- Programme studied: MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- LinkedIn profile
Alum of the Month for September is Regina, who works as a Technology Policy Advisor for the UK Cabinet Office. Regina is also Co-Founder of Mainstream, a community where millennial women can be supported, coached and equipped with skills that support their careers.
What’s your current job?
I currently work as a Technology Policy Advisor for the Cabinet Office. I am also a part-qualified Executive and Personal Coach, and Co-Founder of Mainstream, a community for millennial women.
Where have you worked previously?
I worked at Vodafone for one year after graduating, as an IT Project Manager. I have also worked for a couple of PR firms and have had internships in the UN, EU and China in Humanitarian Aid and Press Relations. Also, through my previous roles in hair salons and as a retail assistant, I have realised that we can learn from any and every work experience.
Tell us about your work with Mainstream.
I am Co-Founder of Mainstream, a community where millennial women can be supported, coached and equipped with skills that will support their careers and personal brands. Mainstream was born out of the belief that success, in all its forms, takes a village, and that knowledge is power. We provide opportunities for women to create new connections, learn new skills, and learn innovative lessons from a curated selection of the best in the business.
Our aim is simple: we want to give millennials, of every background, the knowledge they need to set a new standard. In 2018, we still stand in awe of the underdogs who do the ‘unexpected’, and Mainstream seeks to change that. With a shared education group that empowers and equips its attendees, we’re here to help millennial women live their best life, no matter what their background or experience. We want to make success, in all its forms, mainstream.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is being an older sister. I mean this in a literal sense, as I have five younger siblings, and I also mean this in a metaphorical sense, as I have mentored many girls that are like sisters to me. Although it sounds simple, I really needed a mentor that spoke to me as a sister when I was younger. As a result, I have poured my heart into mentoring teenage girls since I was a student, and seeing them through GCSE's, A Levels and now seeing some enter into their dream universities, doing courses they had never heard of, is amazing. This I say, not to glorify myself, but to encourage my fellow alumni that our accomplishments lie in the lives we touch, not the job titles or the promotions that we acquire. Yes, I have worked at No.10 advising Ministers and special advisors to the Prime Minister, but I have not touched or changed her life...yet. So, yes, after being to several countries and doing pretty well in my career, my greatest achievement is being a big sister.
How has studying at the Department of Management allowed you to make an impact?
The focus on technology in the Department of Management has trained me to think in a completely different way. LSE breeds world leaders and I find that I am a greater asset to senior leadership as a result of the teaching and training I had at LSE. I loved that my course had many practical elements, such as a consulting task for Deloitte. It provided me with hands on experience of what it would feel like to set a strategy for a Global IT Organisation. Although, I’m not the most technical person, the MSc MISDI programme challenged me to understand that technology is our new currency and is becoming a huge influence in what and how we trade. I generated a solid foundation with a lot of support from the Department and I still do as I continue to go to events and lectures.
What one piece of advice would you give to a current student or recent graduate?
One of the key lessons I learnt in 2017 is that trials build perseverance and perseverance builds character. My 2017 came with its challenges in my personal and professional life, especially starting the year in a job that I hated. I realised, as the year progressed, that the trials I faced in my career really pushed me to look for what I wanted, and to pursue it. It was a huge risk quitting my job, but now I’m able to pursue a career in government, which is what I have always wanted. Challenges arise, but it's important to be aware of the impact that you want to make in the world and navigate towards that. This role is just another step towards that. I want to encourage you in 2018 to go for the opportunities that make you happy and also serve as a platform for your loves, passions and skills.
"Success is not how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives” - Michelle Obama.