Isabel finds IT factor with scholarship support

Isabel Rigby is proud to be an Indigenous woman in technology and hopes to shape a positive future for the industry.

Women still remain widely underrepresented in Information Technology (IT) roles and with the help of the Arrow Energy Go Further Indigenous Scholarship' the Bigambul nation woman and CQUniversity Associate Degree of Information Technology student wants to help improve this employment gap.

"I have always found technology fascinating and enjoy learning how software and applications are designed'" Ms Rigby said.

"While this initial interest inspired me to first enrol' the more I learnt about IT throughout my studies' the more my passion to make an impact grew.

"I'm extremely grateful to Arrow Energy and CQU for making this opportunity possible and I am touched by the support I have received.

"My scholarship has helped reduce the financial burden and stress of living expenses' to which I am now able to reduce my hours of work to spend more time focusing on my studies."

The Sunshine Coast student explained that the additional financial support' coupled with the and flexible online study options helped to set her up for success.

"This has helped me to maintain my study load and finish my degree sooner while working. Studying online has its challenges' but it has also been incredibly rewarding'" she said.

"I am still not sure exactly what area of IT I want to specialise in' but fortunately thanks to my scholarship' I have the time to dedicate to my studies and figure that out.

"I plan to graduate next year and hopefully build my skills through a graduate program. I can't wait to start the next step of my career."

The Arrow Energy Go Further Indigenous Scholarship program is the company's partnership with leading Queensland universities and provides scholarships of $5000 for part-time students and $10'000 for full-time students.

The CQUniCares Scholarship program changes lives and CQUni is grateful to partner with organisations like Arrow Energy who share the University's passion for making a difference in the lives of our students' their families and our communities.

Scholarship applications for Term 1' 2021 are opening in early October. Visit www.cqu.edu.au/scholarships for further information' including eligibility requirements and upcoming closing dates.