Oyin Akingbala

Current student and President of Girls in Tech at the University of Liverpool

What did you study at A-level and why did you select those subjects?

  • Mathematics – I chose mathematics because it would challenge me. Although it wasn’t my strongest subject at GCSE, I knew that by choosing it, I would develop the analytical thinking needed to flourish in technology. I was right — the skills I gained in A-level maths have helped me enormously at university. The hard work, failures, and eventual success proved more valuable than my 16-year-old self could have imagined.
  • Economics – I chose economics because I have always been interested in how technology and the wider financial world interconnect. This A‑Level taught me the fundamentals of economics, the principles of business, and provided a foundation that continues to fuel my entrepreneurial ambitions.
  • Computer science – I chose Computer Science because I knew I wanted to apply for the subject at university. However, as I had not taken it at GCSE, I felt it was important to gain a strong understanding of the field before committing to it. I knew the course would be challenging and would teach me how to program through it. 

What degree did you choose?
BSc in Computer Science.

What inspired you to choose and study your degree subject?
I initially considered a career in finance, inspired by my dad. For a time, I also thought politics might be the right path, but then I returned to finance and started to learn about how finance and technology intersect.

I was also intrigued by the underrepresentation of women in the field. The idea of thriving in an industry where I wasn’t traditionally expected to belong motivated me even further.

I was interested in computer science because of its power to create something from nothing and its ability to advance society. I wanted to be part of that progress and was determined to do everything I could to make it happen.

What key skills have you learnt at university?
Key skills I have learned include time management, communication, team management, leadership, and marketing. As President of Girls in Tech, I lead a committee responsible for delivering the best events for our 300 members. This is no easy feat, and it requires me to really work on these skills to ensure this is attained.

Additionally, my data science course pushed me academically. Its complexity required a detailed, consistent effort to develop a strong understanding and apply effective problem‑solving techniques.

What jobs have you had during your career?
Throughout my career so far, I’ve taken on roles that blend creativity, technology, and leadership. I have worked extensively in social media and digital content creation, including my current role managing content for the University of Liverpool’s main social media page, with an audience of over 100,000 followers.

This role has strengthened my marketing expertise, enhanced my ability to produce engaging and informative content, and given me experience representing a major institution online.

I also worked as the Social Media Specialist at Camp Chipinaw in New York, where I created content for their platforms and immersed myself in a completely different cultural environment. This experience pushed me to adapt quickly, understand new audiences, and produce high‑quality work in a fast‑paced setting.

Alongside these roles, I serve as the President of Girls in Tech at the University of Liverpool. This position has developed my leadership, communication, and organisational abilities. It has provided hands‑on experience in managing teams, planning events, and driving community engagement.

Together, these roles have shaped my ability to lead, create, communicate, and deliver impact — skills I continue to build as I grow in both technology and entrepreneurship.

What do you enjoy about your current role?
I’m currently the President of Girls in Tech, formerly Girls in Coding, at the University of Liverpool. I lead a 300-member society and direct all society activities, including our Freshers and Refreshers campaigns, which are recognised across campus for their strong branding and intentional design.

What I enjoy most about the role is the creativity. Crafting experiences that feel beautiful, thoughtful, and memorable is central to how I lead. I spend significant time planning visuals because I understand how powerfully people connect with what they see first.

Alongside large-scale events, we run distinctive, high-engagement socials and flagship initiatives. This includes our grand opening featuring entrepreneurs and industry lead guest speakers, which sold 100 paid tickets and had a large waiting list. It featured creative technical socials such as our Matcha-Making Microcontroller Night, where members learned to program Arduino timers before creating their own personalised matcha drinks. These experiences reflect a strong blend of technology, creativity, and community, and demonstrate how we push the boundaries of what a tech society can be.

Through my network, I have established direct ties with a garment brand in China to create bespoke merchandise for our members. I also recently secured a fully funded trip for 30 of our members to travel to London with me, after being personally invited by a recruiter to visit Visa’s headquarters, exclusive to our society.

Through this role, I have developed strong skills in product management, marketing, teamwork, innovation, and leadership. Bringing ambitious women in tech together and building a community that feels inspiring and intentional is genuinely the aspect I enjoy most.

Do you have an area of expertise?
My expertise sits at the intersection of technology, creative direction, and community‑focused event design. Through leading Girls in Tech, I’ve developed strong capabilities in branding, user experience, and creating engaging STEM events that make technology feel accessible and exciting.

What has been your most exciting career role?
The most exciting role I’ve held was working as the Social Media Specialist at an American summer camp. It was a completely new environment, and I loved getting to know the campers’ lives, experiencing their culture, celebrating the 4th of July, and even joining their colour wars.

Because I was responsible for capturing content, I was involved in everything, which allowed me to experience camp life to the fullest rather than observing from the sidelines.

It was incredibly exciting to live the “classic American summer” I grew up seeing in films, but from the perspective of someone shaping the camp’s digital story. Being immersed in a different culture, documenting authentic moments, and adapting quickly to a fast‑paced environment made it one of the most memorable and energising roles I’ve had so far.

What are your top tips for working in your industry or sector?

  1. Don’t be afraid to stand out. Technology rewards people who bring fresh ideas. Whether through branding, event design, or problem‑solving, creativity makes you memorable and opens doors.
  2. Build genuine relationships. Many of my opportunities have come from people I’ve connected with. Speak to everyone, ask questions, and stay curious — your network can take you further than you might expect.
  3. Lead with intention. Whether managing a team or designing an experience, be thoughtful. People notice the difference when something is delivered with care, purpose, and attention to detail.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best piece of advice I’ve been given comes from my mum, who always reminds me to put my trust in God. She taught me that wherever He leads, I should follow, trusting that His plan for my life is greater than anything I could design for myself. That perspective has grounded me, particularly when making big decisions or stepping into new opportunities.

Any advice you’d like to share?
My best piece of advice is that your network is your net worth. Every major opportunity I’ve had has come through people I’ve connected with, teaching me to value relationships and stay open to everyone I meet. It reminds me of Proverbs 27:17 — “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” The people around you can shape your growth more than you realise.

Why are you passionate about STEM?
I’m passionate about STEM because it blends logic with limitless creativity. Computer science gives me the tools to build experiences, solve problems, and bring ideas to life in a way that genuinely impacts people. Leading Girls in Tech has shown me how powerful technology can be when it’s accessible, beautifully presented, and community‑focused.

What excites me most is that STEM isn’t just about code — it’s about innovation, design, storytelling and creating solutions that improve people’s lives. Every project teaches me something new, and I’m constantly inspired by how quickly the field evolves. It’s a space where curiosity is rewarded, creativity matters, and there’s always room to push boundaries.

More resources:
Keep up to date with Oyin on LinkedIn

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