Speaker: Sophie Weston, Senior Policy, Research and Engagement Manager, Digital Catapult
Tell us about your job and what it involves
Sophie Weston: Hi, my name is Sophie. I work at Digital Catapult as a senior policy research and engagement manager and I focus on strategic partnerships and engagement across the telecom sector for Sonic Labs. So Sonic Labs is a £15 million investment by the UK government to help drive forward the rollout of a new wireless communications technology known as open Radio Access Networks or open RAN for short.
How did you get there – what’s your career journey been so far?
Sophie Weston: So my career didn't really start out in telecoms. I applied for my first job at 18 in my local town and then managed to secure a position in the printing sector in Canary Wharf. But within my next role, at a technology trade association, I really started to gather an interest in telecoms and connectivity when the announcement of 5G was officially launching in the UK. back in 2019. From there, I develop my knowledge and passion for connectivity, working in the UK government and now at Digital Catapult.
What do you enjoy most about your job / the sector?
Sophie Weston: Within telecoms, you know, the sector is always adapting to fit the needs of society. You know, it's not just about consumers using their phone to stream a film or music anymore, but how connectivity can change businesses and the impact that it has. Over the last few years, we've really depended on connectivity for work, social lives and keeping up to date with the world around us. But the best part is meeting new people who have the same passion for technology and future networks and also seeing more women in this particular field.
What would you like people to know about working in telecoms and connectivity?
Sophie Weston: The research and development of new technologies is really important to help adapt and transform our lives and the way that businesses operate. I never thought that this would be my career path, but it's really exciting to be part of this change and see how the world positively reacts to future connectivity.
