Industry placements and the financial support sold Caitlin on studying software engineering at UTS.
Caitlin Murphy’s journey into software engineering was influenced by her passion for Information Process Technology (IPT) and the guidance of her Year 9 IPT teacher.
Inspired by her teacher's encouragement, Caitlin applied for the Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) Cooperative Scholarship, setting the stage for her future in the field.
With a focus on empowering women in engineering and IT, the WiEIT Cooperative Scholarship aims to equip students like Caitlin with the skills and support needed to succeed in their academic and professional endeavours.
“There are lots of benefits to the program aside from the $66,000 benefit. We are lucky enough to experience three industry placements. They are all extremely professional and large companies that would be hard to get into without this scholarship.”
Caitlin Murphy
Women in Engineering and IT (WiEIT) Cooperative Scholarship recipient
Valuable industry experience
Caitlin's love for problem-solving in IPT drove her interest in software engineering. She discovered the WiEIT Cooperative Scholarship through UTS student representatives who visited her school, offering insight into the university’s offerings.
Hearing positive accounts from peers who had received the scholarship further motivated her to apply. "I knew a couple of students who had got it a year prior and were loving it," Caitlin says.
Through the scholarship, Caitlin secured a three-month summer internship at the Australian Stock Exchange, where she gained hands-on experience in C# programming as well as industry insights.
This internship, followed by a six-month internship at Nine News, enhanced her skills and confidence, providing a valuable boost to her academic journey. "You learn so much quicker at university after completing these internships," Caitlin says.
Embracing opportunities
Caitlin highlights the unique benefits of the WiEIT Cooperative Scholarship, including three industry placements and a $66,000 financial benefit.
She encourages future UTS students to explore new avenues and embrace the university experience wholeheartedly. Authenticity is key when applying for the scholarship, Caitlin advises, urging applicants to highlight their initiative and project work.
Reflecting on her journey, Caitlin would advise her Year 12 self to say "yes" to more opportunities and prioritise extracurricular activities. "Be less stressed about studying and do more extracurricular activities," she says, emphasising the importance of balance and exploration.
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