Dilani Selvanathan

"In my journey, I've discovered the remarkable aspects that define who I am. At work, I embrace my inner Campaigner, utilising my persuasive charm and creative ideas to solve challenges and inspire my team. Understanding what motivates people is key to achieving success, and I take pride in leaving a lasting first impression that sparks collaboration and cooperation. As a Communicator, I exude confidence, knowing the importance of effective communication tailored to different audiences. Words and languages come naturally to me, allowing me to simplify complex information and engage my listeners with empathy and an open mind. Oh, and I relish sharing my experiences and stories in interviews, connecting with others just as my Communicator spirit demands!But there's more to my persona—I am also a passionate Coordinator, organising tasks with precision and ensuring everyone's needs are met. Being a reliable and patient teammate, I pull people together to achieve common goals, consistently delivering quality work on time and within budget. Whether it's helping clients or supporting my colleagues, I pride myself on providing exceptional service, driven by compassion and a genuine willingness to lend a hand. Every day is a canvas for my unique blend of qualities, and I feel incredibly fulfilled embracing these personality types as they harmoniously align with the work I do. It's an exciting journey where creativity, empathy, and organisation intertwine, propelling me to reach greater heights and inspire those around me."

"I have the incredible role of a Software Engineer, and it's nothing short of exhilarating! Every day, I wake up to fresh challenges and exciting projects waiting for me. As a creative problem solver, my job is to take these brilliant ideas and bring them to life. Whether it's a hardware project, where I build and assemble components, or a software project, where I get to write code like a digital wizard, I thrive on the thrill of turning concepts into reality.What I love most about my job is that no two days are ever the same! The diversity of tasks keeps me on my toes, constantly learning, challenging myself, and satisfying my curiosity. I have the opportunity to work with amazing clients, collaborate with talented team members, and explore the fascinating world of robotics. From working at the office to the flexibility of working from home, and even engaging in fun demo days where I get to test drones and showcase my work outdoors, my job is an adventure that fuels my passion for technology.One of my proudest moments was when I worked on a groundbreaking project - a missing persons app for emergency services. This innovative solution revolutionised the search process, saving precious time and potentially saving lives. By designing a questionnaire and using cutting-edge drones equipped with thermal sensors, we could quickly pinpoint the location of missing individuals and provide real-time assistance to emergency responders. The impact of our work was beyond fulfilling, knowing that technology could be harnessed for good, making a meaningful difference in people's lives."

"Let me take you on a journey through the path that led me to where I am today – a Software Research and Development Engineer in the thrilling world of robotics! It all began with my passion for engineering, which sparked after receiving my GCSE results. I knew in my heart that engineering was the path for me, and so I attended a specialised school focused on this fascinating field. There, I immersed myself in hands-on experiences, soaking up practical knowledge that ignited my love for creating things with my own two hands.After A-levels, I faced a decision: follow my dream of diving into robotics, or choose a related field that would lead me there. I took a leap of faith and embarked on a software engineering apprenticeship with the BBC. Though coding was my daily focus, my heart never forgot the allure of robotics. So, I decided to pursue a degree apprenticeship at Queen Mary University of London, all while working diligently for the BBC. I was determined to build a foundation of knowledge that would one day propel me into the world of space robotics.As my journey progressed, I knew the moment had arrived – I had to take a risk, to follow my passion. And that's when I found my way to Herotech8, a place where I could merge my software engineering skills with my dreams of robotics. Starting as a software engineer, I kept my vision clear, working hard, and staying curious. And then, at the beginning of this year, an incredible opportunity emerged – a new role as a Software Research and Development Engineer, where I could truly dive into robotics and create technology that betters people's lives."

"Let me tell you about the life I live - one filled with passion, purpose, and a burning desire to make a difference in the world of STEM! In my spare time, I love exploring new opportunities and trying my hand at various activities. But what truly sets my heart ablaze is my dedication to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to people from all walks of life. As a STEM ambassador and a Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) role model, I'm on a mission to empower and inspire women like you to pursue rewarding careers in these incredible fields. My journey has been sprinkled with accolades, including awards like the IET Young Women Engineer Mary George's Memorial Prize and the IET Paul Fletcher Award, all for my unwavering commitment to promoting STEM.Beyond my passion for STEM, there's a whole world of fascinating interests that define who I am. I'm an avid football player, finding joy as a striker in the Young Royals Women's football club. You'll also find me engrossed in video games and indulging in TV shows during my downtime. Oh, and here's a fun fact that might surprise you - I hold a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, a testament to my determination and discipline. But that's not all! My curiosity knows no bounds, and that's why I collect banknotes and coins from around the globe, each piece a beautiful tale of history and culture.Yet, beyond my hobbies, what truly fulfils me is giving back to the community and uplifting others. I've been actively volunteering and fundraising for various charities, with a special focus on raising awareness about bullying. I also cherish my role as a BulliesOut Ambassador. But my true passion lies in empowering young minds like yours to pursue their dreams in STEM. From inspiring presentations and mentoring sessions to creating global networks for apprentices and role modelling through Stemettes, I'm committed to breaking barriers and making STEM an accessible, exciting world for all."

"Picture this - a typical day at work, where every moment is a journey of discovery and growth! As the sun rises on a new week, I kickstart my day with a meeting with my manager. It's an opportunity to share my progress, experiences, and how I'm navigating this thrilling world of STEM. But the real magic begins when I join my team for a task discussion meeting. Together, we review ongoing tasks, discuss any challenges, and brainstorm solutions that ignite our collective genius.Throughout the day, I dive into various tasks assigned to me, always open to learning and growing. Sometimes, I team up with my manager for those more complex endeavours, and the camaraderie we share makes every challenge feel conquerable. You see, every day brings something new, something different, and that's what makes my job so exhilarating. Whether it's tinkering with hardware components, writing awe-inspiring code, or testing drones in the field, the variety keeps me on my toes, constantly learning and growing."

"GCSE:- Mathematics- English Language- ICT- Biology- Chemistry- Physics- French- Geography- BusinessA-Level:- BTEC: Level 3 Diploma in Engineering- Mathematics- Computer ScienceLevel 6 Apprenticeship / University:I was enrolled in a Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, simultaneously studying at Queen Mary University of London and working at the BBC."