Inspiring the Future Women in Tech

On Tuesday the 25th of July St Andrews College hosted the Inspiring the Future Women in Tech  careers event. This event was sponsored by Amazon Web Services and featured many inspiring women working in technology roles and other male dominated industries such as Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanic and Fire and Protection.

35 students from Years 9, 10 and 11 were joined by 12 Year 10 students from The Ponds High School at the event. In the first hour the female students engaged with a panel of industry professionals. Each panel member gave an overview of their career journey. The students learnt that careers are very seldom a straight line. They are more often like a jungle gym. Students heard how accepting opportunities, even if they were not exactly what they were hoping for, opened exciting opportunities and career development. Most of all students heard how following your passion and being true to yourself are important elements for successful careers.

The second hour saw a speed dating environment where students in their small groups were able to engage in a conversation with an industry professional. The students were encouraged to ask questions to learn about the career journey of the industry professional at their table. The students were able to speak with nine of the eleven industry guests.

Overwhelmingly, the students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to learn from experienced women who have broken through their barriers to carve a successful career. Students appreciated the openness of the industry professionals, their unique stories gave hope and encouragement to the students to follow their dream. 

Students learnt that they have a place and responsibility to reshape the workplace to bring diversity and equality to all industries. Our students are to be congratulated on their engagement in the event - they truly were great ambassadors of St Andrews College.

I would like to thank Adrian Rhodes from Inspiring the Future, Australia and Christine Assanti from the Regional Industry Education Partnership Program for all their assistance in the preparation and coordination of this event. A huge thank you to Amy Jaballah from Amazon Web Services for facilitating the morning and to all the wonderful industry professionals who graciously gave their time to share their career experiences with our students and those students from The Ponds High School.