KCL Tech’s TechSummit 2023
Hi everyone!
It was wonderful to see so many of you join us for TechSummit on October 7, 2023. We had the privilege of connecting with over 15 tech companies, attending five insightful panels, and listening to more than 20 speakers.
Let's dive into a concise summary of each panel and the advice they had to offer for your career journey.
Student Leader Panel: This panel explored the dynamics of student leadership, highlighting the satisfaction of watching members grow and engage with their respective societies. They also discussed the challenges, including team members not meeting their responsibilities.
Advice: - "Be comfortable with being uncomfortable." - "Have a management style where team members trust you.” - "Remember that we're all learning as we go." - "Small wins lead to big victories."
AI Panel: The AI panel examined the advantages and disadvantages of AI in our daily lives. It raised questions about the balance between relying on AI tools like ChatGPT and self-learning. The emphasis was on adapting to the ever-evolving AI landscape and promoting responsible AI use.
Advice: - "Stay adaptable; AI is constantly changing." - "Start by building a project using an open API." - "Believe in yourself and gain practical experience."
Academia Panel: This panel explored various career paths within academia, from research-intensive roles to teaching. It emphasised the importance of choosing a topic you're passionate about and dealing with challenges in the field. Sabbaticals and the King's Undergraduate Research Fellowship (KURF) were also discussed.
Advice: - "Explore KURF for a taste of academia in your field." - "Pursue academia only in areas that truly captivate you." - "Prepare for rejection; seek support from your network." - "Connect with individuals who have completed a PhD."
Cybersecurity Panel: The panel addressed the role of human error as the weakest link in cybersecurity. It stressed the importance of proactive security measures, such as using Git for project development and maintaining high-quality security practices.
Advice: - "Begin with a Git project, like creating a web app with React." - "Show initiative by building multiple projects and prioritising security." - "Constantly quality-test your code."
Crypto Panel: This panel covered topics related to cryptocurrency, including blockchain and Bitcoin. The key advice was to conduct thorough research and stay informed about crypto concepts.
Advice: - "DYOR (Do Your Own Research)." - "Stay curious, engage in research, and keep up with crypto news."
Future of Tech Panel: Focused on entering the tech industry and its future growth. It highlighted the opportunities for growth in start-ups and the importance of being curious, creative, and building a network.
Advice: - "Pursue side projects to showcase your entrepreneurial spirit." - "Stay open-minded about your career path."
I hope you find this summary helpful as you embark on your career journey. Thank you for being part of KCL TechSummit 2023! Until next time :)
Useful Links: o KCL Tech – TechSummit 2023: https://www.kcltech.co.uk/techsummit.html o Write your own blog: https://www.kcltech.co.uk/addBlog.php
By Ashwina Kalanathan (Blog Manager)