Meet CSESoc!
What is CSESoc?
CSESoc is the constituent society for all students who study Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Bioinformatics Engineering, and Masters of IT. Essentially, if you study one of these degrees you're automatically apart of the society!
We cater to CSE students by running:
- Social events to help you meet like-minded people
- Workshops so you can learn the latest frameworks and technologies
- Study sessions when you're on that COMP1511 grind
- Career events to help connect you with industry leaders
- And many more types of events!
Like our Facebook Page and join our Facebook Group to stay updated on all our exciting events and opportunities.
CSESoc Co-Presidents' Address
Michael Gribben and Shrey Sudhir
Hey everyone! A huge congratulations on getting into UNSW! It's an amazing achievement, and you should be proud of it! University is an amazing time where you have the opportunity to meet new people, discover yourself, and try new things! However, it comes with its own challenges academically, professionally, and socially. University can be pretty rough sometimes, but that’s okay!
It’s pretty intimidating, being pitched together with over 900 other students, some having programmed since the womb, and some who have never coded before! Most people feel a little intimidated when they first start uni (both of us included) but after a few weeks of uni, and getting involved through peer mentoring, games nights, and career talks you can find your niche, make some friends, and feel at home! That’s where the CSESoc community comes in ❤️
To give you a bit of background, CSESoc is a Constituent society associated with the School of Computer Science and Engineering at UNSW (CSE). We represent UNSW students studying a single or a double degree with a Bachelor of Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Bioinformatics Engineering or a Masters of IT, or those doing a course administered by CSE. As of the end of 2020, this totals to 9468 students and counting! Not to mention, there are ~9700 people in COMP1511, your first COMP course at UNSW.
We do our best to support CSE students in all facets of university life. Some of our professional events such as hackathons, mock interviews, and industry Q&As aim to equip you to thrive in your future career! Our social events, like our weekly barbeques and cardboard nights, are great ways to blow off steam. And of course, being a computing society we have our mix of technical workshops, coding competitions and software projects if you want to do something on a keyboard! At the core of what we are trying to do is build connections between you and other CSE students. Peer mentoring is a fantastic way to navigate through the first weeks of uni and our Discord server is there so you bug everyone from a lecturer to a fellow first year!
University is going to provide many awesome opportunities for you over the next few years. Our university experience has been improved enormously by the people we've met and opportunities we've been given by getting involved in CSESoc, which is why we're encouraging you to do the same :) CSESoc is here to support and guide you throughout your degree and make your university experience the best it can be. Students are why CSESoc exists in the first place and we really hope we can help you and support you! Welcome and good luck!
If you ever see us around, don’t hesitate to say hi :)
How can I get involved?
Apart from showing up to as many of our awesome events as you can and being an active member of our community, we can have opportunities for you to be apart of one of our portfolio subcommittees (aka subcoms)!
A portfolio consists of one or two directors and a subcommittee. Being apart of one of our subcoms is a great opportunity for you to meet fellow CSE students and make an impact on the wider CSE community! Whether it's through organising social events, talking with our industry sponsors, producing media content, or helping to create the banners for our many events, (and more!) there's definitely a subcom that fits your interests.
Subcommittee recruitment opens around early Term 1 so Like the CSESoc Facebook page to find out when applications open.
The Exec Team
The Exec are the top dogs of CSESoc! They've been elected by CSESoc members and work hard to set the vision and principles that guide everything we do. They don't have a subcommittee to join, but they keep an eye on all the directors to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Shrey Sudhir
Co-President and Grievance Officer
Hello! My name is Shrey - I'm a third year CS student, and I'm one of the Co-Presidents of CSESoc! Additionally, I'm also the grievance officer :)
Please feel free to contact me (join the discord!) if you have any questions, need help or have any feedback for me or CSESoc!
My role in CSESoc is to help guide the amazing team that we have into creating events, programs, articles, videos, workshops and projects (and more!) for our community.
My advice to first years would be to make the most of every opportunity. Get involved with hackathons, try out some competitions - it's okay to fail, and fail miserably. The fun doesn't come from winning, but from the event itself. University is so much more than just coursework, do everything in your power to make some memories!
Michael Gribben
Co-President
Hi :) I'm Michael and I'm a third year Computer Science student :D While I'm not trying to cure my coffee addiction, I'm ripping off cloud companies for free credits, playing Skyrim, reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (I've read all the books) and pretending I have a life. Occasionally, I do actually code and I like to type with types (Haskell is beautiful). My favourite food is piddling tuna.
Clarence Feng
Secretary
Hi! I'm Clarence and I'm the Secretary for CSESoc. I respond to your emails and messages and make posts and newsletters to inform CSESoc of what's going on. Currently, I'm in my third year of my CS and Sci degree so I'm pretty much an old man now. You'll usually find me reading, watching films, listening to pods, or taking photos. If you're coming in as a first year, it's a great idea to join a few societies and get really involved!
Jiamin Guo
Treasurer
Hallooo! I'm a 3rd yr CS student (used to be CS/Comm, if you want to know why come talk to me :) ). I enjoy reading, painting, watching cdramas and playing with my cats. As treasurer, my job is to manage all the money, from reimbursements to payments and budgeting. Quick tip is to push yourself to go to new environments to make new friends :D Uni offers such a huge variety of people that there's always something to learn from everyone :)
Kaiqi Liang
Arc Delegate
I'm a computing enthusiast, I'm obsessed with Macbooks, always fiddling around my Mac and discovering new things in my spare time as well as learning new things. My only advice for first years is to join CSESoc and you'll be set for your entire degree cause CSESoc is how you could get through uni with ease.
Careers
The Careers team is the driver behind events like company talks, mock interviews, and site visits, and they help equip students with the skills they need to get into the jobs they want. They’re all about helping to open the door to a future in CSE by connecting students to our sponsor companies!
Hailey Jung
Careers Director
Hi my name is Hailey and I'm one of the 4 careers directors in CSESoc! I'm a 3rd and also final year compsci student who is from Korea (SOUTH). In my spare time I like hanging out with my friends to find cool places to eat, going on pinics, going to the beach, and watching youtube, movies on my bed. My biggest advice for first years is to try as many things as possible. Go to many CSESoc events to have fun and make new friends, join different societies, go to uni parties if COVID's over, join and do different projects, programs and competitions to find out what you are interested in. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to make some new friends or need any help. Enjoy your first year :)
Finley Ghosh
Careers Director
Howdy, my name is Finley and I study Comp Sci / Commerce (Finance). I work alongside the amazing Careers team at CSESoc to connect big companies with students to provide more job opportunities while developing professional and soft skills. When I am not working or helping out with CSESoc, I love to sail, ski, and generally be outdoors.
My advice would be always put yourself and your wellbeing first - nothing at uni matters nearly as much as it would first appear when you start out. Don’t overly stress yourself out chasing above a 95 because you have never scored less than 90 on a test before ;) do what you can, but don’t burn yourself out doing it...
On a completely different tack, join as many societies as you can! There are a ludicrous amount of things to do at this uni, some of which you may have never even though of doing. They’re a great way to make friends and develop skills (not to mention remind yourself that uni is so much more than just studying).
Good luck, and happy studying!
Rani Jiang
Careers Director
Stats: Rani | 4th yr Commerce/Comp transferred over from Commerce/INFS after having an existential crisis for two years straight
Interests: Sleeping is the love of my life😴, Kayaking is the 2nd 🚣🏻♀️, Badminton🏸, Bouldering 🧗🏻♀️, Indie Story Games 🌄, Soup Noodle Dishes from every Cuisine 😋
Advice: Lots of people might ask you to "make the most" of your first year, but also remember to it's okay to take your time, make mistakes, and do dumb stuff.
I'm (hopefully🤞) super friendly so chuck me a msg on Facebook, or come say hi if you see me around uni! I guarantee i'm able to make conversation with anyone (else your money back 😉).
Cece Zhu
Careers Director
Hi freshies,
I'm Cece Zhu (or Cece Chawla if you FB stalk), and I'm one of the Careers Directors in 2021. I am a second year straight CS, though I did do Comm/Law before working as a management consultant for a bit. My advice for first years is to get involved, try as many things as you can but keep it balanced. Try to do well in your studies as first year is the easiest but don't stress out too much about it either. Later on, employers will be looking for a balance of academics, extracurriculars, work experience (yes, ordinary part time jobs also count as work experience), side projects, etc. But at the same time they also will want to get to know you as a person, so don't feel guilty about spending time on hobbies and interests. And don't be afraid to ask for help, questions or that coffee chat. Don't ask to ask - just ask.
Projects
Being part of the Projects team means you'll be working on a student-led programming project outside of normal coursework. These projects are to benefit the CSE community, and include a degree planner, a timetabler, and an app to find free rooms at uni!
Esther Wong
Projects Director (Product)
Hi hello welcome! I'm a 3rd year CompSci student who's a fan of art, music (especially oddly specific genres), and TV (few too many reality shows). I'm also in the Projects team, CSESoc's home for student-led projects! I think first year is about trying new things, getting to know your classmates (since you'll be doing mostly the same subjects), and discovering places you belong and can explore your interests.
See you all around, hope you have an absolutely amazing year 🎉
Zac Kologlu
Projects Director (Technical)
Heyo! I'm Zac, and I'm a third year Comp-Sci student. I'm one of the co-directors of the projects subcom, helping manage the technical side of things. As much as I truly love the world of technology, and all the technical skills this university has to offer you, my biggest piece of advice that I consistently give to new first years is to spend your time making as many new friends as you can! Often the people you meet at university will remain life-long friends, so really enjoy these early years as much as possible while you have the chance! Have fun everyone! :^)
CompClub
The CompClub team works hard to set up workshops for high school students to develop an interest in STEM before university. In this team, you’ll cultivate your communication and leadership skills as you help students through various programming, robotics, and web dev workshops.
Haley Gu
CompClub Director
Hey hey! I'm Haley, a third year Computer Science student here and I am also a CompClub co-director for 2021. In my spare time I like to brunch, cook and play Stardew Valley 🌽
Some advice I would give first years would be to try new things but make sure to keep in touch with your friends, and if you don't have many or they don't go to UNSW, then go to some society events and meet new people. Going into uni can be tough as a first year but having a good network of friends, even just a few, can make it so much better!
I'm also always online, so if you need someone to talk to feel free to say hi!
Evan Lee
CompClub Director
Hey I'm Evan, and I'm one of the co-directors of CompClub for 2021. I'm a 4th year Software Engineering student and I'm in charge of an amazing subcommittee that produces and presents workshops teaching programming concepts to high school students ranging from those in year 7 to those who have just graduated year 12 so they can get a head start in tech and meet like minded people. I absolutely love meeting new people and playing badminton, so feel free to hit me up for badminton or other sports, or even just to talk.
My advice for first year students is to not be shy and definitely reach out to ask for help and make friends. Transitioning into uni can be tough sometimes, but you'll love it if you get involved with people and events. Looking forward to seeing you around uni/in my subcomm ;))
Workshops
The Workshops team helps organise all the technical workshops we’ll be providing you throughout the year. These workshops will be to help hone your technical abilities in a wide range of areas often not covered in your COMP subjects, like web development, Vim and Python trading!
James Davidson
Workshops Director
I'm a 3rd year Computer Science and Advanced Mathematics student, although most recently I became one of the CSESoc Workshops directors for 2021. As you can probably tell, I love computers and maths; I may also have a mechanical keyboard addiction. Within CSESoc you'll mostly see me working to organise the workshops we'll be running this year. If you have any questions or thoughts on anything related to workshops, please get in touch with myself or Colin!
My advice for first years is to aim for the right balance so you don't burn out. Being proactive with your uni work is important, but don't neglect the other aspects of uni life!
Colin Hon
Workshops Director
Hi! I'm a third-year student studying Computer Science / Commerce and one of the Workshop Directors. My role in the society is to help students learn cool things in an engaging and fun way through events such as workshops and competitions. In my spare time, I love binge-watching Netflix, playing basketball and video games. My advice for first years would be to take any opportunities that come your way. Uni is the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and explore new things! :D
Socials
The Socials team works to bring together CSE students of all years and experiences to make long-term friendships, through events like CSESoc’s First Year Camp, our weekly BBQs, boardgame nights, pub crawls, hikes, and more!
Evan Lee
Socials Director
"Take this as a lorem ipsum, I'll send something eventually."
Lachlan Ting
Socials Director
Heyyya! I'm Lachlan, a 3rd year Computer Science and Mechatronics Engineering student and one of the Socials Director for CSESoc this year! Together with Evan, we'll plan fun events to give you the opportunity to meet new friends to help you survive through your degree!
Whilst I'm not studying or flipping sausages for our FREE weekly bbqs, you'll find me playing my guitar, travelling to new places and trying out different places to eat!
My tip for first years is to make the most of university. Sounds cliché but its true! For many a degree is only 3/4 years and before you know it, time is up and you're off to work. :( So make the most of it, find new passions, find new friends and make your time at university YOURS. Come say hi to me if you see me around!! :DD
Student Network
The StuNet team helps plan, organise, and run events associated with connecting CSE students from all backgrounds together! One of their biggest programs is CSESoc’s Peer Mentoring program! Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate, domestic or international, the StuNet team will work hard to ensure that you start studies at UNSW CSE on great footing.
Giuliana De Bellis
StuNet Director
Hey! I'm Giuliana, a 2nd year Computer Science student and Student Network Director for this year. I'm here to help you mingle, network, find friends and settle into uni. I get that uni can be confusing and foreign at first, so my aim is to make sure you feel included, supported and confident in our community. You'll probably see me around at peer mentoring and camp! Feel free to approach me about anything :)
Hayes Choy
StuNet Director
My biggest mistake in first year was not joining CSESoc's Peer Mentoring Program. Now I'm running the show to repent for my sins. I'm a 3rd year seng student, feel free to say hi if you see me around :DD
Internals
The Internals portfolio focuses on internal team bonding events within CSESoc! These events are for all subcom members, directors, and exec. So if you join a subcom this year, you'll be given opportunities to get to know people in other subcoms that you wouldn't normally interact with!
An Thy Tran
Internals Director
Hello! 😳 I'm An Thy, the internals director for CSESoc in 2021. I facilitate events for CSESoc's internal community, including executives, directors and subcommittee! That means I get to choose the music in said events.
I study Computer Science and Media Arts, and I'm going into my third year now. At uni, I like having lunch on Anzac Parade and doing art stuff for UNSW Illuminate. In my spare time, I like to make yogurt, compete in karaoke, cook, and draw.
My advice for first years, especially for computer science is to find friends that you can learn with and work on projects with. This is a lot easier to do when you join societies, so you should get involved in CSESoc stuff!
It's hard to find friends, so if you have trouble, you should say hi to me. I have a list of very good icebreakers.
Creative
The Creative team is behind the aesthetic direction and the branding of CSESoc. You'll see their awesome work in our event banners, video thumbnails and merch designs!
Gary Sun
Creative Director
Hi! I’m Gary and I’m in my second year of Computer Science! Along with Sandeep I’m a Creative director and we’re responsible for designing merch, banners, videos - but we’re super open to new ideas and what others have to bring to CSESoc. In my free time, I like hiking, google maps, high vantage points, and listening to slowed/ chill music. My advice for first years would be to actively try out different subjects/hobbies/extra curriculars because you never know what you enjoy or what new people you will meet.
Sandeep Das
Creative Director
Heyy, I’m Sandeep, I’m the Creative director along with Gary. We're basically responsible for the aesthetics of the content pushed out by CSESoc, as well as designing merch. If I could go back in time and be a first year again, I'd tell myself to join societies, do hackathons, case competitions and just take every opportunity to participate in team activities. It's a great way to meet new people and form bonds while being productive. As for me, I enjoy sports like football, mma and climbing. I also like listening to hip hop and rnb.
Marketing
The Marketing team collaborates closely with the Creative team. They manage the CSESoc social media channels (FB, Insta and maybe TikTok soon??), and aim to grow the number of active members of CSESoc.
Edwina Adisusila
Marketing Director
Hi! I’m Edwina and in my 2nd year studying Computer Science. As marketing director, I hope to increase awareness of and encourage engagement in the awesome events and content CSESoc has to offer. I enjoy dancing, listening to music, discovering places with yummy food and spending time with friends and family. My advice for first years is to enjoy and appreciate every little moment because your first year will be over before you know it. Make new friends, explore opportunities and try new things :) If you ever see me around, come say hi!
Edward Wong
Marketing Director
👋Hi, I'm Eddy! A Software Engineering and Commerce Student with an expected graduation date of 2022/2023.
🧐I am also one of the Marketing Directors along with Edwina and hope you enjoy the promotion of content throughout 2020 WON
⏱I tend to enjoy doing passion projects in my spare time and greatly encourage the first years to do so, as it is through passion projects you find your likes and dislikes!
Media
The Media team is committed to producing high quality media content for the CSE community - including but not limited to our podcast Echo, articles, and videos. Through this, the Media team aims to publish content that gets the community talking, as well as record and capture what being apart of CSESoc is like in the present day.
Angeni (or Genie :)) Bai
Media Director
Hello! I’m in second year and studying computer science because frankly it’s the only subject where I look forward to turning up to classes :) As part of Media, I’m keen to help subcom develop new skills and publish awesome content for you to enjoy/learn from/meme. Outside of uni, you can find me playing guitar 🎸, stacking it on my skateboard 🛹🤕, and spending way too long finding Spotify playlist photos 🎶
For First Years, I challenge you to try something new! People at uni are way friendlier than you’d expect (except Ryan maybe), so this is the perfect time to show up at a random event and be surprised by what you do or don’t enjoy. I’m always open to chat (especially about Media and skateboarding 😁), so feel free to reach out anytime on Messenger / Instagram / Discord / Email / TikTok / MySpace / Co-Star / in-person / etc. :)
Ryan King
Media Director
Hey, I’m Ryan! As one of the Media directors this year my job is to bully Genie and occasionally help produce media content with our subcom for CSESoc. I’m a third year Computer Science and Finance student which according to what Clarence said above, means I’m an old man. My advice for first years, apart from taking every opportunity to meet new people, is to make sure to prioritise your physical and mental health! Maintaining that HD WAM is important, sure, but don’t let it get too much in the way of regular exercise, having a good time with your mates, and/or whatever hobbies you like to do to unwind!
Choose your own adventure!
Wanna hear more about what it's like being in CSESoc? Check out the Subcom Q&A, where 4 members of the 2020 subcommittee share their reflections on memories and achievements!
And learn more about one particular portfolio which considers itself the best of them all... (totally unbiased).
Don't like these options? Check out the full roadmap below!