When I started my Computer Science degree at the University of Surrey, I knew I was interested in technology, but I didn’t know exactly where I wanted my career to take me. The technology industry is incredibly broad, and during my first year I often found myself exploring different areas and trying to understand where my skills and interests aligned.
Looking back, some of the biggest opportunities in my journey came from simply being willing to reach out and start conversations.
When I was 17, I created my LinkedIn profile and began messaging people working in the motorsport industry because I wanted to learn more about the technology behind Formula 1. One of the people I contacted was a Software Engineering Manager at Alpine F1 Team, who kindly replied and offered me work experience! This became my first experience working in the technology industry, and it showed me the impact that software engineering could have in a real-world environment.
During that same summer, I was also selected for the first cohort of the McLaren 60 Scholars Programme, which gave me the opportunity to learn more about careers in motorsport and technology. One of the highlights was the graduation ceremony at the end of the programme, where I had the opportunity to meet members of the McLaren Racing team, including Zak Brown and Andrea Stella. The experience gave me a huge confidence boost, and through the programme, I connected with a mentor who is the Head of Software and Data Science at McLaren Racing. They have continued to mentor me throughout my university journey for the past three years.
My career direction became clearer during my summer internship at IBM, where I worked as a Technology Summer Intern within Customer Success Management (CSM). I gained experience working with the Guardium Data Protection platform, exploring cybersecurity, data protection, and technology solutions. I particularly enjoyed working on security reports, understanding how products supported clients, and developing solutions such as chatbots. This experience helped me realise that I wanted to specialise in cyber and risk, which influenced my module choices and dissertation focus. The support and opportunities provided by Surrey’s Careers team played a significant role throughout my university journey. At the beginning of my second year, I attended an IBM event on campus led by two Surrey alumni who had gone on to build careers in consulting. Hearing about their experiences gave me a much clearer understanding of the application process and what IBM looked for in candidates, which helped me approach my own application with confidence. After successfully securing the role, both alumni continued to support me as mentors throughout my internship. Although I joined IBM as a Technology Summer Intern within Customer Success Management (CSM), they also gave me the opportunity to gain exposure to consulting projects, allowing me to broaden my experience beyond my core role.
Another invaluable opportunity was taking part in the PwC Diversity Mentoring Scheme. My mentor provided guidance throughout the year, from career advice and networking to helping me build my confidence. Just two days before my Lloyds Banking Group Assessment Centre, I attended a mock assessment centre held by the scheme, where I received personalised feedback and encouragement from the team. Having that support, along with everyone wishing me well before my interview, gave me a real confidence boost and motivated me to put everything I had learnt into practice. Looking back, those experiences made a huge difference in helping me perform at my best. These experiences contributed towards securing my graduate role as a Risk Graduate at Lloyds Banking Group. I was drawn to the role because of the opportunity to experience different rotations, develop an understanding of the finance industry, and explore governance and decision-making processes. During my assessment centre, I had a discussion around risk appetite, governance processes, and how organisations make decisions, and I realised how much I enjoyed approaching these challenges.
The biggest lesson I have learnt throughout my journey is that you do not need to have everything figured out from the beginning. My career path developed through curiosity, conversations, and experiences. My advice to students is to reach out to people in industries that interest you, attend events, ask questions, and make the most of every opportunity available. A single conversation can open a door you never expected.
