Nina Jay - Blackheath - 1987 - 1999

Communications and Electronic Engineering

Having completed my A Levels, I took the decision to embark on a career in Electronics and Communications Engineering.  I studied Communications/Electronic Engineering at the University of Kent between 1999 and 2003, followed by a Masters degree in Mobile and Broadband Communications Networks, sponsored by the EPRSC, which I completed in 2004.

I worked for BBC Technology for a year during my MSc as a research assistant and I am now working for BT Plc as a Technical Design Manager for the BT HP Alliance.  The role entails network architecture, design and planning, project management and working direct with the customer to create network solutions for everything from legacy IP designs up to the latest MPLS technology.

Below are my top 10 tips for anyone who is interested in a similar career, but please feel free to contact me if you need advice or have any questions;

1)                 DON’T be afraid of a male dominated field – at interviews and meetings; keep in mind all the benefits you as a person can bring to a role.

2)                 DO take an interest in the subject outside of education – join clubs like University / Hospital Radio stations etc and read relevant industry publications and magazines.

3)                 DO keep up to date with emerging technologies and how the large companies are developing and marketing them, outside the scope of your curriculum.

4)                 DO try and build a network of contacts in industry.

5)                 DON’T limit yourself to one specific technical area academically speaking– keep your skill base as varied as possible.

6)                 DO take up the opportunity to work for a company in a student placement role for A Level and university projects and dissertations.

7)                 DON’T be oblivious to the financial and commercial aspects of business – keep abreast with these and try and gain an understanding of how this affects the technology sector.

8)                 DO prepare for interviews; read about the company, and approach the interview with an innovative and creative approach to the way they conduct business – innovative thinkers have the ideas of tomorrow.

9)                 DO find an area that interests you – e.g. Broadcast, IT or programming and explore career opportunities in this area as much as you can.

10)             DO ‘play’ with technology in your own time – being hands on is the best way to learn.

I am happy to be contacted directly via email.