Bridget MacKay

Background

About Bridget MacKay

After studying Psychology for a semester and finding that I enjoyed my statistics subject the most, I realised that the Bachelor of Computer Science would be a better degree for me to study to eventually end up in a career I enjoy. I have always been drawn to and observant of patterns, and this is partly why I enjoyed statistics so much, and did well at it (GPA 7). In the field of IT and computer science, it is essential to be able to recognise patterns - whether in lines of code in a program, or trends in the uptake of a new software. Since beginning this degree, I have learnt a lot of new concepts in Griffith's statistics course, however the essential skills remain the same: critical thinking, good experimental design, and the ability to collect, analyse and present statistical information in a number of ways. Just as all fields of work - whether that be health, business, or education - rely on solid IT and computer support, that support would not be what it is without statistics. These skills are transferable: whether it's analysing the frequency of visitors to a new website, calculating the average number of sales of a product, or investigating the fluctuation of rental prices; I have learnt and will continue to improve the foundational skills that will enable me to collect and represent data in a clear and accurate way. As one of my majors is Data Science and AI, I will always be looking to build on my current skills. In addition, through group and personal assignments, I have developed strong interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work independently. Both are important in the world of IT and computer science, as often programming requires long hours of individual work, but project management is highly interpersonal. I am also not afraid to ask for others' input and feedback on my work, which is evidenced by my being an active participant in online group workshops and discussions in my course. I was the Dux of Emerald State High School in 2020 and graduated with an ATAR of 99.65. These results alone demonstrate my willingness and dedication towards learning and achievement. When taking a gap year, I took the opportunity to develop my business skills. I confidently use online platforms to manage invoicing, scheduling and communication with clients, and I believe this will stand me in good stead for any future career, regardless of the field. Both my hard and soft skills are necessary to having a wide range of employment opportunities when I graduate, so I place importance on both.