On 14 September 2023, ten Year 11 and 10 female students, who are interested in a career in IT, went to Southern Cross Travel Insurance to learn and experience a “day in the life” in this industry. Led by Alex Smart, the Chief Technology Officer, they talked with various female IT engineers, and learnt about how they reached the career they have now. Additionally, they received advice, encouragement, and inspiration about their own futures.
As part of the programme, they drew what they thought a person in IT typically looks like, from physical features and personal qualities. The students drew colourful pictures surrounded with words such as supportive, growth mindset, willing to take a risk, a leader and a team player, communication skills, and helpful to all.
In the afternoon, they were lucky enough to sit in their meeting where they analysed a website that was soon to go live, while adding their own comments and suggestions on improvements from a potential future customer perspective. This meeting gave them insight into what their own lives could resemble in the future, while helping them gain knowledge on current programs used by real companies. Afterwards, they were allowed to ask questions in a Q&A and gained invaluable feedback on a variety of different topics.
This was an amazing experience for all the students who went, and they are thankful for Mrs Al-Rubaie, Southern Cross Travel Insurance and ShadowTech for organising and leading it for them. Furthermore, they look forward to staying in touch for additional advice and even possible internships and job opportunities in the future.
