On 11 June 2025, the I-X Women in AI (IX-WAI) Network hosted its very first Women in Science Career Day at the Imperial White City Campus.* Designed to support and inspire women pursuing careers in science, engineering, and technology, the event welcomed nearly 60 participants—from undergraduate and master’s students to PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers—for a full day of workshops, panel discussions, and networking with leading employers, industry professionals, and start-up founders. The event was supported by the I-X Centre for AI in Science, Imperial Early Career Researcher Institute, and The Tech Bros.
Academia, Industry, and Start-ups Workshops
Throughout the morning, participants took part in interactive workshops across three different tracks: academia, industry, and start-ups. Each stream was tailored to offer targeted insights and advice for those exploring opportunities in these sectors or looking into transitioning into new careers.
The academic track offered insights into the UK and international fellowship landscape, along with guidance on how to write compelling fellowship applications and create a long-term research career strategy. Another session focused on demystifying the postdoctoral application process, including identifying the right research group and writing successful cover letters.
In the industry track, participants explored how to identify roles beyond the traditional academic pathway, recognise and articulate their transferable skills, and evaluate different sectors according to personal values and interests. A second session covered how to build a personal brand and online presence, offering advice on career storytelling, portfolio websites, and using LinkedIn effectively.
The start-up track attracted aspiring entrepreneurs interested in launching their own ventures. Workshops covered early-stage ideation, customer validation techniques, and understanding the fundamentals of start-up fundraising. Participants learnt how to test and grow ideas while navigating the challenges of early-stage business building.
“Raw Truth” Panel & Networking: Honest Conversations about Career Journeys
The afternoon featured a Q&A panel session titled “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Raw Truth from Different Career Paths”, which offered honest reflections on career progression from women working across academia, industry, and start-ups. The panellists—Marion Brooks-Bartlett, A. K. Ola Hekselman, Nora Kassner, Niki Kotecha, Sabrina Li, and Francesca Toni—represented a diverse mix of career stages and sectors and shared personal stories about navigating complex decisions, setbacks, and finding new opportunities in different industries.
The discussion ranged from transitioning between sectors to managing imposter syndrome, and the value of networking. The discussion touched upon identifying one’s core career values—whether autonomy, stability, or financial security—and using these as a guide when making difficult decisions. The panellists also spoke about the role of mentorship, stressing how support from both experienced mentors and peers can make a real difference at various career stages.
In the afternoon, participants also had the chance to connect with employers from a range of sectors, including InstaDeep, BeyondMath, SurgeryAI, Arm, and BCG X. Company representatives shared insights into their work environments, early-career opportunities, and the types of skills they look for in potential employees. These conversations gave attendees an opportunity to explore different career paths, ask questions, and start building meaningful professional connections.
IX-WAI Future Events
This inaugural career day marked an exciting milestone for the IX–WAI Network: the event offered open and honest discussions on different career paths, practical skills training sessions, and an opportunity to engage with employers—all with the aim of supporting women pursuing careers in science, technology, and AI. We are excited to build on this momentum and continue creating spaces where women can explore, connect, and grow in their professional journeys.
* I-X Women in AI Network is dedicated to empowering women, non-binary people and other gender-discriminated groups. For readability, we refer to all of these groups as “women” in the following text.