In this special live-recorded episode of The Machine, Rob O’Connor hosts a panel discussion following a viewing of the CodeGirl documentary at SETU Waterford. The event brought together a group of secondary school students to explore pathways into computing and to hear real-life stories from women working and studying in the field.

Rob is joined by Dr Indrakshi Dey (Walton Institute), Ava Neary (Applied Computing student and cybersecurity intern), and Amanda Freeman-Gater (Assistant Head of the Computing & Mathematics Department at SETU). Together they reflect on themes raised in the film — teamwork, creativity, and breaking gender stereotypes — while also sharing their own journeys into technology, including the challenges of maths anxiety, imposter syndrome, and changing career paths.

Whether you’re considering a future in computing or supporting someone who is, this episode offers honest, insightful, and encouraging perspectives on what it means to build a career in tech.

Useful links:

• Computing Courses at SETU: https://www.setu.ie/computing
• Walton Institute: https://www.waltoninstitute.ie
• CodeGirl documentary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5086438/
• Dr. Indrakshi Dey: https://waltoninstitute.ie/about/staff/dr-indrakshi-dey
• Amanda Freeman-Gater: https://www.setu.ie/staff/amanda-freeman-gater
• Rob O’Connor: https://www.setu.ie/staff/robert-oconnor

Are you interested in studying computing but feel a bit daunted by entering a field that can seem overwhelming? As professional computer science educators, we are often asked questions by prospective students about what’s actually involved in studying computing, the types of roles one can expect after graduating, the skills a student needs, and more. For this episode, we tried to distil some of those common questions into a podcast. If you’re someone who thinks computing is only for math wizards and “hardcore” programmers, this is the podcast for you! (Spoiler alert: The answer is NO!)

We discuss tech innovation and how ethical IT professionals can have a positive impact on the world. We also explore the hidden perks of IT careers, beyond the good salaries.

Join Amanda Freeman-Gater, TJ McDonald, and Rob O’Connor - all from the Department of Computing and Mathematics at SETU - for an easy-to-follow conversation on why you should study computing.

Useful Links:

Articles

• Careers Portal – Information Technology https://careersportal.ie/sectors/sectors.php?sector_id=8
• Brightwater Salary Survey 2024 https://online.flippingbook.com/view/692494949/
• Technological university graduates more likely to be employed after leaving college (Irish Times) https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2024/12/19/technological-university-graduates-more-likely-to-be-employed-after-leaving-college/
• The highest paying sectors for new graduates (BusinessPlus) https://businessplus.ie/business-insights/highest-paid-graduates/

Courses

• BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (SE600) https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-computer-science-common-entry
• BSc (Hons) in Software Systems Development https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-software-systems-development
• BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics and Security (SE602) https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-computer-forensics-and-security
• BSc (Hons) in Creative Computing https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-hons-in-creative-computing
• BSc in Information Technology https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-in-information-technology
• BSc in Creative Computing https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-in-creative-computing
• BSc in Software Systems Development https://www.setu.ie/courses/bsc-in-software-systems-development

Personal profiles

• Amanda Freeman-Gater https://www.setu.ie/staff/amanda-freeman-gater
• TJ McDonald https://www.setu.ie/staff/tj-mcdonald
• Robert O’Connor https://www.setu.ie/staff/robert-oconnor

Coming out of our latest Computing Week on campus in SETU, Rob spoke with two members of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau – Detective Sergeant Eoin O’Connell and Detective Noel O’Gorman. They spoke about the work of the Bureau, how cybercrime threats have evolved over the past few years and what individual and organisations can do to help protect themselves. TRIGGER WARNING: the podcast includes discussion of offences around online sexual abuse and child pornography. The conversation is not graphic but listeners may want to exercise discretion.

By an amazing coincidence, in the period from when the interview was recorded and published, SETU has been the victim of a cyberattack. At the time of podcast publication, all systems on the Waterford campus are offline and the site is under active investigation. So the podcast is particularly timely for the SETU community …

For more information on the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, please visit https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/organised-serious-crime/garda-national-cyber-crime-bureau-gnccb-/ To keep up to date with The Machine or for any follow-ups, you can contact Rob via the SETU website https://www.setu.ie/staff/robert-oconnor