Making IT a good space for women

The Girl’s Lounge, in the School of IT’s Ubunifu Lab, hosted a busy afternoon on October 25 with female students learning how to succeed in the IT/IS space. The workshop included a panel discussion, CV Workshop and head shots taken for the students’ professional profiles.

Prof Ulrike Rivett, director of the School of IT, welcomed the students. Her door is open if students have any problems they need to discuss.

Bronwyn April, from Careers Service, provided helpful tips on how to put together a CV that stands out from the pile.

The panel discussion centred on techniques for succeeding in what is often a male-dominated workplace. Chernay Southgate, a senior manager at EY emphasised the importance of setting boundaries. “Work hard but find the balance.”

Pasácle Henke, co-founder of Brownie Points, stressed the importance of authenticity, while Noluvuyo Mpekelana, IT support manager for Glencore encouraged the students not to limit themselves. “See yourself as a professional.”

Selma Amwaalanga, a student herself but also a software tester for Full Stack, stressed the importance of finishing what you start. “How much do you want it? Take the first step and everything will follow. Just move.”

Click on the image on the right to view a slideshow of the events.