Career Compass: Navigating Early Careers Together

What to expect:

The technology landscape offers a huge array of further education and career opportunities. It is not all about coding and not all (in fact not many) routes into tech careers are a straight line. It is also surprising how many school leavers are not aware of all the new opportunities available and are still focused on traditional career and education routes.

This short and informal evening session brings together a diverse panel of speakers to explore and illustrate the many options a future in tech across academia and diverse industries offers – and how to get there. Each panel member will provide insights into their career journey and advice on how to explore next steps in pursuing a career in tech.This event is aimed at anyone who is in a position to be advising young people on their next step beyond school, college or university and also to those who may be looking to pivot into a new career path and are not sure how to make the switch.Who you will hear from:

Umar Ali Irfan – Technology Degree ApprenticeBio: I’m a Technology Degree Apprentice at Barclays in Glasgow, where I combine full-time work with studying for a BSc in Ai & Data Science. My journey into banking began at 15, when I interviewed for my apprenticeship, and by 16 I had embarked on my professional career in banking. I’m passionate about harnessing technology to drive meaningful change, while also championing social mobility & helping more young people discover the opportunities Degree Apprenticeships can offer.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umar-irfan-611599259/

Millie McGuire – GTA Strategy AnalystBio: I started my career in tech through a Software Engineering Higher Apprenticeship with Barclays & University of Glasgow in 2020. Before that, I completed a Philosophy degree straight from school but was unsure how to take this forward into the working world. During my Higher Apprenticeship, I worked in Wholesale Credit Risk as both a Business Analyst and Project Manager, focused on regulatory deliveries. Since rolling off the programme, I’ve joined Group Treasury & Accounting , where I now work on Workforce & Strategy for our CIO area.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millie-mcguire-0716671b3/

Catriona McPheat - Data Science Apprentice, BBCWhilst studying for a degree in Mathematics and Sports Science at Loughborough University, I completed a year-long industry placement with the Sports Science and Medicine Department at Exeter City Football Club, where I discovered a passion for using data to drive decision-making. After graduating in 2023, I pursued a graduate apprenticeship in Data Science, which led me to my current role at the BBC and studies at the University of Glasgow.

So far in my apprenticeship, I have worked on integrating machine learning tools into journalistic workflows, and producing predictive models and growth metrics in BBC products. I am excited by the potential of data and technology to transform industries, and I enjoy translating complex data into actionable insights that drive real-world impact.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catriona-mcpheat-85992a1b9

Gillian GallagherI am a Client Relationship Director at QA and have been with the business for 10 years. I work with organisations across Scotland to help them future proof their talent pipelines by supporting businesses to hire apprentices along with upskilling existing employees to ensure they have the digital and technical skills needed for long term success.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gillian-gallagher-1780a9ba

Martyn McGuiganI am a Sales Manager at QA, and I've been with the business for 9 years. I support our Client Relationship Managers on their client engagement and work collaboratively with those clients to make sure our offering is what they require. I work closely with our Marketing Team on our candidate engagement strategy, to make sure school leavers are aware of the opportunities available through a QA Modern Apprenticeship.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/martyn-mcguigan-4869babb

How to take part:

Register interest via this Eventbrite page and we will provide further event details. This event is in person with the option to join online.

About the Ada Scotland Festival 2025:

The Ada Scotland Festival runs from 29 September to 10 October, bringing together partners from education and industry delivering a suite of events and resources championing gender balance in tech and computing. A ll Ada Scotland Festival events are free to attend.

Check us out here https://ada.scot/

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