Megan Labonte: Converting Curiosity to a Career
The Click Start TechUPWomen programme gave me the resources, skills, and confidence to apply for jobs
Prior to joining the Click Start programme, Megan had experience working in public relations and social media, which had given her with a comprehensive understanding of digital landscapes. However, her interest in the tech industry was awakened after completing a coding bootcamp, which illuminated the range of opportunities within tech. Megan was eager to get her foot in the door as soon as possible but didn’t know how exactly to go about it.
“I knew I wanted to work in tech but felt overwhelmed and unsure where to start. I stumbled upon the TechUPWomen programme on LinkedIn, which sparked my curiosity about different tech careers and felt like a perfect starting point.”
The Click Start by TechUPWomen in IT Skills programme at Durham University was exactly what she was looking for. The programme structure, which focuses on essential skills for working in IT, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women was highly appealing to Megan.
“I loved the supportive environment and the opportunity to build a network of friends and colleagues. The bonus of having a career mentor was incredibly valuable, offering guidance and support tailored to my career aspirations.”
One of Megan’s favourite features of the programme was the inclusion of a career mentor, provided by Catch 22. Learners are each allocated a mentor, who provides guidance and support tailored to specific career aspirations. Megan believes that Click Start was crucial in helping her navigate the exciting but daunting period of switching careers.
“The employability coaching from Catch22 and mentoring sessions were instrumental in helping me refine my career goals and job application strategies.”
Her overall experience with the Click Start programme was resoundingly positive. She believes it’s an excellent platform for those looking to break into the tech industry. Employing the skills and confidence she gained, Megan secured a place on an Artificial Intelligence conversion master’s degree programme. This degree will give her the skills and qualification needed to land a role in the forefront of AI development.
“I highly recommend the Click Start programme to anyone looking to transition into the tech industry. The skills, support, and network you gain are invaluable for career growth and personal development.”
Learn more about how the TechUPWomen Programme could be right for you.
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