What did you study at A-level (or equivalent) and why did you select those subjects?
I studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths at A-level in Prestatyn High School, North Wales. I particularly loved Physics and Chemistry and knew that I wanted to progress a career in one of these fields, as I’d enjoyed all the sciences from an early age. I wanted to pursue a career in science, but not sure what route I would take, I just knew I didn’t want to wear a lab coat!
What degree/PhD did you study?
BSc Physics
What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
Our Careers room was connected to the Physics lab at school, so applying via UCAS and PCAS for University and Polytechnic courses were really a bit of a lucky dip rather than a science! Who had the most up to date accommodation? How far away would it be from home? What was the male to female course ratio? How many of my friends had applied to the University? At the end of the day my final decision came down to did I enjoy the subject ? YES and would I still love it after 3 years of further study? ABSOLUTELY YES
What key skills did you learn at university?
Confidence, Resilience, Budgeting, Networking and Socialising. I was teasurer of the Physics Society from 1987-1989 and enjoyed organising events and the Physics Ball.
What jobs have you had during your career?
I started my career as a Product Training Engineer for Marconi Instruments St Albans, teaching people about the concepts of Broadcast, Telecommunications, Radio Communications and Microwave transmissions. Aside for an early Product Manager role, I have undertaken multiple Sales roles and lead Sales teams throughout Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia for many US Based Electronics companies across multiple disciplines. In the mid 90’s, I became the first female sales engineer to head up Aerospace and Defence Projects with security clearance and then made a jump into Broadcasting and Media with the transition of tape to file. Throughout my time in Sales, I have led large diverse sales teams across the globe to grow and succeed and run businesses ranging from $15M to $150M.
What is your current job and what do you enjoy about it?
I am now retired. Throughout my career, my aim was always to be in a position to retire at 55yrs and enjoy life. I have achieved this goal, and I thoroughly enjoy giving back my time on a volunteer basis to support the future of our industry with Risewib and STEM ambassador activities.
What has been your most exciting project or career role?
In my early career, I had the opportunity to test the weather radar on the undercarriage of Concord in a Heathrow hanger, which was amazing. I have been extremely fortunate to travel and meet so many famous people through work, it’s difficult to pick out just one, but attending Sporting events such as F1 in Barcelona and meeting George Russell has to be up near the top of my exciting projects list!
Do you have any advice to share?
Work hard, maintain awareness of technology trends and support and help others to succeed but most of all enjoy what you do. Use your network to develop opportunities and open new doors. Be yourself, you’re special, remember they only made one of you!
Do something that you enjoy as life it too short for regrets. Always consider opportunities that come knocking at your door as often someone else is seeing potential in you that you haven’t even considered yet!
Why are you passionate about your subject / career / research / STEMM?
In Broadcast Technology roles there is still a large gender imbalance with 83% men and 17% women. The statistics are improving thanks to organisations like Rise Women in Broadcast | About Rise but there is still more to be done at a grass roots level to encourage more girls to select science based subjects from an early age and support them through both Education and their careers with Mentoring, Skills, Development, Job opportunities and bursaries.
Find out more about Nicki, and keep up to date with her work on LinkedIn.