2024 Illuminate scholarship program – applications now open

Interested in a career change into tech?

Applications are now open for Shine’s 2024 Illuminate scholarship program. We would love to speak to candidates from diverse backgrounds which are traditionally underrepresented in the tech industry.

Shine’s Illuminate program demonstrates our commitment to driving diversity in Australia’s tech community by offering scholarships for software engineering training programs. Scholars are also paired with a Shine mentor who will support them through their journey and introduce them to industry events and Guild meetups.

Below you can read about our two 2023 Illuminate scholars reflecting on their first two months in their new careers.

Apply for Illuminate

Annabelle

What does a typical day look like for you?

Together with other Shine consultants, I work as part of a team of Software Engineers at a Client’s site. Each morning, we meet for a progress update. After this, I spend the majority of the day coding and working in collaboration with other team members to find technical solutions for tasks. However, every day looks a little different. There are a number of team meetings to discuss and plan projects and tasks, showcase completed work and provide feedback.

Is there anything you didn’t expect or that has surprised you in your day-to-day work as a software engineer?

This may not be universally applicable. However, in my daily work I was surprised how much and how close the collaboration not only within the team is but also between different teams.

What is your favourite thing about working as a software engineer?

Continuous learning is an integral part of being a Software Engineer, and I find it particularly exciting due to the rapid pace of innovation in the field. It offers a constant stream of new concepts and technologies to explore and master.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to begin their study?

Software engineering can be a vast and complex field, and it easily feels overwhelming, especially when starting out. My advice would be to break down learning goals into small, manageable tasks and ask many, many questions. Some concepts may be confusing and not make sense in the beginning, but the puzzle pieces will eventually start coming together.

Shima

What does a typical day look like for you?

On my typical day, we start with our daily stand-up meeting where each team member shares updates on their task progress and discusses any challenges they’re encountering. Afterwards, we dive into our individual tasks, which may involve adding new features or troubleshooting existing issues. Throughout the day, we keep in touch with team members to exchange ideas, conduct testing, and collaborate on various tasks.

Is there anything you didn’t expect or that has surprised you in your day-to-day work as a software engineer?

Before I began working as a software engineer, I had the impression that the job primarily required utilizing one’s own knowledge and experience to address challenges. However, I quickly learned that this wasn’t the case. Even highly experienced engineers frequently turn to online searches to solve problems. I’ve come to understand that success in software engineering relies on effectively utilizing available resources and fostering creativity.

What is your favourite thing about working as a software engineer?

When transitioning to a new field, it’s evident that a significant learning journey awaits. However, what truly excites me about being a software engineer is the never-ending process of learning. There’s always something new to discover, and the ever-evolving nature of the tech industry offers endless opportunities for growth. As someone who finds fulfillment in venturing beyond comfort zones and embracing fresh opportunities, this profession is a perfect fit for me.

What advice would you give to anyone looking to begin their study?

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the diversity of coding structures you’ll encounter. With continued learning and practice, your understanding and skills will naturally improve over time. Moreover, don’t feel pressured to master everything before beginning your job. Concentrate on your studies, and have confidence that supportive colleagues will be there to guide you as you enter the workforce.