From Ada Lovelace Day to a Top 50 Women Engineer

Straight out of school, I chose a different route. I decided to turn down university offers and instead I joined GCHQ’s Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Scheme. This decision was sparked by an inspiring talk I attended on Ada Lovelace Day, where I met some incredible staff from GCHQ. Starting my dream job at 18 was the best decision I've ever made, and I haven’t looked back since. 

Receiving this award is a dream come true! I still can't believe it happened – it feels surreal, but also so rewarding. Seeing my name on that list made me question if it was real at first. But then I reminded myself – I worked hard for this, and I deserve it! 

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but persistence and a positive attitude have carried me through. There were tough times, but my love for my work kept me smiling and moving forward.

Being an engineer at GCHQ is about so much more than just tech. It's about collaboration, innovation, and seeing the bigger picture. I get to upskill in various technologies and tackle exciting challenges every day. Plus, working on tomorrow's technology today? That’s just amazing! 

I believe in the growth mindset and understanding that success is like an iceberg. The hard work and challenges beneath the surface are what make the achievements at the top possible. It hasn’t always been easy, but every hurdle has shaped who I am today. 

I aim to inspire more women to enter STEM and encourage a strong community of allies. Support and allyship can truly enhance an organisation, creating an environment where everyone thrives. 

No matter who you are – female, male, or non-binary – if there’s one takeaway from my story, let it be this: believe in yourself. Keep pushing through the obstacles and focus on your journey. You've got this! 

I’m excited about my future at GCHQ and the adventures to come. I hope this story inspires you to keep going and perhaps even join us here. 

Thanks for reading! 😊