Inspiring Young Women in Science: Melaia Korobure
Melaia Korobure: Early Decisions
Melaia and her family migrated from Fiji to New Zealand in 2009, where Melaia could have a better education and pursue a wider array of career options. Here, she was able to see the impact technology was having on the wider world and how it was making every day people's lives easier.
As a High School senior, Melaia was undecided about which career path to follow, and while she had a deep interest in the technology sector, she first thought about pursuing a Tourism degree. Her parents knew she was passionate about technology, so they sat her down to discuss the possibility of studying a subject related to computers at university instead.
Choosing to Study Computer Science as a Woman
Melaia was determined to enter the technology sector, and applied to Auckland University of Technology (AUT) to study a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. AUT degrees are all focused on the practical, not just theory, and require students to get hands-on with what they're learning.
Melaia says, "When it comes to technology, jobs continue to evolve. Some jobs that do not exist today, will be available in five years." She wants young girls to keep in mind that Computer Science is challenging, but it is also fun because it changes every day. There are always new problems to solve and new developments taking place.
Encouraging Girls to Pursue STEM Subjects
In 2019 Melaia accompanied a not for profit organization to Fiji for a STEM camp. This STEM camp focused its efforts on teachers and thirty-something middle school girls. In the first week, Melaia worked with New Zealand professors to discuss STEM with teachers. In the second week, the STEM camp focused its efforts on inspiring young girls to become passionate about the endless possibilities related to STEM.
Not Sure About a STEM Career? Look Inward
Melaia encourages girls who are undecided about whether or not they should pursue a STEM career to look inward: "sit down with a mentor or teacher and talk about the STEM subjects and topics you love and feel passionate about. Author Simon Sinek wrote about the importance of understanding your "why" in life in his book Start with Why. His research found that your "why" all comes down to values. His research found that when you identify your values behind why you want something you increase the likelihood of achieving it. For Melaia, her "why" is her family. "I want to work hard and build a better future for my family," she said. "I want more financial security for my family." As the eldest child of a Fijian family with deep cultural roots, she wants to be an example for her younger brothers.
Melaia Puts in the Necessary Work to Make It Happen
Computer Science has been an arduous degree program. Computer labs can last for two or three hours. The workload is strenuous, and the requirements are great. Throughout the long semesters, Melaia reminds herself that her family invested so much so she could pursue her dream career. It is obvious that she values her family very much.
Melaia does not let any obstacle stand in her way. When she needs help, she books appointments with peer mentors, teaching assistants, and professors. She finds academic support at her university to ensure she understands the content in her classes.
How a STEM Career Can Change Your World View
Ever since Melaia started studying Computer Science, she has built up such a strong enthusiasm for the way technology shapes our world. "Computer Science has changed the way I view the world. I look at everything and ask myself how tasks could be made easier." I'm always thinking about how a task can be automated?" Melaia is currently a Research & Insight Analyst intern at Auckland Tourism, Events, & Economic Development. When asked about future roles she sees herself in, she said, "I'm most interested in project management, procurement, and data analysis."