Meta HQ Trip
On March 4th, a group of 15 enthusiastic pupils from Year 9 to Year 13 embarked on an exciting journey to Meta HQ in London.
This incredible trip provided a unique chance for the girls to connect with industry professionals and explore the fascinating world of technology and product management.
During the visit, the pupils met Gareth Reakes, the Director of Software Engineering at Meta, and Vivienne Sung, Director of Product Management. Vivienne has an impressive career, having previously served as Vice President at Bumble and Head of Product Management at Marks and Spencer.
There were also opportunities to hear from Mirjam Skarica, a talented software engineer with a background as a senior developer at Booking.com. After earning her degree in Computer Science in Zagreb, she pursued a Masters in Computing in Italy. Mirjam inspired the girls with her journey, which began with her passion for gaming and creating custom mods for ‘The Sims’.
The discussions with these professionals highlighted the importance of international and transferable skills in the field of computer science.
The girls learned about the value of curiosity, the power of asking insightful questions and the courage to take on challenging tasks.
Mirjam emphasised the significance of learning from peers and shared that even many successful individuals grapple with imposter syndrome. The pupils heard that while AI has not fundamentally changed programming jobs, it has made documentation and testing processes much more efficient, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry.
There was also an opportunity to try out the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses – glasses that combined high-quality imaging and audio capabilities – and the Oculus AR (Augmented Reality) headset, which blends virtual and real-world camera views. With its advanced sensors and displays, each of the pupils got to experience some immersive gaming.
The visit was enhanced by the opportunity to tuck into some of the complimentary snacks and beverages from the fantastic kitchens on each floor, ice cream at the Meta Ice Cream Parlour and treats from the visiting sweet trolley. There was also a chance to explore the facilities designed to support women in the workplace, including the mothers’ rooms.
Mr Matt Howe, Head of Computer Science at Headington Rye Oxford, said: “This trip was not only educational but also inspiring, leaving our students with a greater appreciation for the exciting opportunities in the tech world for women!”
