Sobia Iqbal
London,United Kingdom
Summary
Results-driven Early Careers Leader with over 20 years of experience in talent development, workforce planning, and strategic programme leadership. Proven track record in designing and delivering early career initiatives, including apprenticeship, graduate, and internship programmes in large, complex organisations. Adept at stakeholder engagement, governance, policy alignment, and performance measurement. A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning, ensuring early careers initiatives are aligned with government policies, industry best practices, and organisational workforce strategies. Strong leadership skills in mentoring high-performing teams, driving business outcomes, and managing large-scale recruitment and development programmes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4011
4011
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Careers - Career Development Programme Lead
BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
London, UK
06.2023 - 02.2025
- Led strategic and operational development of early careers initiatives, increasing programme participation by 40%
- Developed and executed workforce planning strategies to align with government skills policies and employer demands
- Designed and implemented a structured talent pipeline, ensuring diverse and high-calibre apprentices and graduates enter the IT sector
- Managed stakeholder relationships with universities, employers, and industry bodies, driving engagement and improving candidate experience
- Spearheaded digital attraction strategies, leveraging online communities to increase applications and awareness
- Successfully delivered large-scale early careers events in collaboration with Accenture, attracting early career participants and industry leaders
Business Mentor
The King's Trust
London
10.2023 - 02.2025
- Designed and delivered mentoring programmes for young entrepreneurs, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Provided career coaching, training, and business development guidance, enabling mentees to successfully launch and scale ventures
- Delivered workshops on essential professional skills, including project management, financial planning, and leadership development
Subject Leader for Business & Whole School EdTech Lead
George Mitchell School
London, UK
04.2017 - 10.2022
- Designed and implemented an early careers framework, improving apprenticeship and graduate recruitment outcomes
- Led a team of educators, overseeing talent development and workforce skills planning
- Designed and delivered CPD programs, empowering staff with the tools and knowledge to effectively support early career professionals
- Partnered with industry stakeholders to enhance career pathways for students, increasing industry placements by 70%
Programme & Project Officer
HM Treasury
London, UK
08.2004 - 09.2005
- Led workforce planning initiatives, aligning early careers talent strategies with government priorities
- Managed contract administration and supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement frameworks
- Supported the design and execution of national apprenticeship and graduate development schemes
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science & Business Management
Queen Mary University of London
PGCE - Secondary ICT
UCL Institute of Education
Skills
- Early Careers Programme Leadership - Graduate, internship, apprenticeships scheme management
- Strategic Workforce Planning - aligning talent pipelines with business and government strategies
- Stakeholder & Supplier Management - engagement with universities, FE providers and third party suppliers
- Diversity & Inclusion in Recruitment - driving equitable hiring and development strategies
- Talent Development & Progression - career development frameworks, mentoring and CPD
- Policy & Governance - ensuring compliance with skills funding and government policies
- High-Volume Recruitment & Assessment - leading recruitment campaigns with thousands of applicants
- Project & Budget Management - delivering programmes on time, within budget and to quality standards
Certification
- Strategy Execution Programme, Harvard Business School, 2024
- PRINCE2 Foundation & Practitioner, 2025 (expected)
- Google Certified Coach/Trainer, 2021
- Agile Foundation & Practitioner, 2014
- PGCE (Secondary ICT), UCL Institute of Education, 2006
Professional Memberships and Volunteering
- Mentor & Business Coach, The King's Trust
- Industry Contributor, BCS IT Now Magazine & IT Ignition Podcast
- Google Certified Trainer, AppsEvents
Timeline
Business Mentor
The King's Trust
10.2023 - 02.2025
Early Careers - Career Development Programme Lead
BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
06.2023 - 02.2025
Subject Leader for Business & Whole School EdTech Lead
George Mitchell School
04.2017 - 10.2022
Programme & Project Officer
HM Treasury
08.2004 - 09.2005
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science & Business Management
Queen Mary University of London
PGCE - Secondary ICT
UCL Institute of Education
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