Seven years ago, I joined a reskilling programme to become a Software Engineer – and I’ve never looked back! Since then, I’ve held various roles at Lloyds Banking Group: from building apps end to end to running the Dundee Tech School – a fantastic initiative to support the tech talent in Scotland and train people with the skills, support, and confidence they need to thrive. After I ran the second cohort, I was lucky enough to land a job as their Engineering Lead permanently, with a focus on how we can use games and gamification to really power up people’s knowledge on Scottish Widows products.
Who has been a big/biggest inspiration in your life (doesn’t need to be career focused)?Hands down my mum. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had some incredible people support me throughout my career for which I’ll always be grateful but without my mum I never would have got this far in the first place. She taught me what true strength and independence looks like, the importance of caring for others and always told me I could achieve anything I put my mind to – I’ll forever be grateful for that.
What would you tell your teenage self?
Don’t compare yourself to others. You have unique strengths that others admire. Focus on your own growth – if you’ve developed in the last month, you’re doing great. And be more patient with your mum please, you don’t know how much you owe her.
What is your superpower?
Empathy. It’s helped me support others, lead with compassion, and build inclusive learning environments.
What makes you happy?
Seeing others succeed – especially when I’ve played a part in their journey.
Anything else you’d like to share?
The tech sector is evolving, and diversity is improving. For anyone that still finds that themselves in a room where they feel different to those around them – surround yourself with mentors and role models – they’ll help you believe in yourself even when you don’t. My biggest advice would be to join a network of like-minded people. I can safely say without Women ConnecTech (the gender diversity network at Lloyds Banking Group) I wouldn’t be the leader I am today – through the network I have found roles, mentors, and a community that truly understands and supports me.
Rose is leading the Lloyds Banking Group Game Jam for students taking place 2 & 3 October at Codebase Edinburgh as part of the Ada Scotland Festival.