Support Staff Conference
Fri, 10 Mar 2017 01:30:00 GMT
The 2017 Support Staff Conference is being held on 11 April, where Maggie Philbin will be the keynote speaker.
Maggie Philbin has worked in radio and television for 30 years on a wide range of science, medical and technology programmes from Tomorrow’s World to Bang Goes The Theory. She works consistently to improve diversity in contemporary industry, emphasising social and ethnic diversity are as important as gender.
In June 2016 she was voted most influential woman in UK IT by Computer Weekly and also named 2016 Digital Leader of the Year.
Ahead of the Staff Support Conference, in April 2017, Maggie answered some questions:
Having presented on some very interesting shows (Swap Shop, Tomorrows World, Big Band Theory etc) what has been the most interesting innovation you have seen?
"On Tomorrow’s World we were usually handling prototypes and innovations at an early stage of development. For me it’s been fascinating to see the way technologies which we demonstrated as stand-alone have now converged. 30 years ago we talked about how we’d all carry a computer in our pocket - and the convergence of the digital camera, satellite navigation and of course the mobile phone has enabled us to do just that".
One of your projects, TeenTech, is encouraging young people to get involved in science and engineering. What would you say to a young girl who is undecided in her future to encourage her to get involved in this vital area of knowledge?
"I’d say to her that the world of science, technology and engineering is a much bigger place that she might imagine. If she wants to change the world, if she wants to be part of a creative team and enjoy a career that is fast changing and well paid - then these areas will be incredibly satisfying. Digital skills cut across all future jobs - and ensuing you have them is increasingly important to open doors into all kinds of fascinating and very rewarding opportunities".
With such a varied career, so many awards & projects, what is your proudest achievement to date?
"I feel incredibly proud of what we’re achieving with TeenTech - and the lovely thing is that so many people who say they were inspired by Tomorrow’s World are now working with us to inspire and provide contacts for a new generation".
What is the thing, at the moment, which you are most passionate about?
"You’ve probably guessed! Young people have so much potential and I want to do my very best to ensure that the tripwires are removed. Often unwittingly our education, recruitment and promotion systems can hold back the talent and energy which could be transformative to industries who are all too aware of the skills shortage. So what we do with TeenTech has never been more important".
If you have any questions you would like to ask Maggie, send an email to ssc@hud.ac.uk
