As part of our 'Career Conversations' series, The Girls’ Network Ambassador Liza chatted to Maryam, Project Officer for Employment, Skills & Enterprise at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, about careers, technology and what the future might look like for young people.

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About Liza and Maryam

Liza completed a mentoring programme at Wembley High School before joining The Girls' Network Ambassador Community. She is now in her final year at the University of Nottingham, studying Film and Television, with a strong interest in media, marketing and communications.

Maryam works in local government, supporting schools to build strong careers programmes. Her role focuses on helping young people understand their options and make confident choices about their futures. Alongside her job, she is also a school governor, specialising in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), careers education and the Pupil Premium. She is passionate about creating fair opportunities so every young person can succeed.

The conversation

One of the most interesting parts of the conversation focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and how it might shape the future of work.

Maryam explained that while AI may replace some routine or repetitive tasks, it could also open up new opportunities. She believes that if girls and young women are encouraged and supported into creative industries, AI can become a powerful tool to unlock new ideas and innovation.

Liza reflected on how much technology has already changed the experience of being a student. Even compared to when she was in school, things now feel very different. Many young people today have access to tablets, constant internet connection and multiple social media platforms.

The pair discussed how every generation faces new technology that can feel overwhelming at first. When the internet first became widely used, many people thought it would completely take over our lives. Now, AI is creating similar conversations.

Maryam emphasised that the key is learning how to use technology in the right way. Instead of fearing it, young people should understand how it works and think about how they can use it to create positive change.

Liza also shared an interesting thought about social media. Like many things in life, trends can come and go. Humans often move in cycles, and she wondered whether one day we might see people spending less time online and rediscovering slower activities like reading books.

One thing both speakers agreed on is that young people today have more opportunities and tools than ever before. With the right support and encouragement, girls and young women can confidently navigate technology, education and careers, and play an active role in shaping the future.

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A big thank you to Liza and Maryam for sharing their perspectives and sparking such an important conversation. It’s inspiring to see our ambassadors engaging with these topics and building their confidence as they explore their future pathways.