Kate Blackie

Job:

Cyber Security Consultant

Company:

Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group

I have recently changed career. I spent 15 years teaching A Level Computer Science and now I engage with clients across various sectors getting involved in projects as diverse as delivering training on cyber security regulations to assessing risks to help clients secure their systems.

I am...

Curious

Creative

Technical

The skills I use most in my job...

Problem solving

Collaboration

Creativity

Analysis

Remaining calm under pressure

The most interesting thing I've worked on in my career so far...

The people, helping different types and ages of people solve their problems and giving them the skills to solve future problems has always motivated me. I am proud of all the students I have taught but particularly the women who have gone on to have careers in Computer Science.

What inspired me into digital and tech...

My dad! He worked with computers for his whole career, from rockets in the 1960’s to running the computer department for a large retail business. Computers were always in the house, and I turned to programming when I discovered I was really bad at gaming!

My educational background is...

I graduated from the Polytechnic of Wales, which is now the University of South Wales, in 1989 with a degree in Computer Studies, focusing on Systems Analysis and Design. In 2005, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education specialising in Secondary ICT.

What advice I'd give to girls thinking about a career in digital and tech...

Don’t be put off by other people – nobody is born a technical expert. Soft skills are incredibly important in the IT industry – that IS your USP. At the heart of technology is helping people to solve problems, join us and help make the world a better place!