Meet the Sponsor and Speakers at the STEM Women Scotland Event

On Wednesday 22^nd September we are hosting our third event of the autumn season. This event will be for students and recent graduates based in Scotland, looking to start their careers in a STEM industry.

Our Scotland event is perfect for attendees who identify as female or non-binary. The event will allow attendees to network with top employers, hear live presentations from company representatives, apply for jobs and opportunities and take part in a Q&A panel session with women working in STEM.

During the employer speaker sessions, the representatives will cover their personal career journey, what it’s like to work at the company and offer attendees invaluable advice on the application and interviewing process.

Ahead of the event, we caught up with the employers hosting the speaker sessions to find out more about their presentations and what attendees can look forward to on the day.

Welcome Talk from Sophie Chadwick, STEM Women Events Host

The event will start with a welcome talk from STEM Women Events Host, Sophie Chadwick. Sophie will give attendees an overview of the agenda, highlight the company stalls and introduce the sponsor speaker who will address the audience.

“I am thrilled to be hosting the STEM Women Scotland Event. In the past, our Scotland based events have been extremely inspiring and helped attendees find roles at some amazing companies!”

Welcome talk from PwC, Laurie Watson, Talent Engagement Senior Associate

Laurie from PwC will then address the audience during her welcome talk.

Could you give us a brief description of your role at PwC?

“I work in the Student Recruitment Team at PwC specifically focussing on our Flying Start degree programmes and undergraduate opportunities. I have worked at PwC for 4 years and am based in the Manchester office.”

What can attendees expect to hear during the welcome talk?

“I will be sharing an overview of PwC and our opportunities.”

What are you most looking forward to on the event day?

“Meeting and speaking to enthusiastic and motivated students who are keen to learn about PwC opportunities.”

Warda Majid, Software Engineer, BlackRock

At 1.30pm, we will then welcome Warda from BlackRock. Warda will be covering her personal career journey, and what it’s like to work at BlackRock.

Could you give us a short outline of your role at BlackRock?

“I joined BlackRock three years ago as a graduate analyst in the Aladdin Product Group. I work in the Executive Action Team now.”

What will you covering during your speaker session?

“I will give a brief overview of what BlackRock’s purpose is and how technology has enabled us to achieve that.”

Do you have any tips for attendees?

“When listening to companies speak don’t convince yourself that you don’t have the right skills or background to work there. Don’t limit yourself! If a company is a cultural fit and you resonate with their mission – go for it.”

Why is inspiring more women into technology important to you/your company?

“Everything we do begins with talent and culture – with building a diverse and talented workforce, and an inclusive environment. You are our competitive advantage, our cultural differentiator, and only by harnessing different backgrounds and experiences can we challenge the status quo, inspire innovation, and create better outcomes for clients, for shareholders, and for communities where we live and work.”

Sarah Kelly, Senior Associate within Technology, Data & Analytics, PwC

At 1.55pm, Sarah Kelly from PwC will take over to present her speaker session. Sarah will give attendees an insightful overview of her unique career journey and tips on how to apply for PwC’s opportunities.

Could you give us a brief description of your role at PwC?

“I joined PwC in 2019 and I am now a Senior Associate within Technology, Data & Analytics. I work with clients from a wide range of industries to help them build trust in their technology and streamline their processes.  Since joining the firm, I have worked with clients across Healthcare, Bioscience, Education, Investment Banking, Insurance and Digital Marketing.”

What topics can attendees expect to hear from you on the event day?

“I’ll be discussing my career journey to date, PwC’s application process, training and some of the projects I’ve worked on since joining the firm.”

What are you most looking forward to on the event day?

“I’m looking forward to meeting graduates with similar interests and discussing how they can utilise STEM based skills in a career at PwC.”

Do you have any tips for attendees before or during the day?

“Ask questions, be curious and network as much as possible!”

Victoria MacGillivray and Russell Glencross, Early Careers Consultant and IS Talent and Development Lead, Baillie Gifford

Victoria MacGillivray and Russell Glencross will then give attendees an introduction to Baillie Gifford, with an insight into why they recruit individuals from a variety of degree backgrounds across their Early Careers Programmes.

What are you most looking forward to on the event day?

“Meeting interesting candidates and participating in the event, which will hopefully encourage women to consider STEM roles.”

What do you love about your role/company?

“Our open collaborative culture; employees feel valued here and are able to make meaningful contributions to the success of the firm.”

Do you have any tips for attendees before the event?

“Ask lots of questions, engage with the speakers and try to get as much from the event as possible.”

Why is encouraging more women to work within STEM industries important to you/your company?

“We want people from different backgrounds. Diversity is ingrained in everything we do. It’s what makes our business successful.”

STEM Women Events

Before our speaker sessions begin, attendees can also watch and ask questions during a live panel discussion with women working in STEM. There will also be an insightful pre-recorded talk from Lilian Hunt which focuses on LGBTQ+ in STEM. This talk will be available to watch on the platform throughout the whole event day.

If you’re interested in starting your career in STEM, and would like to attend a STEM Women event, visit www.stemwomenevents.com and register for your free ticket today!

There are also still spaces available for employers looking to exhibit at this event and our upcoming autumn 2021 events. Get in touch with Lauren at laurenj@stemwomen.co.uk for more information.