{"id":234830,"date":"2026-02-16T15:40:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T15:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teensinai.com\/staging\/6556\/?p=234270"},"modified":"2026-04-09T20:34:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T20:34:16","slug":"victoria-sinel-blogs-from-humanities-to-ai-leadership-my-apprenticeship-journey","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teensinai.com\/staging\/6556\/victoria-sinel-blogs-from-humanities-to-ai-leadership-my-apprenticeship-journey\/","title":{"rendered":"Victoria Sinel blogs: From Humanities to AI Leadership – My Apprenticeship Journey"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What if you didn\u2019t take Computer Science at school \u2026 but still became a Senior AI leader?<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Author: Victoria Sinel, Non-Executive Director, Teens in AI, and IBM Senior AI & Analytics Consultant and Tech Lead<\/b><\/strong><\/p>\n

That\u2019s exactly what I did. My story matters \u2013 especially if you\u2019ve ever thought:<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f \u201cI didn\u2019t pick the right subjects.\u201d
\n\u27a1\ufe0f \u201cI\u2019m not technical enough.\u201d
\n\u27a1\ufe0f\u00a0\u201cTech isn\u2019t for someone like me.\u201d<\/p>\n

My journey proves there is no single \u201ccorrect\u201d route into AI.<\/p>\n

A Non-Technical Start<\/b><\/p>\n

My A-Levels were English, Geography and Philosophy<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Not Computer Science.
\nNot Maths-heavy.
\nNot what most people imagine when they picture an AI professional.<\/p>\n

I entered the tech industry completely non-technical and built all of her expertise through a Degree Apprenticeship and on-the-job learning at IBM<\/b>.<\/p>\n

In 2024, I completed my Level 6 (Undergraduate) Degree Apprenticeship<\/b>. Now, I\u2019m studying for a Level 7 (Postgraduate) Master\u2019s Degree Apprenticeship in AI & Data Science<\/b> \u2013 while working full time.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Today, I am a Senior AI & Analytics Consultant and Tech Lead<\/b>, leading high-impact AI initiatives. And I did it all through an apprenticeship.<\/p>\n

The Moment That Changed Everything: The 2020 Exam Algorithm<\/b><\/p>\n

In 2020, during COVID, the UK government introduced an algorithm to calculate A-Level results.<\/p>\n

Victoria was directly affected. Because I attended a school in a lower socio-economic area, my grades were downgraded from teacher assessments. The algorithm didn\u2019t judge her potential \u2013 it judged her postcode. That experience was painful. But it became a turning point.<\/p>\n

Instead of walking away from technology, I asked:<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Who builds these systems?
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Why do they make decisions like this?
\n\u27a1\ufe0f\u00a0How can we make them fairer?<\/p>\n

It showed me how algorithms can reinforce inequality \u2013 and sparked a determination to understand AI systems from the inside. Rather than pushing me away from tech, it pushed me into it.<\/p>\n

Ethics Before Engineering<\/b><\/p>\n

Even before entering the industry, I was already thinking critically about tech. For my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): To what extent will the lack of diversity in the tech industry impact society?<\/b><\/p>\n

That research shaped everything that followed. It sparked my interest in:<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f AI ethics
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Representation in technology
\n\u27a1\ufe0f\u00a0Responsible innovation<\/p>\n

I realised something powerful: technology reflects the people who build it.<\/b><\/p>\n

As we move further into the digital age, technology is shaping almost every aspect of our lives. That becomes a problem when the people building it don\u2019t reflect the people it serves. Tech should be built for the people, by the people.<\/p>\n

Why My Apprenticeship Changed My Life<\/b><\/p>\n

For me, my apprenticeship wasn\u2019t just a route into work \u2013 it was access. It provided:<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Real-world technical skills
\n\u27a1\ufe0f A salary while studying
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Financial independence
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Confidence in an industry that can feel intimidating
\n\u27a1\ufe0f\u00a0A path without needing traditional privilege<\/p>\n

I believe apprenticeships are one of the most powerful tools for social mobility.<\/b><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to come from the \u2018right\u2019 background.
\nYou don\u2019t need to have coded since age 10.
\nYou don\u2019t need to follow the standard university route.<\/p>\n

You need opportunity \u2013 and the determination to take it.<\/p>\n

Leadership at a Young Age<\/b><\/p>\n

During my apprenticeship, I was promoted twice early<\/b>. Today, I:<\/p>\n

\u27a1\ufe0f Lead AI and analytics initiatives
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Manage technical delivery
\n\u27a1\ufe0f Continue postgraduate study
\n\u27a1\ufe0f\u00a0Balance leadership with learning<\/p>\n

And I\u2019m doing all of this while still early in her career. My story challenges the idea that apprenticeships are a \u2018backup\u2019 option. In reality, they can accelerate responsibility and leadership.<\/p>\n

Giving Back: Opening Doors for Others<\/b><\/p>\n

I believe my success isn\u2019t just personal \u2013 it\u2019s purposeful. I regularly speak to young people about apprenticeship pathways. I founded and led the Apprentice \/ Working Learner Community at Northeastern University London<\/b>. I lead and participate in diversity initiatives within IBM<\/b>. I am also actively supporting underrepresented groups entering tech.<\/p>\n

As a Non-Executive Director at Teens in AI, I also help shape opportunities for the next generation.<\/p>\n

Because access should not depend on background.<\/p>\n

My Message to You<\/b><\/p>\n

If you didn\u2019t take Computer Science\u2026
\nIf your school didn\u2019t have the best resources\u2026
\nIf an algorithm once underestimated you\u2026<\/p>\n

Your path is still open.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no single route into AI.
\nThere is no single \u2018type\u2019 of person who belongs in tech.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

My journey \u2013 from humanities student to AI leader \u2013 shows that the future of technology can and should be shaped by people with different perspectives.<\/p>\n

And that could include you.<\/p>\n

Victoria\u2019s Recognition & Awards<\/b><\/p>\n

Victoria\u2019s impact has not gone unnoticed.<\/p>\n