Hi, I'm Ellie!
I'm in my second year of a Bachelor in Information Technology, majoring in UX Design. I joined the Women in Computing Student Leaders to give advice about UX Design and inspire future students to explore creativity in technology.
What (or who) sparked your interest in your degree, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
It all started with my dad, who sat me down once when I was younger and disassembled our family’s old desktop while explaining how each component worked. Later in high school, I took Digital Solutions and found that I loved the planning and prototyping portions of the assignments far more than the coding part. My teacher caught on and recommended that I pursue UX Design.
What makes studying at UQ exciting for someone interested in technology and innovation?
You’re constantly surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about what they study, and that energy is contagious. Whether it’s through classes or club events like networking nights, I’m always inspired by others’ enthusiasm, which motivates me to stay determined and keep pushing forward, even when things get stressful.
What’s one thing you’ve discovered about your degree that surprised you or exceeded your expectations?
I was surprised by how collaborative the degree is. I expected a lot of individual work, but I’ve found that group projects and club activities have created a really supportive environment.
What’s a project or achievement from your studies that you’re most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of my involvement with Women in Computing. Back in high school, there wasn’t much encouragement for girls to pursue tech, and I often wished I had a program like this to show me what was possible. Now, being part of it lets me be that nudge I wish I’d had. Giving back, creating opportunities, and helping younger students feel supported and inspired has been one of the most rewarding parts of my uni journey so far.
Have you had the chance to work on real-world challenges, like internships, hackathons, or research projects? What’s been the highlight?
My biggest highlight so far has been working with Doko as their founding UX designer. It gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in a real-world context — from understanding user needs to shaping the product’s design direction. Being part of something from the ground up was both challenging and rewarding, and it really confirmed my passion for UX Design.
What’s your dream job in the tech world, and how has your degree helped you work towards it?
My dream job in tech is to start my own design studio! My degree has helped me build that foundation. Design teaches skills that are flexible and applicable across almost any role, while projects, leadership roles, and collaborative experiences have given me insight into teamwork, processes, and how to translate ideas effectively between teams.
Are you a member of any student societies or participate in extracurricular activities? Tell us a bit about it.
I’m a member of UQLIT (Ladies in Technology), which has been such a great way to meet new people and make friends. I’ve also been able to network at business-focused events, visit the NTI office, and get involved in their mentorship program. It’s been a fun way to put myself out there, connect with others, and unwind after class with friends.
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?
I’d say don’t stress too much about picking the perfect path right away! Try out different areas like coding, design, or networking and see what excites you most. Both Computer Science and IT can lead to amazing opportunities, but what matters most is finding something you enjoy and getting hands-on experience. Join clubs, do side projects, and put yourself out there — that’s how you figure out what fits you best!
