Laura Allard
Laura Allard
What did you study (at school, college or university)?
For my A-levels I studied Physics, Maths and Computing. I also took Biology at AS-level. I loved all of my subjects and was set on doing either a Physics course or a Computing-related subject in university.
In the end, I studied Computing Science, Imaging and Multimedia at university, which was specialised in sound and vision as I was always into music and graphics too. Though I did some work related to TV, Film and Music in this course, the vast majority was coding and programming. Some of my course assignments included building a computer game from scratch, designing a website and creating a program that could detect edges of objects in a photograph. My final year project was building a system that could analyse and transcribe piano melodies.
How did you get into technology?
I've always been into tech and from a really young age I was fascinated by anything that helped make people's lives better. I always enjoyed understanding how things worked and I watched programmes about upcoming technology from when I was little, knowing that it's totally OK for girls to be into futuristic tech and gadgets. I remember a school trip to the Science Museum in London and it was the best I ever went on. I wanted to be a part of the industry that is driving society forward and making the world a better place to live in.
I studied Computing and science-related subjects right from GCSE to degree level and always wanted to be a part of something that would be of great value to society and thought what better way to achieve that than by immersing myself in the world of cutting-edge technology and being a professional in the field. I was one of a very small group of girls in uni, but I didn't let that put me off. I went on to achieve First Class Honours and I am now in a job that not only I enjoy, but is helping pharmaceutical and medical research across the world.
What company do you work for?
Linguamatics
What do you do at your current company?
Software Test Engineer
What advice would you give to girls looking to get into a tech related career?
Just be yourself and don't feel as if you have to conform to anyone's standards. If you have a passion and a drive to pursue your interests, then do it and don't let anyone bring you down!
Know that you are never alone, too. Research tech-related events in your area and go to them. Network and make new friends who share your interests. Maybe even turn your passion into a blog. You have potential - don't let your gender hold you back.