Kornelia Błaszczuk
Computer Science student at the Warsaw University of Technology
Kornelia Błaszczuk – Computer Science student at the Warsaw University of Technology and participant in a double degree program at Kyungpook National University in South Korea. She is passionate about artificial intelligence and its practical applications in solving real-world problems. She actively takes part in mentoring and development programs that help expand her horizons and build both technical and soft skills. In her free time, she engages in volunteer work – believing that helping others is not only valuable in itself but also an important part of personal growth. Kornelia embraces new challenges with courage and encourages others not to wait for the “perfect moment,” but to take action – even when something feels out of reach.
Kornelia, what are you currently doing professionally? And what would you ultimately like to do?
I’m currently studying Computer Science at the Warsaw University of Technology, and starting in September 2025, I’ll begin a double degree program at Kyungpook National University in South Korea in the field of Computer Science and Engineering. My specialization is Artificial Intelligence – that’s the area I want to pursue professionally. Ultimately, I’d like to focus on Machine Learning, but combine it with multiple disciplines. Interdisciplinarity is very important to me.
That sounds amazing – a dream for many. So how did it happen that you joined the Foundation’s project?
To be honest, it was my parents who encouraged me to take part. They did so in a supportive way. They saw a lot of potential benefits in my joining the STEAM Academy – especially as a teenager who was still trying to find her path.
The STEAM Academy program and the support of the Girls Code Fun Foundation gave me knowledge – but most importantly, the confidence to boldly apply for opportunities I once wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue!
You have very supportive parents – kudos to them, and to you for deciding to take part.
What skills or knowledge did you gain during the program? Are you using them now?
I’m still building on everything I learned about front-end development and the tools we used during the program – I apply them both in large personal projects and in my university studies. The introduction to Python sparked a real fascination with the language, which motivated me to explore it further.
What motivated you to get up early on autumn weekends? And what was the biggest challenge?
I knew how much the program would give me – that awareness kept me motivated. Plus, my dad’s waffles during the breaks were an extra boost to keep everything “keep going” 😊. The biggest challenge was definitely the amount of knowledge – but in a good way. It required focus and engagement. That was a huge added value.
How did participating in Girls Code Fun’s programs influence your educational or career future? Did it change the way you see technology, your career goals, or even your life plans?
This experience solidified my belief that computer science is the right path for me. It also introduced me to the existence of development programs like this one, which opened the door to further opportunities and gave me the drive to keep growing and exploring everything the world of education has to offer.
One of the key elements of the STEAM Academy is mentoring. Did you take advantage of it?
Yes, and it was actually my first experience with mentoring – and a successful one. It was definitely something new for me. I had to learn how to work closely with another person. Thanks to mentoring, I gained valuable skills for further growth and developed an understanding of what the art of mentoring really is. That experience gave me the confidence and tools to take part in future mentoring programs as well.
What do you consider your greatest success as a result of participating in the project?
Every year, month, and day after the program brings new achievements, so my answer to this question keeps evolving! From where I stand today, my greatest successes are definitely being nominated for the double degree program and taking part in the Waymo + Formation program – a major step forward in my career. The project gave me a solid technical foundation, but more importantly, it gave me the confidence to seek out and apply for opportunities that might seem reserved only for the “best of the best.”
Did the project help you decide to continue your education or pursue a career in IT?
Absolutely. The program convinced me that studying Computer Science is an excellent choice, and that working on IT projects is something I truly enjoy!
What are your future plans, considering the skills you gained through the project?
I’d like to continue my studies with a specialization in AI. I’m working toward completing my Master’s degree abroad, ideally at one of the top technical universities in Europe. I’m open to both a scientific research career and a path in a large, international corporation. To explore the academic side, I’m currently participating in the mentoring program “Dziewczyny do Nauki” (“Girls into Science”), where I’m learning about opportunities for growth in that field.
Do you now feel more confident in your IT and tech skills?
I’m not only confident in my current skills, but also in my ability to expand them with ease – and that’s thanks to the STEAM Academy. It helped me break free from stereotypical thinking and shift my mindset.
What surprised you the most during your participation in the project?
Definitely the fact that learning technology doesn’t have to be difficult or unpleasant. With the right people, it becomes an incredible adventure. Simple as that.
And one last question – an important one for those who are hesitating to take their first step into tech: what advice would you give them?
Don’t hesitate! You’ve got nothing to lose – and it just might change your whole life. Most importantly, it might change you. 😉
