As a result of participating in the Horizon programme in 2017 one of the students, Kate Furlong, set up a “Women in Technology Society” in WIT
Sun Life has launched its Women’s IT Leadership Program, “Horizon”, in partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology for the second year running.
“The initiative focuses on encouraging women to pursue careers in IT. After many years in partnership with WIT, Sun Life was keen to help address the under-representation of female graduates from IT degree courses,” explains Maria Cahill, a lecturer with the Department of Computing and Mathematics at WIT.
Second and third year students
There are nine new students onboard for this programme targets 2nd and 3rd year female IT students encouraging them to complete their studies and increase the probability of them pursuing a successful career in IT. The programme highlights two main themes for the students, self-development and self-awareness using practical development tools and programs.
Throughout the year Sun Life Leaders will facilitate professional training aimed at further developing the student’s leadership skills and introduce the students to a real IT environment, including opportunities to work with female and male role models who encourage and support the students to pursue a career in IT. As a result of participating in the Horizon programme in 2017 one of the students, Kate Furlong, set up a “Women in Technology Society” in WIT.
Positive experience
“We were delighted with the feedback from the first year of this programme. The focus and content really resonated with the students. It has been such a positive experience to work with this group and as a leadership team we could certainly see them develop as the year progressed. With their participation and feedback they have inspired us to continue to further develop and expand the programme this year,” Margaret Carroll, Business Systems Director.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year in Waterford, Sun Life has grown significantly and now employs nearly 500 employees. Over the years, attracting high calibre IT and business professionals has contributed to the growth in headcount and also demonstrated the capability to lead and influence key business objectives for Sun Life’s US and Canadian business. Globally, Sun Life is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion as it believes that a diverse culture, different perspectives and ideas helps fuel growth and provide excellent service to its clients.
Related Courses
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Computing (Common Entry)
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Forensics and Security
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Systems Development
- Bachelor of Science in Software Systems Development
- Bachelor of Science in Creative Computing
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Creative Computing
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology Management
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