UCL x Chanel Women in Tech mentoring scheme: Safiyah's experience

Third year geography student Safiyah completed the UCL x Women in Tech mentoring scheme in the 2022-23 academic year. Read about her experiences in the scheme and how it has benefitted her.

Please share a brief introduction of yourself – what you study, and why you applied for the mentoring scheme, and your career goals.

My name is Safiyah Moloobhoy, and I’m a third-year Geography BA undergraduate student at University College London. The ability to apply geographical research skills to real-world issues drew me to the subject. I was captivated by the study of climate change’s social effects and the unexpected pleasure of data visualisation courses. I had no clear idea of what I wanted to pursue as a career, but I recognised that studying such a broad subject developed extremely valuable skills that would fulfil my two main career goals:

1. Make a positive and influential impact through valued work.
2. Keep learning new skills.

How did the UCL x Chanel Women in Tech mentoring scheme help your career endeavours?

The UCL x Chanel Women in Tech mentorship offered a chance to explore tech consulting and receive career guidance. The final year of undergraduate studies felt overwhelming, as I would see peers applying to over 50 graduate schemes while balancing their studies. The mentorship has helped me develop confidence in my skills and abilities, realise my immediate career goals, and support me while applying to graduate jobs later in the cycle. I could see myself wanting to work in a corporate setting, which provided me with opportunities for advancement, a supportive company culture, and new skills to learn.

Now you have completed the mentorship, do you know what your next career pursuits are?

While I am not sure what my next step will be, I found myself exploring opportunities and interviews in climate security, chartered accountancy, and consulting; reiterating the diverse options I have in my future. My mentor, Yuki Sakazume, has been an incredible source of comfort, encouragement, and solace during this process, providing me with a realistic insight into the corporate world I would never have imagined.

How was meeting your Chanel mentor for the first time?

I met Yuki during a ‘speed networking’ session organised at UCL. I was fascinated by Yuki’s international experience and career transitions, especially as she could work in a role that transcended multiple technical and corporate teams without a technology background. I resonated with her international background and the difficulty of transitioning to new countries, stages of life, and jobs. Moving from Dubai to London for university was challenging as I navigated this significant life transition. Her relaxed approach, viewing career exploration as a learning journey rather than chasing an elusive ‘dream job,’ fascinated me.

Did you have any expectations of the scheme prior to starting it?

I was unsure what to expect from the mentorship, apart from viewing it as face-to-face networking. I hoped to gain skills like confidence, public speaking, and pointers to increase my application attractiveness and navigate my early career. However, I soon realised Yuki had much more to offer than soft skills and technical industry advice.

Our initial meeting delved into a reflection session on thinking of the motivations behind each career step I take. Yuki taught me to assess the intrinsic value and challenges of each decision, from pursuing a master’s degree to choosing a job or internship. This served as an essential reminder to me throughout our partnership and the decisions that I made, as it made me realise that no career decision is my destination and that I should view each step as an opportunity for growth.  

What were the key moments of your UCL x Chanel Women in Tech mentoring scheme?

Despite the limited number of meetings I could have, almost every session was a pivotal moment for me. The first session was particularly impactful as I was faced with a decision to sign a contract with an accounting firm, an industry I had no prior familiarity with. Yuki encouraged me to consider all aspects of the offer, such as the transferrable benefits of obtaining a qualification, exploring the company culture, growth potential, and my own long-term goals. Her advice helped me make an informed decision and inquire further to learn more about the company and the role. It also made me realise that my initial reservations could only be tackled by challenging myself to try something new.

In another session, Yuki provided invaluable tips on how to navigate job interviews. She taught me to view interviews as a two-way process, where I also assessed if the company was the right fit for me. Additionally, she helped me realise that no matter the outcome, getting invited to an interview is a recognition of my potential, and I should celebrate that. This perspective shift boosted my confidence and helped me perform better in interviews, ultimately leading to more opportunities.

A fellow mentee shared a similar experience, where her mentor connected her with various team members within their organisation. This broader exposure allowed her to understand the wide range of roles and experiences available in the tech space, which was incredibly eye-opening and liberating. It helped her see beyond a single career path and recognise the multitude of jobs she could explore.

What skills did you gain from the mentorship?

The mentorship has enhanced my skills and professional understanding. Yuki’s mentorship has been key in areas such as company culture, interview confidence, job applications, personal branding, and stress management.

• Company Culture: Yuki emphasised the importance of company culture more than a job title in job satisfaction and career growth.
• Interview Confidence: By viewing interviews as mutual assessments, I became more confident and relaxed, which improved my performance and outcomes.
• Job Applications: Yuki encouraged me to apply for a wide range of positions, highlighting that I would only know my true potential if I tried. This advice led to a more proactive and less fearful approach to job applications.
• Personal Branding: I learned the importance of personal branding on LinkedIn, a skill I can learn over time. Highlighting my accomplishments regularly is essential to building my professional presence online.
• Stress Management: When stuck in freeze mode and feeling daunted by tasks, Yuki reminded me to break down tasks into achievable goals and celebrate progress, no matter how small.

Do you have any final reflections of the UCL x Chanel Women in Tech mentoring scheme?

As I prepare to enter the workforce, Yuki’s mentorship continues to shape my ambitions and approach to my career. I am now more open to exploring different roles and industries, understanding that it’s ok to change paths and test out various opportunities to find what I truly enjoy. Instead of searching for the perfect role, I am looking for settings where I can develop valuable skills and experience a supportive culture, which are my newly realised priorities. This flexibility and willingness to learn will undoubtedly guide my future career moves. I also keep in mind that the next steps and changes will always be daunting, including the loneliness of living abroad, but they will make me stronger over time.

I plan to maintain our mentoring relationship, seeking Yuki’s advice as I navigate the early stages of my professional life. Her insights and support have been invaluable, and I hope to one day provide the same guidance to others, contributing to a cycle of continuous learning and mentorship.

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If Safiyah's experience has inspired you to take part in the UCL x Chanel Women in Tech mentoring scheme, check out more information about the scheme and find out how to apply.