Gef’s 30 Under 30 Winners: Q&A with Ciara Sowerby

Ten categories. Thirty young visionaries making their mark on the Isle of Man. Introducing the all-new #Gef30Under30 winners: the next generation of our island’s leaders.

From promotions to pro golf to NASA, the UCM Achievement winners are out of this world.

What is your name and age?

Ciara Sowerby, age 23.

Job title or role in the community?

Actuarial Associate at PwC Isle of Man.

How did you start your career or role in the community?

I always remember being one of those kids who was keen to do everything – all the sports, all the hobbies – just, well, everything, and to be honest I never stopped! I’ve done some cool things over the last few years and picked up more and more momentum doing it all – whether that be being selected to go off to Space School at NASA with the support of ManSat in 2017, or heading to Hong Kong in 2019 with the Air Cadets, or being selected as a Biosphere Youth Representative last year; I have always just said ‘yes’ to opportunities and it’s landed me here.

Tell us about your business/industry, is there something interesting about it that most people wouldn’t expect?

I work in life insurance now – people don’t expect that from me after I tell them I have a degree in Astrophysics! My job is really interesting as I get to work with lots of different clients to (basically) predict the future using numbers and data.

Have you experienced any hurdles in your career or community efforts and if so, how did you overcome them?

Yes, of course, I think everyone does. Being a woman in physics when I was at uni was always difficult – people really underestimate you. But I got through it and here I am. Another thing is being quite active on the political stage really opens you up to a lot of criticism; but I think it helps to laugh the silly stuff off and try and take the not-so-silly stuff as constructive feedback.

Tell us about why you think you won the category you did?

I won in the Achievement category, and I think that’s because of some of the bits and pieces that I have done over the last few years. I co-founded the Student Climate Network and started the lobbying group Isle of Man Youth 4 Syria when I was still at school, I’ve had a Certificate of Merit from the Lieutenant Governor – I basically never stop, I hate being bored!

Who are your role models, either on-island or off, in your sector or outside of it?

This is such a difficult question; but my parents inspire me in different ways (even my two younger brothers do, not that I would admit that to them!). I’m also inspired by the two Manx Labour Party MHKs, Joney Faragher and Sarah Maltby who show me every day that I should stand up for what I believe in.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It’s not a piece of advice per se, but I really like the quote I heard from somewhere – “the harder you work, the luckier you get”. That has always really resonated with me, and I think about it whenever I’m tempted to slack off in case I “get lucky”, whether that be with an exam or with an opportunity given to me.

What do you wish you knew when you were getting started in your career?

My career is in its early stages as I graduated less than a year ago, but I can offer advice to anyone who wants to casually get involved in Manx politics – I think anyone who wants to should absolutely go for it – it’s pretty scary putting yourself out there at first but stand up for what you believe in and you will go far.

What are your plans for the future?

I have no idea! I think I’m going to concentrate on my actuarial career for the next few years and then who knows, after that I might start thinking about running for public office…

What changes do you hope to see in your sector or community in the coming years?

I’m a co-founder of the Isle of Man Student Climate Network and a Biosphere Youth rep so of course I have to say a move to a more sustainable future! There’s loads of good work being done on the island in this area but plenty of room for improvement at the same time, especially in terms of what the government could be doing.

What, for you, are the benefits of staying on or moving back to the island for young people under 30?

I went to uni and then made the decision to come back after I graduated; this was definitely the right decision for me at the time. Not only are there financial benefits like the low taxes and NI rebate scheme but the job market here was really suited to what I wanted to do with my career. Plus, I just love the island – it’s really remarkable that we’re so lucky to get to live here.

What does being a Gef 30 Under 30 winner mean to you?

The world! I work pretty hard so it was nice to see that being recognised. Being on a list with so many amazing young people is a real honour.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

My hobbies really help me wind down and help keep me even busier – I recently started rock climbing, which has been super fun. I also play in Onchan Silver Band, and this helps me stay really disciplined with my time as I have to squeeze in rehearsals, concerts, and individual practice into my already busy schedule, but I wouldn’t change it for the world – the band is like my second family.