Engineering an exciting future in tech
When Georgia Barrand first considered studying software engineering, it wasn’t just about coding. For her, it was the perfect blend of “art, science, maths and language”—a multidisciplinary field that offered endless possibilities.

“I had an amazing Digital Technologies teacher in high school who really nurtured my interest and gave me so many opportunities to explore,” says Georgia. “But what really sealed the deal was attending the Tech Day for Girls run by the Women in Tech club at Vic. It gave me a glimpse into what studying software engineering would be like and introduced me to a community of like-minded women.”
Now graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Software Engineering from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Georgia is preparing to deliver the graduation speech on behalf of her cohort—an honour she describes as “incredible” and “a full-circle moment.”
“There were times when I really struggled during my degree and even questioned whether I’d finish. To now be standing at the end, representing my peers, is incredibly humbling. I hope to use my speech to express my gratitude and celebrate the resilience of everyone graduating alongside me.”
Georgia’s decision to stay in her hometown of Wellington to study was shaped by more than just the University’s strong reputation and internationally accredited BE(Hons) degree.
“Wellington has this amazing tech scene and a real entrepreneurial energy,” she explains. “There are so many start-ups and established companies here—it just made sense to stay. Plus, you really can’t beat Wellington on a good day! I love the blend of nature and city, the café culture, and the welcoming community.”
During her time at Te Herenga Waka, Georgia threw herself into student life. She became actively involved in clubs, including the VUW Women in Tech club, where she eventually took on a leadership role.
“That club gave me a strong network of supportive, inspiring women. Being part of it—and helping others feel welcomed—was one of the highlights of my time at uni.”
Her studies also opened up early professional opportunities. Through the University’s industry connections, Georgia joined the Summer of Tech programme in her first year, securing an internship with a local start-up. The experience gave her the confidence to apply for a highly competitive internship with Google the following year—and she got it.
“I spent that summer working on Google Maps in Sydney, which was just an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to be invited back the next year, too.”
Georgia currently works as a full-time software engineer at Google, still working on Google Maps—something she describes as “incredibly rewarding.”
“I love being part of a collaborative team that’s building a product that helps millions of people every day. I’m really passionate about user-centred design and creating purposeful products. In the long term, I’d love to move into engineering management—supporting and enabling others to succeed is something I’ve discovered I really enjoy.”
Reflecting on her time at university, Georgia credits her success to both the academic environment and the community of support around her.
“One of the best parts of uni was having a close-knit group of friends. We supported each other through the tough times and celebrated the wins together. That sense of camaraderie made the experience so much richer.”
“This degree is a marathon, not a sprint. Make time for things outside of study, and set boundaries. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—it’s a hard degree, and no one gets through it alone. And most importantly, know that you belong. Everyone learns differently, and those differences are what help us solve problems in innovative ways.”
From a high school student discovering tech for the first time to a Google engineer and graduate speaker, Georgia’s journey is one of hard work, resilience, and a passion for using technology to make a difference.
“It feels bittersweet to be graduating,” she says. “But I’m so excited to take everything I’ve learned and use it to create things that matter.”