Women in IT is calling for applications for the Women in IT bursary for South African women entering their final year of IT or ICT studies in 2016.
In addition to empowering women in IT fields, the bursary aims to assist students who are financially disadvantaged, determined to succeed and who want to make an impact on the ICT industry.
Winners will be announced before 30 November 2015, and awarded a bursary fund of R20 000 - R30 000. Applications close on 30 October.
To apply, students must submit a motivation of +/-500 words explaining why they should be awarded the bursary and including details of their career aspirations and examples of situations in which they have demonstrated knowledge or skills that suggest they will succeed in the IT industry.
Motivations must be submitted along with the student's personal details (name, ID number, e-mail address and contact number), details of the student's academic and professional history and experience, and contact details of at least two referees (including name and professional title or relationship with the student).
Applications must be sent via e-mail, titled "WIIT Bursary Submission", to nonceba@fizzmarketing.co.za.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview with the Women in IT panel during November 2015.
Winners must be willing to be photographed and interviewed for publicity purposes, and supply monthly reports to Women in IT for the duration of the academic year, as well as two main reports, submitted after semester exams and accompanied by a report from an ambassador (selected by the winner) at the winner's institution of study.
In addition, winners must make themselves available for a full-day psychometric test, conducted by a professional psychologist who will offer career advice and guidance. The cost of this test, valued at R5 000, is included in the bursary fund.
Current Winner
Simphiwe Mashinini will soon complete her BSc in IT at North-West University.
"It's very motivational to be part of an organisation that empowers women in a male-dominated industry," says Mashinini of the bursary, adding that seeing Women in IT's support for her has been encouraging for her fellow women IT students.
Mashinini aims to gather some workplace experience before deciding on an area of focus for her honours degree. She says she is currently most taken with Web development.
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