Bea Lloyd

"As a 'campaigner', I'm definately persuasive and passionate. I'm good at organising people, although sometimes not myself! I've been described as 'bossy' by some, but I think we're all over that being used as an insult to women!I also identify pretty strongly with the communicator and trainer roles. Essentially I love engaging with people, learning from them and sometimes teaching from them too. In my role there is a huge stereotype that everyone is an introvert and hides behind a computer screen, which I would absolutely dispute - but being able to talk to people and help them open up is massively useful in any industry. "

"My job is to develop software, which isn't just writing code. We start by analysing the needs of the client, so that we can ensure that we design and build the right thing. Then we move on to developing code, which is possibly the most satisfying part of the job - especially when you've been stuck on a bug for ages! Then, with most good software, we have to test it - essentially it's trying your best to find ways to fix it before the client does! I took this role initially to learn as much as I could, which I have certainly been successful with. I'm especially lucky that I get to learn from my lovely colleagues, who are probably up there amongst my favourite things about the job - the other is that essentially I get to solve puzzles for a living!My starting salary is pretty generous, at £30k!"

"I took a pretty wiggly route to software. I'd always been interested in writing code, but had an IT teacher I really didn't get on with, so checked out of those lessons. Annoyingly, after I made my GCSE selection, she announced she was leaving! I was very unwell during Sixth Form and as a result got really poor A-Level results, so I decided on doing a Foundation degree in something I already knew a little bit about, so I'm now the owner of a lightly used Business Management and Marketing degree.While searching for graduate roles mid pandemic, I came across an opportunity for an Apprenticeship with Capgemini - essentially, they would pay me to learn, give me a qualification, and a permanent job. In terms of inspiration, I find it all around me, especially with my fellow women in STEM - there's such a brilliant sisterhood and innate support system. "

"I'm pretty lazy in my spare time! I cook and bake, read far too much, play plenty of video games, and see lots of friends (usually involving food). I'm very envious of everyone who has the energy to do more, but I am a sleepy person at heart and like a lie in too much. "

"I'm a hybrid worker, so 3 of my days are in my study at home wearing leggings and slippers, drinking a near continous stream of tea. Some days might be pretty meeting heavy, but my cat tends to find some way of making these about him.On alternate days I often work out of the office a little way from me, which is a secure site - no cameras, no video, and no tours allowed! These days feel a lot busier - lots more people to see and chat to, and often food being shared out. While it's lovely to see everyone, I sometimes find these days a little difficult with my concentration, but it's something I'm working on. Ocassionally I get opportunities to travel, too! I've been lucky enough to have a couple of trips to London and another to Leeds, with one up to Scotland and another to a client site on the cards. "

"Oof, I think I have about three A-Levels, none at passing grade! At the time it felt like the end of the world, but luckily it didn't stop me! I enjoyed school a lot, but put a lot of pressure on myself which took the fun out of it, and looking back I regret that immensely!I also have a 2:1 in Business Management and Marketing, but I think I've done more learning in the first year of my job than I did in my entire degree! It's always worth persuing what you're passionate about, rather than just what you're good at. "