Hi, I'm Jaimee!
I'm in my third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Computer Engineering. I joined the Women in Computing Student Leaders to share my passion with future students.
What (or who) sparked your interest in your degree, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
The first time I ever coded was in CSSE1001, and it felt like I had created something out of nothing. That moment was incredible — I felt on top of the world, as if I had discovered a new power. After that semester, I explored further through online courses and personal projects, and everything I tried was both fun and engaging. I was hooked. Over that break, I decided to change my specialisation from civil to software engineering.
What makes studying at UQ exciting for someone interested in technology and innovation?
Studying at UQ is exciting because it constantly challenges you. At first, the tasks can seem impossible, but over time you realise they’re designed that way because UQ knows you can rise to the challenge. This approach not only builds resilience and confidence but also ensures you graduate with skills and problem-solving abilities that set you apart in the field of technology and innovation.
What’s one thing you’ve discovered about your degree that surprised you or exceeded your expectations?
One thing that surprised me about my degree is the sheer number of opportunities it provides. I’ve seen many students graduate without applying for internships, programs, or scholarships because they assumed they wouldn’t get them or thought they could try next time. What I’ve learned is that you should always put yourself forward — often it’s not about being the “most suited,” but about showing up and taking the chance.
What’s a project or achievement from your studies that you’re most proud of, and why?
One of the projects I’m most proud of was in CSSE3010, where I programmed an STM32 Nucleo-F429 development board to send radio packets to a microscope at the university. It wasn’t the most difficult project I’ve done, but it was the coolest — bringing together everything I had learned that semester and seeing it work in a real-world application was incredibly rewarding.
Have you had the chance to work on real-world challenges, like internships, hackathons, or research projects? What’s been the highlight?
Yes, I’ve had the chance to work on real-world challenges through two internships in Vietnam and Singapore, both made possible by opportunities provided by UQ. These experiences allowed me to contribute to meaningful projects while also gaining an appreciation for different cultures, workplaces, and approaches to problem-solving. The highlight was not only applying what I’d learned in class to real-world scenarios but also developing adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and a global perspective that I’ll carry into my career.
What’s your dream job in the tech world, and how has your degree helped you work towards it?
I haven’t yet narrowed down a single favourite area of software because I’ve genuinely enjoyed everything I’ve explored so far. For now, my dream job is to work for a global tech company where I can apply my skills in different contexts and take opportunities to work around the world. My degree has helped me build a strong foundation across many areas of software, which gives me the flexibility to adapt and take on whatever challenges and opportunities come my way.
Are you a member of any student societies or participate in extracurricular activities? Tell us a bit about it.
While I’m not currently involved in any UQ clubs or societies, that’s mainly due to my passion for futsal. I compete in the F-League, the largest futsal competition in Queensland, and I also represent Queensland at the national level, competing across Australia. In 2024, our team came incredibly close to winning, placing second in the nationals. Futsal has taught me valuable lessons in teamwork, discipline, and resilience—skills I continue to apply both on and off the court.
What advice would you give a high school student who loves tech but isn’t sure if Computer Science or IT is the right fit?
My advice would be to just start exploring — try coding small projects, online courses, or even a basic hardware kit like a microcontroller. Computer Science and IT can seem similar at first, but the best way to know what fits is by getting hands-on experience. Don’t worry about making the “perfect” choice straight away; discovering what you enjoy and what excites you is what matters most. Take opportunities to experiment, ask questions, and see what sparks your passion—you might be surprised at what you enjoy the most.
