This new society will bring together students from all different levels, this will be a support network for girls and women studying STEM subjects
The Women in Technology Society was set up as a support network for girls and women studying STEM subjects. It’s a great way for students to connect with each other and share ideas and to generate more visibility. It brings together students from all different levels so there are lots of opportunities to learn from each other.
There were two main events this semester. One was a trip to Red Hat for a presentation about some of the different job roles available, a chance to talk to the women in these roles and a tour of the office. The other was the Women in Tech event on the 8 of March for International Women’s Day. This purpose of this event was to showcase the variety of jobs that are available in the technology industry and the diverse range of people who work in it. It was aimed at secondary school students with a view to encouraging more young girls to consider taking up STEM subjects at third level. Lots of different companies got involved and the day was a huge success.
Moving forward the society plans to invite guest speakers, get involved with open days and generally continue to support and encourage girls studying, or considering studying, STEM subjects. It is open to everyone, and all ideas are welcomed and encouraged.
Kate Furlong is from New Ross, Co. Wexford and is a past pupil of St. Mary’s Secondary School in New Ross.
Kate is now a 2nd year student on the BSc in Software Systems Development.
Kate explains why and how she got involved in the Women in Tech Student group: “I got involved with the group because I think it’s important to create visibility for women in the industry and to break the gender stereotypes associated with it. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to take the lead and set an example for younger girls as well, and hopefully encourage them to be fearless in pursuing their interests.”
Here she explains how she has benefited from/enjoyed being involved in the group. “The sense of community created by the group is wonderful, and it stretches outside the college. Getting to know the other girls has been fantastic, and I’ve had chances to talk to people in the industry that I wouldn’t have had without the society. It’s comforting to know there is such a strong support network out there.”
Her advice to students considering their tech-related course options: “If you’re interested in something, go for it! Believe in your abilities and don’t second guess yourself.”
Alannah Vagg is from Waterford City and is a past pupil of Stella Maris Secondary school in Tramore, Waterford.
Alannah is now a 4th-year student on the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology course.
Alannah explains why and how she got involved in the Women in Tech Student group: “I feel it is important to support and encourage women in STEM careers. I would love to encourage future students to follow their passions and not to be afraid to pursue a course in STEM.”
Here she explains how she has benefited from/enjoyed being involved in the group. “The group has really opened up my eyes to how much support there is for women in STEM. It has been truly comforting and informative to engage with other students in this field and share our experiences and knowledge. The group and the events the group has been involved in has given me great confidence in myself and going forth in finding my future career.”
Her advice to students considering their tech-related course options: “Be brave in choosing your course, pick something that challenges you and makes you happy long term. Never underestimate yourself, because we are all full of surprises.”
Rashmi Karkada is from Balbriggan, Co. Dublin and is a past pupil of Loreto Secondary School in Balbriggan.
Rashmi is now a 1st-year student on the BEng in Sustainable Energy Engineering course.
Rashmi explains why and how she got involved in the Women in Tech Student group: “As there was only one other girl in my course, I noticed the huge gap between girls choosing engineering courses, I wanted to empower other women who are interested in technology to put their mark in the tech world.”
Here she explains how she has benefited from/enjoyed being involved in the group. “It allowed me to make more friends and have a support network around me so that I did not feel alone. It also allowed me to network with companies who are eager to take on more women, so that in the near future there will have an equal workforce.”
Her advice to students considering their tech-related course options: “Just because you might be one of the few girls applying to a tech course, don’t be scared it will pay off in the end.”
Marie Donoval is from Waterford City and is a past pupil of Our lady of Our Mercy Secondary School in Waterford.
Marie is now a 2nd-year student on the BSc in Software Systems Development
Marie explains why and how she got involved in the Women in Tech Student group: “I got involved in women in technology because there weren’t enough girls and we have to stick together.”
Here she explains how she has benefited from/enjoyed being involved in the group. “I benefited from this group by just talking to all the girls and seeing that we all think and feel the same way. We don’t understand why there aren’t more of us.”
Her advice to students considering their tech-related course options: “I advise girl students in secondary school to take interest in technology because there are girls that aren’t applying just because of the stereotypes that girls ‘don’t understand’. It’s time for this to stop!”
Related Courses
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Systems Development
- Bachelor of Science in Software Systems Development
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics for Modern Technology
- Bachelor of Science in Science (General)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Engineering (Common Entry)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Science (Common Entry)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Common Entry)
SETU Waterford, Cork Road, Waterford City, 
