Hi, I'm Chasya!
I'm in my third year of a Bachelor of Computer Science. I joined the Women in Computing Student Leaders to share tips on navigating a Computer Science degree.
What (or who) sparked your interest in your degree, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
I grew up curious about how computers worked but never understood them. This curiosity inspired me to dive in and learn what I didn’t know, and I’ve never looked back since.
What makes studying at UQ exciting for someone interested in technology and innovation?
The industry programs like FutureWork in UQ give everyone the opportunity to see what our degree could translate to in our future jobs.
What’s one thing you’ve discovered about your degree that surprised you or exceeded your expectations?
I really enjoyed learning new coding languages. It felt like solving a puzzle and decoding a new piece of technology that I’ve always used in everyday life.
What’s a project or achievement from your studies that you’re most proud of, and why?
I was proud of being able to contribute to winning CTFs (Capture The Flag) with the Cyber Security knowledge I gained from studying.
Have you had the chance to work on real-world challenges, like internships, hackathons, or research projects? What’s been the highlight?
I’ve been able to practice my skills on real-world challenges through an internship and a hackathon. The highlight is always seeing a familiar language or procedure that I’ve done before and being able to apply it to the real world.
What’s your dream job in the tech world, and how has your degree helped you work towards it?
My dream job is working within the Cyber Security industry, either as a SOC Analyst or any other roles. My degree has opened connections and events within the tech world, which helps guide me to my dream job.
Are you a member of any student societies or participate in extracurricular activities? Tell us a bit about it.
I’m a member of UQ Cyber Squad and have been able to learn and participate in Cyber events and competitions with friends of the same interests. They have introduced me to many new things that I never would have known without being in this club.
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?
There’s no harm in trying, whether it’s taking the degree to see if it suits you, or doing your own personal projects to figure out if you would enjoy learning Computer Science or IT in university.
