Speaker
Antonella Mancini
Agenda
18:00 - Intro 18:05 - Talk from our special guest, Antonella Mancini
18:20 - Q&A 18:40 - Breakout Rooms for discussion and networking
19:10 - Reconvene for “open mic” presentations
19:20 - Breakout Rooms for discussion and networking
19:50 - Outro, but you are welcome to say for further conversation until 8pm
Synopsis
Join the Early Careers Executive for a night of networking and lively conversation! We’ll lead with a talk from Antonella Mancini, who will share how she took on a cyber apprenticeship while working at a branch at Lloyds Banking Group.
It led to her dream role working on the Digital Forensics and Incident Response team, and to her winning an award at the BCS IT Apprenticeship Awards. She’s still completing an apprenticeship, and is keen to share her experience and what led her on this exciting journey!
We’ll follow the talk with a brief Q&A where you can ask any questions you may have. Then, we’ll head into smaller groups where you can get to know each other better, and build some connections while discussing what's happening in your career at the moment, and what your goals are as an early career professional.
Take it as an opportunity to share your successes and lift each other up as you navigate the difficult journey into the world of tech.
Antonella and members of the exec will join each of the breakout rooms throughout the evening for you to seek advice or simply chat.
At the end of the event, you’ll be encouraged to swap LinkedIn details/emails/etc so you can stay in touch with each other and us when we organise future "Career Connections" webinars.
Share your wins, challenges, and goals—and leave with fresh perspectives and new connections. Don’t miss out!
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
My journey into cybersecurity has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous growth. Originally from Italy, I relocated to the United Kingdom over a decade ago, driven by a desire to expand my horizons both personally and professionally.
While undertaking studies in English and communication, I worked in hospitality, where I developed strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, foundational qualities that would later prove invaluable in my career. In 2017, I joined Lloyds Banking Group, beginning my journey in a Bank of Scotland branch.
There, I excelled in customer service and built meaningful relationships with clients and colleagues. Yet my longstanding interest in IT remained a guiding force. When the opportunity to pursue a cyber apprenticeship presented itself, I embraced it wholeheartedly, marking a pivotal step toward a career that continues to challenge and inspire me.
I completed the level 3 Cyber Security Apprenticeship with distinction; and I earned the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP). Inspired by the transformative power of apprenticeships, I enrolled in the Level 6 Cyber Security Degree Apprenticeship, supported by an incredible team and manager who championed my growth every step of the way. In my first year of the degree program, I landed my dream role in Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), where I’ve now been thriving for over a year. I’m currently in year three of the apprenticeship, continuing to deepen my expertise while helping others navigate their own paths into cyber.
The apprenticeship didn’t just open doors, it reshaped my path. It helped me grow beyond expectations, and now, as an Apprenticeship Ambassador at Lloyds, I’m passionate about sharing my story, mentoring others, and helping them discover just how transformative this route can be
Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.
BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society. Join BCS today
This event is brought to you by: BCS Early Careers Executive
