The Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship supports and celebrates women who are beginning careers in technology. Palantir hope to encourage women to pursue computer science, engineering, and technical studies and to become leaders in these fields.
Saloni Hajare, an international student studying the Computer Systems Engineering with a Year in Industry programme, has been awarded one of the 10 Palantir scholarships. After a European wide competitive process, Solani has been chosen and invited to a virtual developmental workshop. Programming will include professional development sessions and breakout discussions with Palantir's engineers. She will also be awarded a grant of £5,500 to support her education.
Palantir Technologies is a software company that builds enterprise data platforms for use by organizations with complex and sensitive data environments. From building safer cars and planes, to discovering new drugs and combating terrorism, Palantir helps customers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors transform the way they use their data.
Saloni commented on the award:
How do you feel about winning the award?
I feel grateful I was able to receive this scholarship and get an opportunity to learn about careers in software engineering specifically, in a large organisation like Palantir. Being an international student, any monetary value that can support my education proves helpful. Along with the award, the experience of networking with like minded students across the globe has been very rewarding.
How will this help you with your course?
The scholarship motivates me to work hard and keep consistency in my coursework. Receiving the scholarship has opened my eyes to opportunities in the software engineering sector. I would like to make use of my modules to develop relevant skills and explore this sector more. Also, understanding if I would like to pursue a career in software development would help me make more informed decisions regarding module choices and my final year project.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Sheffield compared to elsewhere?
I wanted an undergraduate degree in a course that would blend all sciences, mathematics and be a hands-on course. With the structure and modules offered in the Department of Automatic and Control Systems Engineering, I could see all the aspects I wanted from my degree, getting covered. The modules we learn have applications in all industry sectors, and the hands-on labs and project experiences are a great way to test the theoretical knowledge gained. In addition to the course structure, the high quality ongoing research and excellent teaching at the University of Sheffield, were bound to make the experience worth while.The multidisciplinary projects like Global Engineering Challenge and Engineer’s You’re Hired, are a great way to get exposure to working with students from other departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Altogether these aspects of gaining industry relevant skills and also developing soft skills like team working, communication, all as part of my degree made the University of Sheffield a natural choice for me.