Małgorzata Sielska and Natalia Nadolna, who are studying applied computer science, and Julia Różycka, who is studying trusted artificial intelligence systems, are among 25 young women from Poland honoured in the New Technologies for Girls program. Congratulations!

Three students from our Faculty were recognized by Intel and the Perspektywy Educational Foundation as part of the New Technologies for Girls program. Małgorzata Sielska, Natalia Nadolna and Julia Różycka were among 25 young women in Poland who received scholarships of over 10,000 PLN and a chance to learn with the help of mentors – experienced Intel employees.

A few days ago, future IT specialists received scholarships during a ceremony in Gdańsk. Each of them has specific plans on how to use the additional opportunity for development.

Fascinated by Java and Python

“The scholarship I received will certainly be a huge support in developing my career in the IT industry. It is worth remembering that in addition to financial support, the scholarship holders also receive help from a mentor,” says Małgorzata Sielska, a student of applied computer science. “Together with my mentor, we will work on developing my soft skills, which will be extremely valuable in my future work. In addition, the mentor will help me write a professional CV and prepare for job interviews.

Małgorzata Sielska explains that she is currently most interested in Java and Python. “I find them fascinating”! she says and adds that when it comes to plans after graduation, she does not have a specific vision yet. “Currently, I am open to what the future will bring”! she adds.

A dream to work in Formula 1

Julia Różycka is studying trusted artificial intelligence systems. She believes that the scholarship is a really important distinction.

“I know that this year many talented students and high school graduates applied in the program. It's an amazing feeling when you're among a handful of people who got into this edition of the program,” she says.
She also assures that the prize is not where she wants to stop – she wants to make the most of the scholarship's potential and invest in her development: “I intend to participate in conferences and events related to new technologies, and above all to AI and Data Science, so that I can meet experts in this industry and make new contacts that are so important in career development,” she adds.

“Thanks to the mentoring program, I’m sure that this will be a year of intensive development and valuable experiences. I hope that working with a mentor will help me in both my professional and personal development – in understanding what my goals are and how I can achieve them.
I have already mentioned that I am interested in artificial intelligence and data science, in which I am currently gaining professional experience. After graduation, I plan to continue to develop in this field as intensively (or even more intensively, if possible :)) and strive to gain experience in the automotive industry. My dream is to work as a data scientist in Formula 1. I want to contribute to the development of advanced technological solutions that can benefit society. In the future, I do not rule out the possibility of conducting my own research projects or starting a company to pursue my passions and professional goals.

An AI/ML engineer

Natalia Nadolna is most interested in artificial intelligence, and more specifically, in neural networks and image processing.
“I'm not sure yet what I would like to do after graduation, perhaps work as an AI/ML engineer. I hope that the program will show me various possibilities and will help me better define my plans for the future,” says Natalia Nadolna. She hopes that the mentoring project will help her choose and develop her career path and verify her ideas about it.

“I think it will be a great opportunity to get to know yourself better, your strengths and predispositions, and work on what needs improvement. I hope to gain experience and knowledge, both theoretical and practical, that will help me in my professional life,” she adds. “In addition to mentoring, the New Technologies for Girls program also provides an opportunity to complete an internship at Intel. Working in such a company will certainly be a very valuable experience. I haven't thought about money yet, but I would definitely like to invest it in myself in some way.

In the IT world, the proportions of women and men are disturbed

Prof. Adrianna Kozierkiewicz from the Department of Applied Computer Science believes that the New Technologies for Girls program is a great initiative, important in the further career development of young women.

“Currently, the proportions of women and men in the labour market are distorted, especially in engineering, technical and managerial positions. This can be changed already at the recruitment stage,” says Prof. Kozierkiewicz. “The promotion of technical universities (through such programs as ‘Girls for Technical Universities’) and then all kinds of programs supporting young women are very important from the point of view of European Union policy. With support provided already during studies, young women will be able to develop and achieve further success in the STEM field.

Prof. Kozierkiewicz observes that there are 82 girls out of 548 students in the first cycle of applied computer science. In the second cycle, there are 35 young women out of 171 all students. The proportions of women and men in the field of applied computer science in English are similar – in the first cycle: 30 per 156, in the second cycle: 6 per 27. These numbers mean that only 15-20% of all applied computer science students are women.

“My experience and observations (I am a graduate of computer science at the Faculty of Computer Science and Management) show that these proportions have not changed in the past 20 years” notes the scientist. “When I started my studies, girls represented about 40 out of almost 250 accepted students. So girls are still less willing to choose technical and engineering fields than their male counterparts. These proportions are very similar in other technical universities. The report by Perspektywy and OPI-PIB "Women at technical universities 2023" shows that at both public and private universities, the share of women among students of these IT fields did not exceed one fifth.

Does the Department of Applied Computer Science take special care of women? “We care about all students regardless of gender, origin or race. We use the same evaluation criteria for everyone. We try to inspire and encourage both male and female students to take part in numerous activities’” explains Prof. Kozierkiewicz. “We believe that example is the best teacher, as evidenced by as many as 10 female scientists in our Department. Their scientific and teaching successes are the best illustration that women excel in science and technology!