June 22, 2022

Find out how our alumnae secured jobs at BT and Vodafone

We’re excited to announce we’ll be opening applications to our technology and financial services talent accelerator program Step UP again this year. Step UP is a six-month programme for students who identify as female and are in their penultimate year of university to receive mentorship, skills development training and career events at sponsoring businesses: BT, HSBC UK, Virgin Media O2 and Vodafone.  

As we gear up to launch the program, we wanted to share the first-hand experiences of our alumnae from our previous programme, Step into STEM, which provided mentors across five years for female students at sixth form college. So, we caught up with three previous students, Nura, Monica and Deborah.

Get to know our alumnae 

Before we get into it, we wanted you to get to know Nura, Monica and Deborah a little better. 

At the time of writing about her experience for GTL in August last year [2021], Nura was on a placement year doing a Technology and Innovation internship at Virgin Media. 

Monica has landed a graduate role with BT as a technology professional, working in the Cloud team and offering financial advice to teams wanting to optimise their expenditure within the cloud. 

Deborah has recently completed her university studies, finishing Computer science BSC after three years of studying at the University of Herefordshire. Deborah is set to specialise in cyber security in a graduate scheme at Vodafone. 

Career progression 

So, let’s get into it! First and foremost, we wanted to know how the program helped our alumnae progress in their careers. 

In Monica’s words, “One of the main bonuses of the programme was having a mentor who worked for one of the big telecommunications firms. She helped me write and refine my CV, prepped me for interviews, and made me think about my goals and motivations.” She added, “she was incredibly helpful in catapulting me into the start of my career. Particularly as I was in the sixth form and  had to think about applying for job opportunities that would help me later.” 

Deborah told us, “the scheme solidified my interest in tech and showed me that I could do it, thanks to the women who helped empower me. Having a mentor in tech helped boost my self-esteem and prepare me for interviews and coursework and develop my CV. I also made friends in my specific scheme with whom I’m still friends today. It was a very uplifting program for diversity, especially in the technology sector.”

 Nura told us, “I was fortunate to be mentored by Sunita Mall, during my time in the programme, who was a Senior Business Analyst for O2. As a result, I gained exposure to the telecommunication industry and insight into all the opportunities available. Coincidently Sunita and I are now both working for Virgin Media O2!” 

She continued, “Working in the Digital Enablement team for Virgin Media O2 has been one of the most pivotal learning experiences in my personal development. Virgin Media O2 is one of the biggest British telecommunications companies in the UK. Once I have graduated, I am keen to stay within the telecommunications sector as there is always something new to work on, and the sector is always evolving.” 

Step into STEM highlights 

Speaking on the program’s highlights, Monica shared, “Step into STEM initially exposed me to the tech industry. Getting the chance to go to the various telecommunications offices across London showed me how enjoyable the office environment is. My highlight was going to the top of the BT Tower in London, a landmark as it spins at the top – and it’s even more surreal thinking about it now because I’m working for that same company!”

Deborah’s highlight was similar as she told us, “the highlight of the program was definitely visiting different offices. So, even the office that I’m going to work out in the grand scheme I had already visited as an A-level student not knowing that was I ever going to work here which I find amazing.” 

 She continued, “Also. I remember my graduation from the Step into STEM scheme being at Facebook. It was amazing to take a tour of the offices, the goodie bags of sweets and the different things experienced. Picking the mentor as a speed dating session was really cool too.” 

Valuable lessons 

The Step into STEM program focuses on personal development, so we wanted to know the most important lesson the program taught our valued students. 

 In Monica’s words, “the programme was just so exciting to be a part of, and I had the chance to meet like-minded women who, coming out of it, are creating space for women in tech. In such a male-dominated sector, this was so valuable.” 

For Deborah, the program taught Deborah to be her authentic self as she told us, “the program taught me that I can still be myself and pursue the career I want. It showed me to use what I saw as a flaw or as discrimination in terms of my gender and diversity and use it as a stepping stone to whatever I want to be. At my age, it was what I needed to allow me to progress. I am still in contact with girls from my cohort, my mentor, and the program itself. It was an amazing program!” 

A word of advice 

Sharing a piece of advice for girls or young women who want to enter engineering careers, Nura said, “this pathway will open doors to so much more than just tech. You will be afforded many different opportunities, and my advice is to say yes to all of the opportunities presented, even if you feel like they are out of your comfort zone.” 

You can register your interest in our Step Up program here and subscribe to our newsletter for all Girls Talk London updates and the latest in Tech and the financial services here.