The Great Debate: CS or not CS?

THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT - https://finder.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GJ7HBAe8Rqy91_v6mV1vhA

Inspired by a recent article by Sydney based Software Engineer, Taryn Ewens (https://bit.ly/2UB5kxE), we're going to debate the importance of a grounding in computer science as an entry requirement for software developers and engineers at many companies today.

Women remain poorly represented in technology and one prevalent barrier is the persistence of a requirement for CS principles. The question is, how relevant is this today and are there alternatives that would enable more women to participate?

David Lowe, Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Engineering & IT at The University of Sydney told us that Computer Science degrees have always fostered an unhealthy competitive mindset - all about being the best coder. Their research brought groundbreaking progress in 2017 when they introduced changes that saw an increase of women enrolling from 16% in 2017 to 29% in 2018! Critically, they shifted from "smartest coder" to a broader rationale of solving real-world problems. How? Moved from a 3 year to a 4-year degree, with 3-year exit option and the requirement to do a CS major and a second major (eg. psychology, UI etc).

So, can this thinking be applied in corporations too? We need to hear both sides of the debate! And we have a stellar panel putting forward all angles for consideration: Brendan Humphreys (Canva), Mahesh Muralidhar (Airtasker/Simply Wall St), Ted Tencza (Prospa), Paul Keen (Qantas), Roisin Parkes (Gumtree), Andrew Harvey (Microsoft), Joe Waller (Finder).

Project F and Canva are proud to sponsor this event. As usual, members attending will be expected to participate as we 'hack' outcomes.

We will also be announcing the winners of our Inaugural MCC AWARDS.