On the 12th of August, Inde welcomed 17 students from Burnside High School to our Christchurch office as part of ShadowTech, a nationwide TechWomen initiative designed to help young women explore careers in technology.
This was our third year participating in the programme, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding opportunities we have to engage with the next generation of talent. Not because we expect every student to pursue a career in technology, but because we want them to leave with a broader understanding of what's possible.
Many young people still associate technology careers with coding or highly technical roles. While those pathways are important, they represent only a small part of a diverse and rapidly evolving industry.
Looking beyond the traditional view of technology
Throughout the day, students met people working across different areas of the industry and learned how a wide range of skills and interests can lead to a successful career in technology.
They heard from Inde Security Director Chris Campbell and a guest speaker from Europol, who shared insights into the world of cybersecurity and the role it plays in protecting organisations and communities. For many students, it was an introduction to a field they may not have previously considered and an opportunity to see the real-world impact technology can have.
Students also took part in a hands-on lock-picking exercise that introduced them to the concept of the "hacker mindset" and encouraged them to think about problem-solving, curiosity and ethical decision-making.
Beyond cybersecurity, the students were introduced to the many different disciplines that contribute to a successful technology business. From marketing and people leadership to learning and development, they saw first-hand that technology organisations rely on diverse perspectives, experiences and skillsets.
No single path into technology
One of the most important messages throughout the day was that there is no single route into the industry.
Many of the people the students met had taken unexpected paths into their current roles. Some started in technical disciplines, while others came from completely different backgrounds. Their stories demonstrated that communication, creativity, leadership, adaptability and curiosity can be just as valuable as technical expertise.
Marketing Director Lisa Pfahlert and GM of People Hayley Wright shared their own career journeys, highlighting the variety of opportunities available within the sector and reinforcing the idea that successful careers rarely follow a straight line.
The day concluded with a presentation from Rachel Hurren, Director of Learning and Development at Inde, who explored the importance of protecting cognitive agility in an increasingly AI-driven workplace and the human skills that will remain essential as technology continues to evolve.
Creating more possibilities
ShadowTech aligns closely with Inde's commitment to creating positive impact through education, equity and community engagement. As an industry, technology continues to face challenges around representation, particularly in some of the more technical disciplines. Improving diversity starts with awareness and access.
The value of ShadowTech lies in helping young people see beyond the stereotypes that often surround technology careers. The students who joined us were exposed to people, careers and experiences that challenged the idea that technology is only for a certain type of person or a certain set of skills.
Whether they left interested in cybersecurity, inspired by AI, curious about leadership, or simply with a better understanding of the opportunities available to them, the outcome is the same: a broader view of what's possible and greater confidence to explore it.
For Inde, that's what makes ShadowTech worthwhile. Not creating future technologists, but helping young people discover new possibilities, challenge assumptions, and leave with a better understanding of an industry that is far broader and more accessible than they may have realised.
