Patricia Florido came to UCL from Venezuela with a background in Telecommunications Engineering and a clear ambition: to understand how technology and business connect. The MSc in Telecommunications with Business gave her exactly that foundation, setting her on a path through sales engineering and into global leadership. She also features in a short video talking about her UCL experience.
What initially attracted you to the Telecommunications with Business MSc at UCL?
I have always been passionate about technology. Coming from a background in Telecommunications Engineering in Venezuela, I was looking to gain skills and insights into the business world whilst staying connected to technology. To bridge that gap, I decided to study an MSc to understand more how technology impacts the business side of things.
When it came to choosing an MSc, I wanted to go to a top-ranked university. After researching programmes in several countries, UCL stood out. Besides UCL’s global reputation, it was the only place offering a perfect combination of advanced telecommunications with business strategy.
The programme combines technical telecommunications knowledge with business strategy. How has that combination shaped your career path in the technology industry?
This unique combination gave me exactly what I needed to move into Sales Engineering, where I could apply up-to-date industry knowledge together with a stronger business mindset. I was able to understand customers’ organisational goals and how technology could help achieve them.
That blend gave me the confidence to evolve from individual contributor to a global people leadership role, where I now manage a team of Sales Solutions Engineers who act as trusted advisors to some of the world’s largest organisations.
You now lead global Sales Solutions Engineering teams. Which parts of the MSc most directly prepared you for leadership and customer-facing roles?
The business courses were particularly valuable for leadership and customer-facing roles. They were taught through real-world scenarios and case studies in the technology sector, which helped me understand how organisations operate in practice. This proved especially useful when I became a Sales Solutions Engineer working with large multinational customers.
Understanding how enterprises are structured, what drives their decision-making and how technology fits into their strategy allowed me to gather complex customer requirements with greater insight into what is best for their business. That same foundation later became invaluable when I stepped into a leadership role.
How has your understanding of both technology and business helped you work with senior stakeholders, clients or cross-functional teams in your career?
Having both a technical and business perspective has helped me understand and align different stakeholders’ priorities. Throughout my career I have been able to effectively communicate between groups: having detailed technology conversations with engineers, understanding and discussing senior management’s strategy and objectives, and working with clients to turn their business needs into innovative technology solutions. This dual understanding has given me a broader view of the industry and how technical, commercial and operational decisions all connect.
Looking back, which modules or learning experiences had the greatest long-term impact on your professional development?
The technical modules, particularly “Internet of Things” and “Introduction to Telecommunications Networks”, gave me an up-to-date view of the industry, including areas like cybersecurity and data analytics that remain highly relevant today.
The business modules were my favourites. “Strategy, Marketing and Product Management” helped me to have productive discussions with internal teams, to understand customers’ priorities better and to position solutions in a very competitive landscape, all essential for sales engineering. The module “Organisational Design, People and Innovation Management” gave me a great foundation for my career in management.
Beyond the courses, the team projects gave me the opportunity to learn and develop valuable soft skills such as presentation, collaborative problem-solving, teamwork, sales and leadership.
How did studying in London and being part of the UCL network influence your early career opportunities or professional growth?
Moving from Venezuela to London for the MSc was an important step in my career. London’s cosmopolitan environment gave me global exposure and the chance to build a strong international network. I met people from many different countries and backgrounds, many of whom are now professionals in the industry in a variety of companies, and we still keep in touch.
Being part of the UCL network opened doors to networking, collaboration with companies and extracurricular activities. During my time there, one opportunity captured my interest: a Cisco challenge for universities, where student teams had to design an Internet of Things solution to solve a social or environmental problem. Our team reached the final, and that day at Cisco’s office gave me direct exposure to the company and the connections that ultimately led to my first role there.
For students hoping to work in global technology companies or the telecoms sector, what skills or experiences should they prioritise during the MSc?
I would encourage students to prioritise networking and making the most of the global exposure UCL offers. The UCL platform provides access to industry speakers, company activities, alumni events and a very diverse group of students who are also professionals in the industry. Building strong relationships with peers as well as with the academic team can help with future opportunities in global technology companies.
What helped you transition from postgraduate study into your first big role in the industry?
Starting a first job after graduating can be intimidating, but knowing I had a solid educational background gave me confidence. At UCL I learned the value of stepping outside my comfort zone and being open to change. This is something I carried with me into the workplace by actively asking questions, seeking feedback, learning from colleagues’ expertise and finding a mentor. That mindset of continuous learning has stayed with me throughout my career.
How relevant is the Telecommunications with Business degree today, given the rapid evolution of areas such as cloud, AI, networking and digital transformation?
The degree remains highly relevant. The programme provides a strong foundation in core telecommunications, technology fundamentals and emerging areas, whilst also giving you the tools to adapt to a fast-evolving sector. The business expertise you gain provides invaluable insights that are essential for success in today’s tech industry.
What advice would you give prospective students considering this MSc about how to make the most of their time at UCL - academically, professionally and personally?
UCL is a globally recognised university with an excellent academic reputation. My advice is to work hard and treat every course, lab and event as a learning opportunity. Professionally, networking is crucial; building new connections can open doors long after graduation.
Personally, being in the centre of London makes the experience even more exciting. You can meet people from many different backgrounds and interests, explore a vibrant city and gain real global exposure. I would encourage students to step out of their comfort zone, be open to change and, above all, enjoy the experience!
