After graduating from UCL School of Management’s BSc Management Science programme in 2021, Jenny Zhou pursued a career in tech and landed a role as Associate Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Bridging her passions of business and technology, Jenny’s role explores the world of cloud computing and the ways in which it can be used to revolutionise industries.
We recently caught up with Jenny to find out more about her role at AWS, as well as the ways in which the company is making efforts to improve the presence and involvement of women in tech. She also shares her important projects that are currently in the pipeline, including her work with current students designed to empower the next generation to kickstart their careers in the tech space.
tell us about yourself
I grew up in the small Spanish city of Huelva, but my family roots trace back to the beautiful city of Hangzhou in China. My educational journey began with a Spanish curriculum, but an insatiable thirst for knowledge led me to UCL School of Management, where I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Management Science and later a Master’s in Information Science. Beyond academics, I have a plethora of interests that fuel my passions – from sports like badminton and football to solving Rubik’s cubes and doing piano covers. However, what truly inspires me is the intersection of technology and social impact. I am driven by a desire to empower women in tech, contribute to the betterment of society, and take part in innovations that revolutionise healthcare.
how did you career at amazon web services come about?
My journey with AWS began during the latter stages of my second year at university. I explored numerous platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Glassdoor without a clear idea of where I wanted to be. One day, I came across the Demand Generation role at AWS, and thought “what a perfect fusion of my interests in sales and technology!”.
Although I received offers from esteemed organisations like P&G, Alibaba and Barclays, AWS held an inexplicable allure that drew me in. This decision proved to be a pivotal turning point, as I soon realised that sales was not my true calling… and instead, I pivoted to the role of a Solutions Architect – a move that has since turned my path into an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey over the past two years.
If you’re interested in learning about a typical day in my role at Amazon Web Services, check out this recent vlog that I posted on LinkedIn.
have you always been interested in tech?
Good question! During my final years of my Spanish A-Levels in Spain, the world of finance and economics exerted a magnetic pull on me. However, upon pursuing my studies in Management Science at UCL School of Management, I realised my true passion resided at the bridge of technology and business. It was then that I recognised my potential to become a catalyst, bridging the gap between these 2 realms and unlocking synergies that could revolutionise industries.
what’s the gender split like in your current industry?
That’s a great question about an important issue in the tech industry. From my experience at AWS and in cloud computing/tech more broadly, it’s still predominantly male-dominated, though there have been positive efforts to improve gender diversity. At AWS specifically, I am not sure if the company publicly shares these exact numbers. However, I have noticed AWS and other cloud providers making concerted efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion. AWS has employee resource groups like the AWS Cloud Women community, which I’m involved with. The group provides mentorship, training, and networking opportunities specifically for women. There are also initiatives like AWS GetIT providing cloud skills development for underrepresented groups from a young age.
That said, there’s still progress to be made when it comes to gender representation, especially in technical product and engineering roles where women are even more underrepresented compared to non-technical positions. In my own career trajectory, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible female mentors and allies. But I’ve also experienced being the only woman or one of just a few women in certain teams and meetings at times. It can be isolating and there’s still unconscious bias and obstacles that make it harder for women to advance. So while the gender balance is slowly shifting in a positive direction, it will likely take a concerted, sustained effort from companies, educational institutions, and society as a whole to achieve true gender parity in tech.
what was your time like at ucl school of management?
My three-years university at UCL, spanning from 2018 to 2021, was an extraordinary odyssey of personal and professional growth. The unwavering support from our faculty, career coaches and a multidisciplinary curriculum, provided me with a fertile ground to discover my dream career path.
The UCL School of Management careers team are fantastic! As an 18-year-old embarking on my professional journey, the careers team at UCLSoM served as an invaluable compass, guiding me through all the different career paths. From reviewing my CV to conducting insightful workshops, their support was instrumental in equipping me with the necessary resources to start navigating the job market.
what advice would you give to students that are trying to break into these big companies?
1. Networking is the lifeblood of success in this competitive landscape. Cultivate meaningful connections and immerse yourself in the industry, gaining a deep understanding of the role and company through coffee chats before submitting your application. Be strategic in your approach, maximising your chances of standing out.
2. Approach each interview as a unique opportunity (and treat it as the last opportunity). Adopt a mindset of giving your all, leaving no stone unturned in showcasing your capabilities and potential as a top performer. Regardless of the role, prepare to articulate a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations, industry landscape, challenges, and value proposition. Demonstrate your grasp of the bigger picture.
3. Learn and Be Curious: embrace a growth mindset and commitment to learning. Even without the exact background your target company seeks, your ability to adapt and learn can make you stand out. If lacking internship experience, develop personal projects (eg., do some YouTube projects) to showcase your skills and dedication.
have you got any exciting projects in the pipeline?
Yes, quite a few things! I’m currently leading several internal initiatives within Amazon Web Services. One project focuses on delivering engaging student events (AWS Student Immersion Days, feel free to explore my LinkedIn profile for some examples) that provide a comprehensive understanding of AWS, cloud computing, empowering the next generation to kickstart careers in this field.
Also, as a core member of the AWS Cloud Women community, I’m actively involved in organising monthly tech events that train and empower women to thrive in the industry. I’m also engaged in exciting collaborations with healthcare customers worldwide, exploring innovative solutions that leverage AWS capabilities.
Find out more about UCL School of Management’s BSc/MSci Management Science programme.