Luciana Carvalho Se, 23, Masters student & intern at UniPlaces, Import.io
What do you do in your internship roles?
Focus on creating leads, capturing conversions and generating brand loyalty & awareness through an integrated social media strategy. I also maintain engagement, drive sales, and network with awesome people.
Why did you choose to take the avenue you’ve chosen?
Because it’s fast-paced, it’s exciting, and it’s all about change. It’s about embracing failure, which is something I struggled with for years. It’s the kind of environment that gives me the drive & motivation to surpass my limits and truly excel (and I get to have fun during the process!)
What are the benefits of doing what you do over a 9-5 office job?
More hands-on experience from the get go, a lot of opportunity to learn and further yourself on a friendly & informal setting i.e. from friends (be it coding, Adwords, writing an app…), the flexibility, both in terms of hours and work, but most of all, dealing with the unknown. You don’t know precisely where you’re going – but you are getting there. And once you do, it’s the best feeling in the world.
What’s your opinion of London’s Tech City/Silicon Roundabout?
I think it’s fantastic and I love that I moved to London as Tech City begins to take off and really mould into something of its own. Something that doesn’t simply imitate/emulate Silicon Valley but is a tech cluster in its own right.
How does attending networking events e.g. the Drinkabout, help you?
It helps me meet talented people from whom I learn new things every time. I can discuss and put my ideas to the test and discover what’s going on in the tech scene in a friendly, open and informal setting.
Do you think youth are being supported enough in their ventures by the government, the TCIO, and other tech initiatives?
I’m not sure the extent to which they are supported – which means there should be more active support.
What more could be done to support young tech entrepreneurs?
There are a few organisations I know of, like YoungEntrepreneurs.com and Young Enterpreneur Society. These are taking more of a centre stage as more people hop on the entrepreneurship wagon. From an education point of view, young people need to know that it’s a feasible/realistic career path, as opposed to focusing on the more traditional big corporate or city jobs.
What do you think are the advantages of being 25 and under in Tech City?
A lot of room to grow and learn and make mistakes.
What do you think are the disadvantages of being under 25 in Tech City?
Lack of existing network, hence insufficient support from connections compared to the older, more experienced techies. At times, it may be harder to prove yourself, your value, or that you are worth the gamble/investment.
What do you think about the statement that “it’s a young man’s game?” re: tech entrepreneurship?
The Gen Ys and Zs of the world have grown up with technology; it comes naturally to them. It is embedded in all areas of their lives. It’s therefore easier for the ‘young man’ to get involved with, interact with and think about ways on how to develop it.
What are presently the most exciting parts about Tech City?
Idea and talent proliferation.
What are the most exciting tech developments across the world for you?
Anything related to Big Data, disruptive innovation and 3D printing.
Who is the most inspirational person in London’s tech scene?
TCIO CEO, Joanna Shields, is currently my biggest inspiration, both as a female and a tech-business-exec powerhouse. What she has managed to achieve, is incredible.
And the global tech scene?
Larry & Sergey – it may be clichéd but Google’s ‘constant innovation’ culture fascinates and inspires me.
What is your advice for young people getting into London’s tech ecosystem?
Do not be afraid of failure. Now more than ever, anything is possible – if you have an idea, a dream and a drive, just go for it.