Melisa Irmako (Mel) still remembers the moment technology first sparked her curiosity.
She was in Year 7, sitting in a digital classroom, building a simple website about the Great Barrier Reef.
Looking back, she laughs at the result.
“It was honestly pretty bad,” she says. “But I loved it. I remember thinking, I built this.”
That small project planted the seed that eventually led her to study a Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) at UTS.
Being the only girl in the room
From Year 10 until graduation, Mel was the only girl in her IT and software classes.
“At first it was intimidating,” she says. “You look around and realise you’re the only one.”
But two girls in the years above her had gone through the same experience. They reached out, shared advice and encouraged her to keep going.
They also suggested she looks into studying IT at UTS.
“That meant a lot,” Mel says. “They reminded me I wasn’t the only one.”
When she started researching universities, one thing stood out: UTS focused strongly on technology, practical learning and industry experience.
It’s a university of technology in Sydney. That’s exactly what I wanted.
Discovering IT is more than coding
Like many students considering technology degrees, Mel initially thought IT meant one thing: programming.
In her first year at UTS, she quickly discovered the wide range of technology areas available; from AI and computer science to games, graphics and multimedia and systems design and analysis, eventually finding her interest in Cybersecurity and Networking.
“I realised programming wasn’t actually what I loved,” she says. “But networking and cybersecurity clicked for me straight away.”
That discovery allowed her to shape her studies around what genuinely interested her.
“You don’t have to know your exact IT career path when you start,” she says. “You figure it out as you go.”
One of the biggest surprises for Mel has been seeing how quickly what she learns in class connects to real-world technology.
You’ll hear about something in class, then see it in the news. And suddenly you understand what they’re talking about.
That link between theory and real-world encounters helped confirm she had chosen the right path.
Finding community at university
Moving from the Central Coast to Sydney was a big change for Mel, but she’s found her place through student communities.
“Everyone is so welcoming,” she says. “If you’re unsure about something, people are always happy to help.”
In her first year, she joined several student societies before eventually focusing on a few key groups: IT Society, Engineering Society and Cybersecurity Society.
Through events ranging from networking sessions to casual board-game nights, she built friendships that have become a core part of her university experience.
“One of my closest friendships started at a tech board-game night,” she says. “We were just playing Uno and eating pizza.”
After being the only girl in many of her high school classes, Mel initially expected university to feel the same.
Instead, she discovered communities dedicated to supporting women in technology.
Joining the UTS Women in Engineering and IT community helped her connect with other students navigating similar experiences.
It made me feel like I wasn’t alone. We’d sit together with other peers, decorate cookies or paint, and just chat... really supportive.
While technology fields can still be male-dominated, Mel has seen positive change. Events like the coffee catchups, creative workshops and social activities create relaxed spaces for students to talk about study, careers and life in tech.
“It’s definitely growing,” she says. “There are more women coming into IT every year.”
Building confidence along the way
Starting a new degree can bring moments of doubt, especially in a technical field.
Early in her studies, Mel sometimes wondered whether she was keeping up.
“You look around and think other people understand things faster,” she says.
But over time, she learned an important mindset.
“Comparison is the thief of joy,” she says.
Instead of measuring herself against others, she focused on developing her own strengths.
Studying IT has helped her build skills that go far beyond technical knowledge:
- Problem solving
- Adaptability
- Curiosity
- Confidence
“Technology changes constantly,” she says. “You learn how to adapt and keep learning.”
Looking ahead: a future in cybersecurity and networking
Today, Mel hopes to build a career in cybersecurity and networking.
Long term, she’s interested in leadership roles that combine technical expertise with strategy.
“Maybe something like a Chief Information Security Officer one day,” she says.
For now, she’s focused on continuing to explore the field and building the skills that will shape her career.
For students considering studying IT, especially young women, Mel offers simple advice.
Give it a go. Don’t think IT is just programming. There are so many different paths.
Her biggest lesson from university so far comes from the advice her father gave her.
“If you don’t knock on a door,” she says, “how will anyone know you’re there?”
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