My job involves… looking at ways the UK Government can fund innovation in areas such as the Internet of Things, 5G and Cyber Security to help advance the economy and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.
I got my job by… being headhunted on LinkedIn. My previous role was quite different but I had the core attributes and key knowledge required. The assessment process for the role was quite demanding, with half a day of role-playing, a critical-thinking test and report writing all standard for people in my role. Communication and critical thinking skills are important for what I do, as I am expected to provide accurate knowledge and information in my specialty areas.
My day-to-day work includes… meeting with startups, SME’s and large businesses to help them understand the various funding tools available to businesses looking to innovate in the UK, and to gain a better understanding of the innovation landscape I’m working in.
The most rewarding part of my day-job is… seeing people’s faces when they realise that the Government wants to help them and their business be more successful through innovation, and will happily provide monetary support in the form of grants.
The most challenging part of my job is… trying to get Members of Parliament to understand the importance of innovation and the long-term impact it has on the UK.
My advice for anyone looking to get into this industry is… make a name for yourself. Be outspoken; write thought-leadership articles; speak at industry events; be a prolific tweeter; and use business social media tools like LinkedIn.
