On Tuesday 7 March we went to Amazon headquarters in London as part of their International Women’s Day programme. After taking the train into London we walked to the Amazon headquarters. On arrival we were taken up to the top floor which had floor to ceiling windows with a view right across London. We were treated to a delicious breakfast of baked goods and fruit.

After doing some name games with Anna, the public speaking coach, and the students from the other schools, we had our first focus group with Emily who is a member of the GetIT team. After giving feedback on our experience of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) GetIT programme we were given an interesting talk about how to create a product that a customer would buy. This talk was given by Olga who explained how you need to work backwards to figure out a product which a customer would want and need. Then (after another break and more snacks) we were given the amazing opportunity to speak on a panel about technology and women in STEM which was broadcast live to around 150 people who work for AWS. We were asked a variety of questions on the theme of equity by the managing director of AWS for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Tanuja Randery.

After a delicious lunch, we had another focus session where we had to explain what we would want to keep the same in the GetIT programme and what we would want to improve or change. During that focus session it started to snow, and from the top of the building we had a beautiful view of London. Once the snow had stopped we all wrapped up warm and walked to the Amazon Fresh Store. We were taught all about how once you enter the store, all that you pick up and leave with is automatically charged to your account. We were then allowed to pick out whatever snack we wanted for the journey home. Overall, it was a really fun and interesting day. It was amazing to learn about Amazon and see their offices.

Eve and Charlotte, Year 9