Asiera was delighted to renew its partnership with the Teen-Turn Programme this summer, welcoming a group of young students for two weeks of hands-on learning, career exploration and insight into the diverse opportunities available across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The programme forms part of Asiera’s ongoing commitment to the goals of our Gender Equality Plan, supporting initiatives that encourage young women to explore STEM subjects and careers. By providing meaningful access to technology, industry expertise and positive role models, we can help build confidence, broaden career aspirations and contribute to a strong and diverse future talent pipeline.
A Hands-on Introduction to Technology
The first week gave participants the opportunity to explore a wide range of technologies, disciplines and career paths across Asiera.
Our Networks Team demonstrated the work involved in designing, managing and supporting the network infrastructure that keeps Ireland’s education and research community connected. The session provided an insight into the role of network engineers and the technology behind the connectivity we rely on every day.
The Innovation, Research & Development Team introduced the group to the emerging field of quantum technology through a briefing and practical workshop, offering participants a glimpse into some of the technologies that could shape the future.
Our Schools Team explored topics including IP addresses, firewalls and content filtering. The learning was brought to life through a practical challenge in which participants worked together to troubleshoot technology issues within a fictional school environment.
The students also spent time with our Project Management and Service Delivery Teams, gaining valuable insights into the wide range of roles involved in delivering technology services. These sessions also provided practical advice on career planning and developing a successful career strategy.
Exploring Careers, Cybersecurity and Creativity
Week two continued with a combination of discussion, practical workshops and opportunities to hear directly from Asiera colleagues about their own career journeys.
The programme began with open conversations around some of the barriers young women can face when considering STEM subjects and careers. Discussions explored the importance of visibility and access during secondary school, as well as the positive impact that strong role models can have on career aspirations.
Members of our Cyber Risk & Compliance Team shared their experiences and introduced participants to the different career pathways available within cybersecurity, risk and compliance.
The students also had an opportunity to get creative through a software development session, learning coding fundamentals and putting their new skills into practice by programming robots.
The programme highlighted that careers in technology extend well beyond traditional technical roles. Participants explored opportunities across areas including Public Relations, Marketing and Communications, Legal and Regulatory Services, Human Resources, and Training and Development, demonstrating the wide variety of skills and career paths that contribute to a technology organisation.
Practical career workshops covered LinkedIn profile development, social media content creation, CV writing, interview preparation and business storytelling, equipping participants with skills that will support them well beyond the programme.
Bringing Cybersecurity to Life
Cybersecurity proved to be a particular highlight, with a session on Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking generating considerable interest and plenty of questions from the group.
This was followed by a session with Asiera’s Security Operations Team, providing a real-world perspective on how cybersecurity works in practice. Participants gained an insight into the role of a Security Analyst and what a typical day within a Security Operations environment can involve.
These sessions helped demonstrate that cybersecurity is a constantly evolving field, offering opportunities for people with a wide range of technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Seeing Connectivity in Action at DCU
To round off the programme, the students visited the DCU campus for a behind-the-scenes look at the technology and infrastructure supporting a modern university.
The group explored one of DCU’s state-of-the-art lecture theatres, learning how the different devices and systems within the room connect to the wider network. They then followed the journey of that connectivity through local communications facilities and into DCU’s central IT infrastructure.
The experience provided a valuable perspective on the often-unseen digital infrastructure that enables thousands of students and staff to connect, teach, learn and collaborate every day.
Seeing this connectivity in action helped bring the concepts explored throughout the two-week programme to life and demonstrated the vital role that digital infrastructure plays in supporting education, research and innovation.
Supporting the Next Generation
A key strength of the Teen-Turn programme is the opportunity for participants to engage directly with people working across different areas of technology. Hearing about colleagues’ experiences, career journeys and pathways into the sector can help make STEM careers feel more accessible and achievable.
‘We would like to thank all of our colleagues across Asiera who contributed their time, knowledge and enthusiasm throughout the programme. It was fantastic to see so many teams come together to support and encourage the next generation of women in STEM’
Nathalie Donnelly, Asiera Employee Support Co-Ordinator and Mentor, TeenTurn Week at Asiera
Through partnerships such as Teen-Turn, Asiera is proud to play a role in creating greater awareness of STEM opportunities and helping young people develop the skills, confidence and ambition to pursue rewarding careers in technology.