Overview
An inspiring evening hosted by Forrit x SWiT exploring the real, diverse, and often unexpected paths that lead into Scotland’s tech Sector!
Do you need a tech background to build a career in tech? The short answer: absolutely not.
Join us for an inspiring evening hosted by Forrit x SWiT exploring the real, diverse, and often unexpected paths that lead into Scotland’s technology sector.
This panel event brings together professionals who entered the industry from nontechnical backgrounds - from marketing to the army to business leadership - and have grown into impactful roles across tech, engineering, delivery, and leadership.
Expect honest conversations, practical insights, and stories that prove you can thrive in tech no matter where you started.
What to Expect
Real journeys from people who pivoted into tech
How transferable skills (communication, problem-solving, leadership, creativity) shape successful careers
Male ally perspective on supporting women in tech
Insights into career development within regulated industries
Managers, directors, and leaders who want to better understand how to attract, support, and grow talent from non‑traditional backgrounds
Networking with professionals across the SWiT and Forrit communities
Panel Speakers
Sharan Kaur
Project Manager, Forrit.
Sharan Kaur is a Project Manager at Forrit. She graduated with a 2:1 in Marketing & Psychology from the University of Strathclyde and began her career as a Communications Officer supporting the University App team. Sharan now delivers major digital projects within regulated industries and is passionate about showcasing alternative pathways into tech.
Linda Scott
CEO, West Lothian Chamber of Commerce.
From professional horse rider to chef to CEO, Linda Scott’s career defies the traditional tech story. Now a digital growth consultant and CEO of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce/MD of West Lothians Developing the Young Workforce and Chair of the Ethnic Minority Skills Summit, she champions confidence, transferable life skills, and belief - proving that impact in tech begins with mindset, not a technical background.
Peter Proud
CEO & Founder, Forrit.
Peter Proud is the CEO and Founder of Forrit. He began his career in the British Army before moving into senior leadership roles as a Director at Microsoft and Partner at Accenture. Peter founded Forrit 12 years ago and is a committed male ally, passionate about supporting women and building inclusive teams in tech.
Monica Valenzuela Quinteros
Application Developer, Baillie Gifford
Monica Valenzuela Quinteros began her career after leaving university, working in a cinema and later in an administrative role at the City Council. In 2017, she joined Forrit as a Graduate Apprentice, going on to win the ScotlandIS Unsung Hero award in 2020 and graduating with First Class Honours in Software Development in 2021.
Panel Host – Shelley Denton
Partner Director, Forrit
Shelley moved to London in 2013 with no job and she landed herself work in recruitment. She then recruited herself into a role managing websites for some global brands; she then freelanced for agencies and startups and joined Forrit as a Technical Project Manager in 2020. Shelley then led the Client Service team in 2023 and now drives growth and partnerships, helping Forrit scale in her current role.