ShadowTech Day 2024 at Aspeq

Since its inception in 2014, ShadowTech, a TechWomen initiative, has opened doors for young women to tech professionals, offering a glimpse into the dynamic industry. After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, the program resumed in 2023, and Aspeq was proud to host this year’s event in Wellington.

The day began with a warm introduction to Aspeq and ShadowTech, setting the stage for an exciting day ahead. Nick, People Advisor, conducted a health and safety briefing followed by an office tour that included a fun hot chocolate-making session, instantly putting the students at ease.

A brainstorming session followed, allowing students to voice their expectations and questions about the tech industry. This was a great way to kickstart their curiosity and enthusiasm for the day.

One of the highlights was a mock "exam" on the tech industry using Aspeq's examination software. This hands-on activity provided a realistic glimpse into the tech world, sparking interest and engagement among the students.

David, Head of Product, captivated the students with his career journey, sharing insights on what he looks for when recruiting and offering valuable advice on entering the tech field. His session highlighted the diverse roles available in the tech industry, emphasising that there is a place for everyone.

The day continued with interactive security exercises led by Kirsten, Project Manager, and Adila, Manager of Quality and Compliance. Students watched an enlightening video on social engineering, participated in a cyber security quiz, and identified potential security risks in a simulated environment, earning chocolates for their keen observations.

Lunch provided a casual setting for students to mingle with Aspeq staff, fostering meaningful connections and conversations.

In the afternoon, Becca, Aspeq's Test Lead, conducted a workshop on journey mapping and fast sizing in a tech role. Using the process of making a sandwich as an example, students learned about project management and problem-solving in a tech context, making the session both educational and enjoyable.

The day concluded with a panel Q&A session, where students posed questions to all the staff involved. The discussions covered various topics, including the experiences of women in tech, overcoming barriers, the joys of working in the tech industry, and the essential support roles that keep the IT world running smoothly.

One student exclaimed, "I am going to go back to school and brag to my class and year about all the cool stuff we did today!"

Amie, Marketing & Communications Lead and organiser of ShadowTech Day 2024 at Aspeq, shared her thoughts: "It was such a great opportunity to welcome these students into our workplace and showcase the range of people, experience, and expertise we have in the tech industry. The Aspeq team enjoyed engaging with the students and hearing the great questions they came up with for us. Overall, it was a fantastic day for both students and businesses, and we look forward to hosting more students in the future."

Aspeq is committed to inspiring the next generation of tech professionals and showcasing the diverse career opportunities within the industry. ShadowTech Day 2024 was a resounding success, leaving students excited about their future in tech and eager to explore the endless possibilities ahead.

To learn more about ShadowTech and how you can be involved see their website shadowtech.nz