. 

The programme has given me an exclusive look at the inner workings of some of the biggest telco companies in Europe. Through in-person workshops and online webinars, I have understood the critical components required to submit a competitive application for their grad schemes and placement years. 

Can you share your most impactful learnings?

Impactful learning took place on the VMO2 Discovery Day in Slough. We went through a situational judgement test like the ones given to grad scheme applicants. Going through the answers with VMO2 professionals was an exceptional privilege, as you can’t find the answers anywhere online.

I also learned a lot from the monthly masterclasses. The Leadership, Communication, Decision Making & Influencing Skills masterclass hosted by Kate Self, Networks Demand Manager at BT, was excellent. I could relate to her doubts and fears when starting her career in tech, and I picked up great application tips. For example, in your application, mirror the terminology used in the job ad. If the job ad focuses on ‘business support operations’, don’t use ‘admin duties’ as a substitute. 

What’s next for you?

I am excited to enter my second year of evening studies at Birkbeck College (BSc in Data Science and Computing). Simultaneously, I will start my new role as Client Relationship Manager at Folio Financial Advice. The hiring manager informed me that I was chosen for this position because of my tech background and extensive experience with business computing systems. In my role, I will oversee the digital transformation of client communications and train other financial advisors on new software. It will be a busy year, but I am eager to give back to the community by representing Girls Talk Corporation at future career fairs.

Mentor: Jenny Viganego | Partner Performance Senior Manager at Virgin Media O2

How would you summarise the program in three words?

Inspirational, motivating, enlightening.

What skills did you gain or improve from being a mentor?

My ability to adapt to other’s ways of working certainly improved & my listening skills too.

Early on, we decided that the one session a month wasn’t enough to get the most out of this opportunity, so we had fortnightly 30-minute catchups and a monthly 1-2-1 for an hour. As part of our sessions, I grew my internal network at VMO2 by reaching out to specialists in the fields of interest of my mentee and setting up sessions for her to speak with them to gain insight. I learned a few technical things along the way, too!

Which element of the Step UP program did you enjoy most?

The initial “speed matching” session was great, as mentors often select mentees. So, this was inventive and fun, giving the mentees to see who they felt they had a better affinity to. From a personal perspective, I was overjoyed that Anna picked me. We clicked straight away and were able to build on that to make the most of each of our sessions.

Applications are now open if you’d like to join our 2024 Step UP program as a mentee! Click here to apply and share with anyone who might benefit from our free program. 

As part of Step Up, a free six-month program for female students in their penultimate year of university in the UK, Ghana, Germany, Singapore & India, we offer participants access to skills development training, career events and mentorship. Working with our sponsoring businesses, BT Group, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone, we pair our students with mentors to work alongside them for the duration of the program.

As our 2023 program has come to an end, we caught up with mentee Jancy Karunakaran and her mentor Marlon Wilson at BT to learn more about their experience which lead to Jancy landing a Graduate Data Engineer role at BT.

Mentee: Jancy Karunakaran | Graduate Data Engineer at BT

How would you summarise Step UP in three words?

Enlightening, interactive, and supportive.

How has the program contributed to your career progression?

This program has been instrumental in guiding my career trajectory towards the tech industry. The masterclass and career day sessions provided invaluable insights into interview strategies and the recruitment process, steering me in the right direction. The discussions were enlightening, prompting me to assess and strengthen my self-assurance. The empowering conversations on women’s roles in the field and insights from recent graduates’ experiences enriched my perspective on entering the industry. By assimilating these learnings and incorporating my mentor’s guidance, I’ve effectively showcased my skills and projected my authentic personality, ultimately propelling my career forward.

Can you share your most impactful learnings?

The most impactful learnings have been the undeniable significance of networking in securing a position within a company. By fostering genuine connections and engaging with employers, I uncovered the company’s active participation in various women-supportive initiatives, highlighting their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Involving in these programs allowed me to refine my skills and deepened my understanding of the tech role landscape. The unwavering support from my mentor, Marlon Wilson, who consistently encouraged my active involvement and skill progression, emphasized the importance of dedication and trust in the process. I’ve come to appreciate the immense value of Step Up, which has provided an exceptional space for all mentees to cultivate meaningful connections and work towards their tech career goals. Additionally, I’ve learned that a strong online presence, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn, significantly enhances visibility and connection with potential employers, ultimately increasing the likelihood of being noticed and considered for opportunities.

What’s next for you?

Having secured a graduate data engineer position at BT, I intend to leverage the insights gained from Step Up during my interview preparation, utilizing its guidance on question formats. I’m committed to applying and honing the program’s critical skills within my role at BT. As I embark on my career journey, I’m enthusiastic about taking responsibility and looking for challenging tasks. I will also be committed to upskilling with continuous learning and improvements.

Mentor: Marlon Wilson | Transformation, Change and Inclusive Manager & Chair of the BT Ethnic Diversity Network

How would you summarise the program in three words?

Empowering, inclusive and transformative.

What skills did you gain or improve from being a mentor?

The primary skills I improved are leadership and empathy to guide Jancy through her personal and professional development effectively.

Which element of the Step UP program did you enjoy most?

I most enjoyed the transformation process from Jancy’s hard work and dedication, from seeing her confidence grow to her delivering a fantastic final project presentation. The cherry on top was the excitement when Jancy contacted me to confirm she had secured a Data Engineer role at BT.

Please share advice for our community interested in working at BT:

Be confident in your abilities and believe in yourself. Don’t hesitate to communicate your goals and aspirations to your mentor assertively, ensuring you are pushing for desired outcomes.

Persistence and resilience are essential. So, don’t be discouraged by initial challenges or setbacks; learn from them and continue to strive towards your objectives. #Step UP

Interested in joining our 2024 Step UP program? Click here to apply!