COMPUTING STUDENT TESTIMONIES
Applied Computing student challenges the gender stereotype
Applied Computing student becomes a role model
Applied Computing student, Cat Pinder, is currently completing her foundation degree at Leeds City College’s University Centre, whilst working at multinational defence, security and aerospace company, BAE. She recently attended our Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) event as a role model, to encourage young females to consider careers in these sectors. Here, we caught up
with her to find out more.
What made you choose Applied Computing?
I have always had an interest in ICT and I believed this course would allow me to improve my skills further. It has already equipped me with vast programming knowledge which I can use in my current job role.
How did you get your job at BAE?
I applied for the apprenticeship scheme at BAE and was successful. The help I also got from my tutors was invaluable.
What does your role entail?
I am currently working in back end development creating an Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) flow. I enjoy working closely with experienced members of the team and gaining knowledge on a daily basis that puts classroom theory into practice.
How does it feel to be part of an industry that is predominantly male dominated?
It is a great opportunity to prove that women can do the same, if not better, than men. I would also encourage young girls who enjoy STEM subjects, to experience working in these sectors as it’s very rewarding. The most important thing is to try your hardest and push yourself to achieve the best you can.
Lucy Randle is currently studying Applied Computing at Leeds City College whilst working at global defence company, BAE. She was recently part of our women in science and engineering (WISE) event, as a role model for young girls who are thinking about a career in these areas. We caught up with her to find out more…
What made you choose Applied Computing?
I have always been interested in this subject, but after choosing GCSE Computing in high school, it became a passion of mine. It was a way for me to solve problems and challenge myself and the course at Leeds City College allows me to learn the basics of programming that I am then able to use when in the workplace.
How did you get your job at BAE?
I applied for the apprenticeship programme in the spring of 2016. In the interview there was lots of tasks including psychometric testing for our problem solving skills, time management and quick thinking. Then in August I got a call to say that I had been offered a place, which was great.
What does your role entail?
I am currently working as a Front End Developer on a project for mobile network Three. This means working closely with the team and updating, maintaining and improving their website.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy learning new ways to tackle a problem and speaking to the senior developers to get advice, guidance and learn from their expertise.
How does it feel to be part of an industry that is male dominated?
Being part of a predominantly male industry can be intimidating at times however its great to know that more females are being given the same opportunities and are learning that we can do just as well as men!
I would encourage more girls to consider going into industries such as engineering, science and computing. With my job, there are lots of opportunities to develop, meet new people and travel the world. As there is such a high demand for female developers, it couldn’t be a more exciting time to be part of this growing industry.