Women in Technology
More than 80 female staff and students gathered on 17 March at the first networking event organised to introduce new undergraduate students to staff and fellow students at the start of the new semester.
“We welcomed back four alumni who gave brief talks about their ANU experiences before talking about where they are now,” said Heather McEwen, CECS Marketing Manager.
“Each had an impressive ‘bragalogue’ of their achievements following graduation, and were full of praise for the female academic staff that they felt were aspirational. All spoke about the quality of the ANU degree programs and how valuable these are out in the workforce, or in academia,” said Ms McEwen.
The alumni work in government, in SMEs, and one is a PhD candidate. They all took the time to mix with students, sharing ideas and views on what to do while at Uni, and gave a few ideas on what to do afterwards.
None felt that being in a male dominated environment at university had disadvantaged them, and some had a few positives to emphasise.
And their over-riding messages to commencing and current students?
Take every opportunity to become involved in extra curricula activities; do your best to gain industry experience while studying; and network, network, network. Linda Postniece pointed out that this is something that women usually do very well, and with ease.
Our thanks to Bethel Sendaba and Bridget Lally (engineering) and Linda Postniece and Nandita Sharma (computing) for coming along to talk to us.
Thanks also to Professor John Richards, Master of University House, for donating the Lucky Door Prize of dinner for two at Boffins Restaurant.
