At DSF we are lucky enough to have some very talented MCs who volunteer their time at our events, bringing their personality, warmth and expertise to the room. During our festivals, our MCs take centre stage, offering a helping hand to our speakers and keeping the show going both on and off stage. This interview provides a glimpse into the personal side of our MCs within our expanding community. Dive into the brief interview below!
A bit about India:
India is a Data Engineer at Hypercube, a Scottish-based Data & AI Consultancy specialising in the Energy sector. She helps clients upskill themselves to get the most out of their data and provide robust end-to-end solutions. She finds getting involved in the community to be really rewarding and volunteers at a charity which teaches kids to code (Prewired).
When did you MC for DSF?
At Mayday this year (2024)
How many times have you been an MC and from what year?
Mayday 2024 was my first time properly MCing. I’ve previously helped in various events, primarily in organizational and support roles. So, while these earlier experiences involved aspects of hosting, it wasn’t until May 2024 that I fully stepped into the role of an MC. Since then, I’ve continued to develop my skills and take on more opportunities to host events.
Why did you want to volunteer as an MC with DSF?
I thought it was a great opportunity to practice & improve my public speaking skills. As well as being a good chance to network & also give back to the community, having attended several DSF events in the past.
What is your favourite thing about being an MC?
Getting to meet all the speakers and hear their stories. Although, I do also love the organizational aspect of making sure everything’s running on time and going to plan.
What advice would you give other people looking to MC at an event?
Go for it! Although it may seem intimidating at first, the reality is that when you’re on stage, everyone wants you to succeed and is cheering you on. These events are designed to foster learning, networking, and idea exchange – so it’s a great way to build your interpersonal skills in a low-risk environment.
What is next for you?
Having recently moved from a data science-heavy position to a data engineering centered one, I am concentrating on enhancing my skills in this new field. Outside of work, I serve on the board of a charity called Prewired, which teaches kids to code. I aim to dedicate more time to this and increase my involvement.
Additionally, I hope to one day also be at the DSF as a speaker – so watch this space!
Thank you to all our wonderful speakers for taking part in our MC Spotlight!
Want to become a DSF MC? Apply here!