The College of Computer and Information Technology at St. Petersburg College drew a large crowd for its first Women in Technology Career Exploration and Networking event on Thursday, Oct. 27. The event brought out around 140 people from both the college and community.

Women in technology event

Networking

Before hearing from the panelists attendees had the chance to meet and network with industry professionals from 12 different organizations. Although these industry professionals were there to represent their companies, they were also available to answer questions regarding the industry as well as give information about how you can join. Each organization gave out tips that can help you be successful in the technology field. For instance, Sarrah Vesselov, Director for the Tampa Chapter of Women Who Code suggested that women interested in joining the technology field should attend the meet up/networking events that they host. She also mentioned that by attending these events you will have the opportunity to meet people who are actually in the field.

Panel Discussion

The panel portion began with Dr. Sharon Setterlind, Dean for the College of Computer and Information Technology stating a statistic regarding women in technology that left the audience speechless for a moment. The statistic said that “Only about 25% of all IT jobs are held by women”, which is very surprising because of how large the industry is. The panel was moderated by Florida State Representative Kathleen Peters who did an amazing job asking some tough questions as well as giving her own input for some of the questions to the panelists: Angie Beltz, Vice President of Product Marketing at Cisco Solutions Group at Tech Data; Kelly-Ann Peart, Software Engineer at Nielsen; Christa Pusateri, President at the Information System Security Association; and Sarrah Vesselov, Director for the Tampa Chapter of Women Who Code.

The panelists were asked about nine questions. Some of their responses are below.

• When the panelists were asked about their educational background, it was evident that you don’t have to be a techie to get involved in the technology industry. Most of the panelist started their careers in fields other than technology.
• When the panelists were asked, what traits would make an ideal candidate for your company they gave the following traits: self-motivated, humble, resourceful, passionate  and teachable. These skills will take you a long way. Also, a huge skill they all discussed was communication. Most companies are hiring individuals who have great communication skills versus those with just technical skills because completing a task and being able to explain how you completed it is just as important.
• When the panelists were asked, what advice they would give women who are seeking a career in technology they gave the following advice. Be yourself, be positive, be tenacious, be a lifelong learner, know your own worth, and don’t be afraid to take risks.

Women in Technology International Scholarship Winners

The event took time to highlight the students who were awarded the 2016 Women in Technology International scholarship. Learn more about the scholarship and recipients.

The event was an overall success and the College of Computer & Information Technology plans to host more event like this.

Special thanks to the following companies for their participation: Cisco, TBTF, Geographic Solutions, Tech Data, Girl Develop It, TekSystems, Girls who Code, Women in Technology International, NetWolves, Woman on the Way, Power Design and Women Who Code.

Learn more about St. Petersburg College’s Technology Degrees.