Starting off as an unemployed graduate with no experience in the creative and digital industry made it really difficult for me to find a job and get that valuable experience I needed to make my mark in industry. So, you can imagine my surprise when Gary Neville called out my name to announce the winner of the inaugural TalkTalk North West Women in Tech ‘Rising Star’ award just a year later.
My career began under Agent Academy’s roof in September 2020, where I spent twelve weeks soaking up everything I could about creative, digital and tech, gaining real life experience working on a client brief, and networking with industry professionals. This turned out to be just what I needed as I landed my ‘miracle role’ as a Communications Assistant for Agent Academy that December and haven’t looked back since.
Leading up to my award win, I spent just under a year exploring my role in communications and PR, working on projects I could never have anticipated I would have an input in, led campaigns, and networked with some of the best in the business. Although my year was jam-packed, my expectations were pretty low when it came to being recognised for my work on such a large scale.
With the aim of identifying the very best female talent in tech across the North West, the Women in Tech awards are a celebration of the achievements of underrepresented women working in the tech sector, at all levels. Hosted by the CEO of TalkTalk, Tristia Harrison, and Manchester-grown entrepreneur (and footballing legend!), Gary Neville, I was surrounded by some of the city region’s best female talent, and it felt amazing!
The ‘Rising Star’ award recognises those who are early on in their careers, who have created impact in their role and who show promising futures in the tech sector. My nomination from my manager and director of Agent Academy, Zoe, meant that an expert panel of female tech leaders selected me as the winner and I was able to celebrate my achievements in a room full of inspiring, talented women!
To be acknowledged for my hard work so early on in my career makes me feel incredibly proud of my journey as a graduate who once spent her days scrolling Indeed looking for that one opportunity to break into industry, to now having a bright future ahead.
Moving forward, my expectations for the future are very high and rather than being crippled with anxiety at the thought of this, I’m ready to grab the wheel with both hands and take every opportunity that comes my way during my time with Agent and Agent Academy. If my award win has taught me anything, it’s to never underestimate my capabilities and that imposter syndrome certainly is a myth!
Written by Sophia