UCL Visit: Havant MP Mak

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Post on Nov 27, 2024

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My UCL Visit: Meeting Havant MP Alan Mak – A Whirlwind Day in London!

So, picture this: me, totally hyped up, heading to London for a UCL visit – University College London, a massive deal for anyone interested in, well, anything really. I'd managed to snag a meeting with Alan Mak, the MP for Havant, and my nerves were, let's just say, slightly frazzled. I mean, meeting an MP? That's not something that happens every day, especially for a small-time blogger like myself. I'd been researching his work on digital technology policy – a subject close to my heart – for weeks, trying to nail down some intelligent questions. This whole thing felt like a huge step up from my usual 'interview' – which is typically just me yelling questions at my cat.

Getting There and Those First Impressions

The journey itself was a bit of a rollercoaster. The train was packed, I almost missed my connection (don't even get me started on that!), and navigating the London Underground felt like trying to solve a particularly complex maze while blindfolded. Seriously, though, if you're not used to the Tube, give yourself extra time! You'll thank me later. Eventually, I arrived at UCL, a breathtakingly beautiful campus. The architecture is just stunning. I felt like I'd stepped into a scene from a Harry Potter movie – a bit overwhelming, honestly. There's that initial wow factor that can be really distracting, so I had to do a mini-meditation to calm down and focus on the meeting.

Meeting Mr. Mak: The Big Moment!

Meeting Mr. Mak was... well, it was surprisingly low-key. He wasn't some intimidating politician type. He was really friendly, approachable, and genuinely interested in what I had to say. We talked for about an hour – that’s longer than some of my best dates, I swear! We discussed a range of things. His work with tech startups, particularly those pushing boundaries in AI and cybersecurity, was fascinating. He even shared some pretty insightful predictions about the future of tech in education! He was quite candid about the challenges involved in policy-making, especially regarding balancing innovation and regulation. I learned so much about the realities of political life.

Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned

What really struck me was his emphasis on collaboration between government, academia, and industry. He kept mentioning the need for strong partnerships to drive innovation and economic growth. This was particularly relevant to the focus of my blog, which is on helping creators connect with industry professionals. I definitely need to incorporate this into my content. I asked him about funding opportunities for tech startups – which is something I know my readers would find super useful. It turned out that there are several government initiatives aimed at supporting innovative projects. More research is needed on my part, but this is great info to get out there!

Pro-tip: Always, always, do your research before meeting someone important. It shows respect for their time and expertise. And, prepare some thoughtful questions; it helps the conversation flow smoothly.

Another thing I learned is the importance of networking. This meeting came about because I'd been consistently putting myself out there – attending events, reaching out to relevant people, sharing my content. Don't underestimate the power of building relationships in your field!

Post-Meeting Reflections

Leaving UCL, I felt energized and inspired. My head was buzzing with ideas for new blog posts! It wasn't just the information I gained from Mr. Mak; it was also the experience itself. It was a reminder that even small actions can create opportunities. The sheer amount of networking I did before the meeting really paid off. One of the best pieces of advice I was given was to make your goals visible. That way, others can help.

Overall, my visit was a massive success. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and some fantastic content ideas. It just goes to show you: sometimes, taking that leap of faith and reaching out to people can lead to incredible results. Who knows where my next adventure will take me?