Ella Cooper-Levin

Ella Cooper-Levin's study enabled her to pursue her passion for computer coding and launch a career in digital business.

Ella studied a Bachelor of Computing and Mathematical Science with Honours*, and says she chose Waikato for its strong computer science reputation. Studying in the region also allowed her the flexibility to pursue her other passion, horse riding, where she excels as a dressage rider, from her home in Te Kauwhata.  

“Studying at Waikato allowed me the flexibility to work with my horses while earning a highly respected degree,” says Ella. During her studies, she received a Blues Award for her riding and worked as an intern coding one of New Zealand’s largest online equestrian event listing websites.

“A degree at Waikato lets you try different disciplines and discover your interests, and it exposes you to the real working world. I found I enjoy digital business, which complements coding. I’m now working as a technical business analyst, being the link between website developers and clients.”

Ella also enjoyed Waikato’s clubs and was involved in the Computer Science Students Society.

“Waikato has a lot of clubs, and I met other students just like me.”

Ella received several scholarships to support her study, including the ‘Ko Te Tangata’ School Leaver Scholarship, the Sir William and Lady Judi Gallagher Foundation Scholarship, and the Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu Scholarship.

*The BCMS(Hons) which Ella studied, is no longer offered at Waikato, however, two popular three-year Mathematics and Computer Science programmes are on offer, including the Bachelor of Computer Science and the Bachelor of Science in either Mathematics or Computer Science (or both if you choose to do a double-major)