At WiseTech, innovation starts with people. To build the operating system for global trade and logistics, we rely on smart, curious, and diverse minds working together.
Through our Earn & Learn program, we create opportunities for young, skilled programmers to fast track their tech career through immersive hands-on software engineering employment at WiseTech while they complete their university degree. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and be part of a high-performing team from day one.
Amy Zhou was just 18 when she joined our very first Earn & Learn cohort in 2023. Quiet and introverted, she never imagined she’d become a mentor for others.
Today, she’s grown into a confident software engineer, a trusted guide for new starters, and a role model for women in tech.
A pathway to coding
Amy’s technical journey began in high school, where she built games in Unity using C#. She credits her teacher for introducing her to programming opportunities.
"Our teacher was really amazing, and she told us about things we could do outside of school to explore coding – that’s how I learned about the Girls Programming Network," Amy explains.
These events inspired Amy’s passion for software engineering and opened early opportunities to help others.
Mentoring tomorrow’s tech leaders
Amy has become a trusted guide for new starters in the Earn & Learn Program, helping them navigate their first steps in tech – as an adult professional working in a real company.
Mentoring is a key aspect of the culture at WiseTech, especially for our Earn & Learn associates. They are closely guided through this new phase of life: starting university, entering professional work, and for some even relocating to a new city.
“Mentoring is more about people than technical skills. As a mentor, it’s about building trust and helping them feel confident and connected in a new environment with new people,” Amy shares.
Mentoring new cohorts wasn’t something Amy imagined for herself. As a self-confessed introvert, it was a role that took her out of her comfort zone and helped her continue to learn and grow.
“I naturally lean toward mentoring. I’m introverted, but I’ve found that putting myself in new situations helps me grow, and I enjoy it,” she shares.
Evolving from learner to leader
Today, Amy enjoys working as an Associate Software Engineer in the CargoWise Ratings team, part of our International Logistics team.
Thinking at scale is a core foundation of WiseTech's development approach, helping engineers to consider their work within the context of a rapidly growing business.
“We aim to be pioneers in logistics tech so innovation ties into our culture. Software allows for exponential impact, so we need to consider many use cases,” Amy says.
“Software engineering is about solving problems and adapting to new information. The landscape is always changing, so you need to stay open and keep learning.”
Success is built on connection
WiseTech’s culture thrives on openness, encouragement, and collaboration. It’s a workplace shaped by bold, authentic values that are lived every day.
One of the most unique aspects of the WiseTech way of working is its flat, open structure – supporting organic learning and connection. A key mantra valued across the business is: “Anyone can talk to anyone at any time for any reason.”
Amy encourages others to take the chance to learn from colleagues, ask questions and make new connections.
“You should really make the most of the opportunity to turn around and start a conversation with someone. Students outside of WiseTech are trying hard to reach out to others on LinkedIn to arrange a coffee chat. but here, everyone’s approachable and willing to share.”
Amy draws inspiration from fellow female software engineers who’ve made a lasting impact during her time at WiseTech.
“My colleagues Zeyneb and Rianna created the Young Women in Engineering Network here and I admire how hard they both work. My manager Azi created an inclusive environment and always makes time for everyone. She is a strong advocate for our involvement in the Earn & Learn program and show other young women they can succeed in tech,” Amy shares.
From programming to pot plants
Outside of work you’ll find Amy tending to her garden, including her three chickens.
“I actually really enjoy gardening,” Amy says. “When I’m working from home, I let them roam in the garden. They lay one or two eggs a day! I just have to make sure they don’t eat all the plants.”
Looking to the future
With her final year of study at UTS ahead, Amy is excited to keep growing and to inspire the next generation of engineers to do the same.
“In my first year at WiseTech, I didn’t feel confident enough to participate in conversations like this. Now, I am. I can see how far I’ve come.”
Amy’s advice to young people starting out in tech is simple and clear.
“Ask questions. Be curious. And stay flexible!”