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Student Programme

Become a future leader with Soda's STEM Futures Accelerator

Designed for ambitious STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) students, this four-week part-time accelerator provides you with the tools to become a confident and creative problem solver. The accelerator programme introduces you to the exciting job opportunities available in STEM and connects you to change-makers and industry leaders.

The programme runs for four weeks and complements your full-time work, with an incredible line up of speakers, site visits, networking and professional development opportunities.

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STEM Futures Accelerator

During this four-week part-time programme, a cohort of STEM students will participate in site visits to leading Waikato technology companies and have the opportunity to hear firsthand what it’s like to work and build a career in start-ups, scale-ups and large businesses. You’ll learn tools and frameworks to foster creative thinking, explore emerging STEM trends, navigate STEM career pathways and become part of a community of like-minded students. An optional and highly valued extra is the mentorship squads you can join, where you'll be matched with an industry-leading mentor to help with your career development for 12 weeks!

Who should apply?

The STEM Futures Accelerator complements your internship or other full-time job commitments and is designed to be a launchpad for your career. Completing the programme will look great on your CV!

There is a time commitment of up to five hours each week for four weeks.

To be eligible you must be:

Studying science, technology, engineering or maths at a university or Institute of Technology
In your second year or study and above (Bachelor, Postgraduate or PhD level)
Living in the Waikato region for the duration of the accelerator programme
Curious about a career in STEM
A dedicated self-starters who enjoys solving problems
Keen to meet a community of like-minded industry leaders and students

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

About the programme

Each week will comprise of one online session and one site visit (except week one where both sessions are in-person). Online sessions will run in the evening and in-person sessions/site visits will be held at the end of the work day.

Week One

Monday 27th & Wednesday 29th November

Purpose and Opportunities

Week Two

Monday 4th & Wednesday 6th December

Creative Thinking

Week Three

Monday 11th & Wednesday 13th December

Problem Solving

Week Four

Monday 18th & Wednesday 20th December

Pitch and Graduation

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MORE DETAILS TO COME!

Dates and important info

18 September Applications open

10 November Applications close

27 November Accelerator starts

20 December Graduation

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To Apply

Please fill in the application form below.

Learn More

Apply for STEM Futures Accelerator

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What our students say

What our RISE UP 2022 winner said

I found the Soda student programme to be of enormous value, not only for the ability to network with other interns and professionals in the industry, but also to start thinking about my future and sharpen up some of my skills and understanding of the technological space.

My favourite part of the programme was going on the site tours and seeing the different ways of working across various sized companies. Another standout, was the art to presenting session by Sacha Coburn, which changed the way I view presenting, something that I have incorporated in my roles at university, as well as moving forward in my career.

- Brandon Fletcher, Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), University of Waikato

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