Women In Tech Career Accelerator: Wrap Up
If you know us, you’ll know that we’re committed to promoting women in tech and levelling the gender imbalance in pay and opportunities. Social values, enabling career development and shaping the workforce fit for the future are at the core of what we do. We endeavour to help employers create diverse pools of talent and we don’t just talk about it; we actively engage in it and deliver an annual Women in Tech Career Accelerator event.
Our Accelerators bring together top tech employers, inspirational speakers, and delegates all in one room. The aim is to help women looking to boost their early careers in tech – whether they are looking for their first entry-level role, or perhaps looking for a career change into the world of tech.
Candidates can:
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- Network with likeminded people
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- Meet an exceptional line up of employers looking to recruit more women into tech roles
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- Get knowledge, inspiration, and advice from expert speakers
Our October event was held in partnership with BCS, The Chartered Institute of IT. BCS are equally passionate about equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to make their first steps into the tech sector, so it was an ideal match!
To kick things off, we were joined by Jo Clark, esteemed Careers Coach. Jo’s talk was all about how to build confidence and fast-track your career, with some top tips for navigating the corporate world, praising yourself and your achievements, and understanding your own worth.
Next was our first panel discussion; with talent acquisition leads Andreea Ghervan (Hudl), Kerrie Hughes (Compare the Market), boutique recruitment company owner Rose McCarter-Field (Project Recruit) and Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Emma Broadway (Talent Partnership Consulting). The discussion provided tips and tricks for enhancing your CV, what recruiters are really looking for, and how you can stand out in today’s market.
Shortly after we held another panel discussion, 'Top tips from top tech talent – how to build your career’. Here, candidates listened to six inspirational women in tech, some early on in their careers, some with decades of experience under their belt. Each shared their story and their advice for women wishing to boost their own careers.
Next, Sofia Pereira, former escalla apprentice, gave a fascinating talk on her journey as a tech apprentice. Sofia started as a digital marketing apprentice several years ago and is now a UX researcher working on global accounts.
Finally, it was time for the keynote speech. We were delighted to be joined by Jag Sohal, BCS Early Careers Ambassador. Jag gave an insightful speech on embracing your identity, values and worth in the industry. She concluded the evening with this thought-provoking statement, “There’s the time when you’re born, and the time our life concludes; what’s your time in the middle going to stand for? What are you going to be known for… and who you will choose to be in IT?”
The presentations and panel discussions
How to Build your confidence and Fast-track your career
To kick things off, we were joined by Jo Clark, esteemed Careers Coach. Jo’s talk was all about how to build confidence and fast-track your career, with some top tips for navigating the corporate world, praising yourself and your achievements, and understanding your own worth.
Jo Clark, Careers Coach for Women Leaders and Senior Executives; Founder of Work It Sister
How to land your perfect Tech role
Next was our first panel discussion; with talent acquisition leads Andreea Ghervan (Hudl), Kerrie Hughes (Compare the Market), boutique recruitment company owner Rose McCarter-Field (Project Recruit) and Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Emma Broadway (Talent Partnership Consulting). The discussion provided tips and tricks for enhancing your CV, what recruiters are really looking for, and how you can stand out in today’s market.
Top tips from top tech talent – how to build your career
Shortly after we held another panel discussion, 'Top tips from top tech talent – how to build your career’. Here, candidates listened to six inspirational women in tech, some early on in their careers, some with decades of experience under their belt. Each shared their story and their advice for women wishing to boost their own careers.
The Journey of a Tech Apprentice
Next, Sofia Pereira, former escalla apprentice, gave a fascinating talk on her journey as a tech apprentice. Sofia started as a digital marketing apprentice several years ago and is now a UX researcher working on global accounts.
Sofia Pereira - User Experience Researcher at Biglight Keynote speaker: Jag Sohal, BCS Early Careers Ambassador
Finally, it was time for the keynote speech. We were delighted to be joined by Jag Sohal, BCS Early Careers Ambassador. Jag gave an insightful speech on embracing your identity, values and worth in the industry. She concluded the evening with this thought-provoking statement, “There’s the time when you’re born, and the time our life concludes; what’s your time in the middle going to stand for? What are you going to be known for… and who you will choose to be in IT?”
Jag Sohal - IT Business Relationship Manager & BCS early careers ambassador
Jag Sohal - The event was broken up with multiple networking breaks, allowing candidates to chat with the speakers and meet the employers. And what employers they were! We were joined by:
Employer stands were always busy with lots of candidates keen to find out about job openings, graduate opportunities, and apprenticeship schemes. Here’s what a couple of the employers had to say post-event:
"I just wanted to thank you, on behalf of my team as well, for having us at the Women in Tech Accelerator event. It was great to meet so many like-minded individuals looking at making a change and also to learn so much by talking with different women with amazing stories and interest in tech.
For us it was great to have these conversations started and understand where we are doing well and where we can improve. We are looking forward for meeting again next year!" - Andreea Ghervan, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Hudl
“The escalla Women In Tech Career Accelerator events are always really welcoming, relaxed and inclusive. I always find the talks/discussions super informative, empowering and heart-warming. Plus, you get to meet some amazing like-minded people and create some fantastic networks.” - Kerrie Hughes, Talent Acquisition at Compare the Market
If you are interested in attending as an employer at our next events, please get in touch here.
Here are a few of the key takeaways from the day:
- Never be afraid to apply for that role you really want, don't let anything stop you!
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- Always have confidence in yourself, ask for feedback and know how valuable you are.
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- Think about how you want to be seen and remembered – IT can do anything, it’s what we do with it that counts.
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- There are many routes into a successful tech career and many routes to explore once you’re in there.
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- Your skills are portable – try and go out and learn as many different industries as you can.
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- Challenge yourself to make an impact in your organisation. Transformation is when real growth happens.
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- You're never too old to do an apprenticeship or to take courses and training that are of interest to you.
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- Network, network, network, connect with people and update your LinkedIn and CV
Candidate feedback:
“Thank you escalla and BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for organising and hosting such an insightful event for early careers candidates. It was a fantastic evening networking and listening to strong and successful women, and getting their opinions in the panel discussions. - Delegate
Your arrangements were impeccable! Thank you for managing an organised itinerary for us and most importantly creating a friendly vibe which helped boost our confidence to network and approach the companies and wonderful women present.” - Manasvi, Delegate
“Thanks for putting on such a wonderful event, it was really enjoyable and great to meet so many fabulous women! I really liked the broken-up networking opportunities, it made it less stressful and I found I talked to way more people with this format.” - Kirstin Petersen
“Well-organised event full of useful nuggets. Would highly recommend.” - Delegate
