From CodeFirstGirls Ones to Watch 2016
In 2013, Zara graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in English and no idea whatsoever that she would end up working in tech. Since then, she has played a fundamental role in Aviva’s digital transformation, organised several InsurTech hackathons, helped to set-up an insurance network on Meetup and has even launched her own marketing campaign for Aviva’s innovation activity involving 500 yellow boxes and several of London’s co-working spaces.
- Introduce yourself
- Can you tell us a bit more about what you do for a day job?
- How did you get into the tech community?
- What was your turning point to get involved in the tech community?
- What were your biggest challenges?
- Are there any things you wish you'd done differently during different stages of your career? If so, what and why??
- What is your greatest achievement?
- What advice to you have to others who want to get into technology and entrepreneurship based on your experience?
- Zara, in your own words you "graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in English and no idea whatsoever that she would end up working in tech". How do you think we can encourage more women to follow in your steps, to consider a career in tech even if they have no formal training in the sector?
- What's been the most exciting part of working on Aviva's digital tranformation? How has the company changed since you've been there?
- You've organised an impressive number of hackathons and meetups at Aviva. What are some of the most exciting innovations in the Insurance tech/startup scene?
- What drove you to complete CF: G coding courses and what impact did that have on your move into tech at Aviva?
- You very successfully turned what was initially an internship into a job at Aviva. How did you do this? What tips would you give to others who want to do the same?