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Beth Knight
Head of Amazon in the Community in Europe
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Be determined. No one defines your destiny but you.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I'm responsible for Amazon's community investment work in Europe. A big part of this is supporting young people from diverse backgrounds via free STEM education tools and improving access to STEM careers via bursaries and apprentices. The flagship program I oversee in Europe is "Amazon Future Engineer".
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I've always loved technology, but it's not something that I thought of as a 'career' when I was younger. I actually studied History at University and then found myself unsure where to go/ what to do. I applied for a graduate scheme in management consulting with Accenture and, within my first months there, I found myself learning java coding and running test teams. I worked for a number of years in Strategic IT, but wanted to blend that with change management as I enjoy working with people. I found my way to Sustainability and did a masters degree (later becoming a lecturer on the topic with the University of Cambridge). Now, I've been able to blend my two passions for corporate sustainability and technology into one job... and I haven't looked back!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I oversee a number of Engineering bursary and apprenticeship programs. When I was a student, I had little understanding that such schemes existed or how to access them. If I had been fortunate enough to get access to one, I think my early career choices would have been very different.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
Without a doubt, the potential it has to make a difference in the world. The role STEM plays in enabling more resilient futures for both people and our planet inspires me every day.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Be determined. No one defines your destiny but you -- and you're always capable of more than you know, so don't let anyone else put limiting beliefs on you or stop you!
INSPO / FUN FACT
Be the change you want to see in the world (Ghandi)