All posts by Charleston Fritts

SPC presents college’s first Tech Career Summit Oct. 18

September 1, 2017Technology EventsCharleston Fritts

Get prepared to launch or advance your career and network with employers at the Tech Career Summit this fall at St. Petersburg College.

SPC will be hosting the summit:

from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18
at the SPC St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, 6605 5th Ave N., in the Student Services (SS) Lobby
doors will open at 5 p.m.
the event is free and open to the public as well as SPC students

The Tech Career Summit will feature workshops on:

Landing an Internship that is right for you
Creating a perfect IT resume
How to obtain a job using a Job Board
Maximizing your LinkedIn profile
The do’s and don’ts of interviewing
Skills to make you a well-rounded employee

Don’t miss the Employer Room!

The Employer Room will feature employers that are willing to answer questions about their company, the industry, and potentially accept applications. These employers are:

Robert Half
Tech Data
Cognizant
SPC CCIT
… and more!

We will be announcing more employers as they sign up so keep checking our Facebook page to see who will be joining.

RSVP online today.

For more information on the Tech Career Summit, please contact Charleston Fritts at 727-341-4641 or Fritts.Charleston@spcollege.edu.

Train for a long-term Information Technology career

SPC offers degrees and certificates in computer programming, cybersecurity, computer networking, web development, and technology management that will prepare you for the best technology jobs. Here is where you’ll find the right program to jumpstart or advance your career.

Students at SPC get the support they need through the college’s Career and Academic Communities. Within a community, SPC students have the chance to meet and network with others pursuing similar goals as well as faculty, staff and community members who are experts in their fields.

Cisco Taps SPC Cybersecurity Student as E-Learning Beta Tester

August 2, 2017CISCO, Cybersecurity, Networking, Student StoriesCharleston Fritts

Technology company Cisco Systems selected St. Petersburg College Cybersecurity student Ashley Rush as a beta tester for their new Cisco Certified Network Associate Cyber Ops e-learning program.

Learning@Cisco, the education group within Cisco Systems Inc., recently developed a new entry-level Cybersecurity training program focused on the role of a security analyst.

A security analyst is a front-line individual in a security operations center or SOC who receives alerts and logging information from key devices throughout an organization’s network. It is up to the security analyst utilizing the corporate policy, procedures, and SOC playbook to determine if a security event needs to be investigated or escalated to the next tier for analysis. This all happens while they are collecting the fundamental information about the event, such as IP hosts, MAC address, ports, protocols, time stamps, and more.

SPC Cybersecurity student participates in Cisco Cyber Ops e-learning program

Cisco’s e-learning environment includes content, graphics, videos, assessments, and hands-on labs. The two courses Learning@Cisco created for the training were Security Fundamentals (SECFND) and Security Operations (SECOPS). Each of these courses examines the fundamental skills of what a security operations entry-level team member needs to know.

Per the requirements of the beta testers program, Rush was required to read all of the student content, watch the videos, complete both the assessments and complete the labs. Additionally, she also was tasked with creating a report that included course timing information and error corrections. In return for her report on the issues she found and timing information for the sections, she was provided with a testing coupon for both SECFND and the SECOPS courses.

The information provided by Rush was instrumental in helping the Cisco Cybersecurity Scholarship program. Additionally, Rush has passed the first of the two exams and is preparing for the final exam. It’s expected Rush soon will be certified as a CCNA Cyber Ops Associate.

SPC can prepare you for an opportunity like this!

SPC offers a Cybersecurity Associate in Science degree program that will allow you to meet the growing need for college-educated specialists who can tackle increasingly complex information technology security concerns.

The program prepares you to develop an organizational network and security program using risk management strategies. Also, you will learn strategies to address the increased growth of information technology security concerns from regional to international environments.

While in the program you will have a chance to sit for the CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker, Cisco CCENT industry certifications.

Learn more about SPC’s Technology degrees.

Information Technology information session set for July 13

July 5, 2017College of Computer and Information TechnologyCharleston Fritts

Don’t miss your chance to break into the IT field! Learn about this hot industry at an information technology information session hosted by St. Petersburg College’s College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT).

CCIT will host their information session from:

6 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 13
St. Petersburg College EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33760

Not available to attend the session in-person? Attend virtually using Adobe Connect.

Program Agenda

6:00-6:30
CCIT degree options overview
6:30-7:00 – Q&A
7:00-7:30
Speak one-on-one to faculty and staff Live Info Session at Epi!

At the CCIT information session you can:

Learn about all of the degrees and certificates offered in Information Technology at SPC
Find out how to transfer your associate’s degree to our bachelor’s degree in Technology Development & Management
Speak to an advisor, dean, and faculty/program chair
Learn about the internship opportunities available for students

Reserve your spot today at here.

Currently, SPC provides students with degrees and certificates in the following areas:

Certificates

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Computer Support
Computer Programmer
Computer Programming Specialist
Cybersecurity
Linux System Administrator
Microsoft Certified Solutions Administrator
Web Development

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Computer Networking
Computer Information Technology
Computer Programming & Analysis
Cybersecurity
Web Development

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)

Technology Development and Management

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

St. Petersburg College takes 2nd place in Intercollegiate Programming Competition

May 5, 2017College of Computer and Information TechnologyCharleston Fritts

St. Petersburg College participated in the Intercollegiate Programming Competition (IPC) on Saturday, April 22 along with 11 other institutions in the Florida College System where they came in second place overall.

Titans programming as hard as they fight

Programming students: Joshua Welch, Logan Metzen, and Evan Miller had three hours to write programs that solved eight quite tricky problems using the programming language of their choice. Each problem contained a set of requirements describing what needed to be done to solve it. Student scores were awarded based on both correct solutions and the least time taken to solve.

We have the second best programmer in the Florida College System

Using Java as his programming language Evan Miller from SPC worked diligently for three hours to solve the problems. He was matched with a student from Valencia College on accuracy but, the Valencia student completed earlier which put Evan in second place. Evan was awarded $250 for his outstanding performance.

Faculty Comments

“It was very exciting for me and Dawn (CCIT Academic Chair) because we were watching a live spreadsheet that updated each time a contestant submitted a solution. It was like watching a horse race. I’m very proud of the students and can’t wait to compete again next year. Congratulations to Evan, Josh Welsh, and Logan Metzen for this amazing result!” – Brad Yourth, SPC Programming Instructor

“This is the first time SPC participated in the competition which started back in 2005. I am very proud of the students who competed. Having a second place winner speaks to the quality of the Programming and Analysis A.S., and the faculty who support it.” – Dawn Ellis, SPC Academic Chair and Programming Instructor.

You can be the next competitor!

SPC offers through hands-on-training a Computer Programming and Analysis degree that will teach you the basics of databases and programming. All classes in the program are taught in state-of-the-art computer labs with the most popular software and hardware. This program includes an internship, adding valuable experience to your education.

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

SPC programming student competitiors and faculty members — From Left to Right: Dawn Ellis- Academic Chair, Joshua Welsh- Student, Evan Miller- Student, Logan Metzen- Student, Brad Yourth- Faculty

SPC College of Computers and Information Technology hosts information session, April 20

April 18, 2017College of Computer and Information TechnologyCharleston Fritts

Don’t miss your chance to break into the IT field! Come learn about this hot industry at St. Petersburg College’s College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) information session

CCIT will host their information session from:

6 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20
St. Petersburg College EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, FL 33760

Not available to attend the session in-person? Attend virtually using Adobe Connect at http://spcollege.adobeconnect.com/e8bl1yq3u0t/event/event_info.html

Program Agenda

6:00-6:30
CCIT degree options overview
6:30-7:00 – Q&A
7:00-7:30
Speak one-on-one to faculty and staff

At the CCIT information session you can:

Learn about all of the degrees and certificates offered in Information Technology at SPC
Find out how to transfer your associate’s degree to our bachelor’s degree in Technology Development & Management
Speak to an advisor, dean, and faculty/program chair
Learn about the internship opportunities available for students

Currently, SPC provides students with degrees and certificates in the following areas:

Certificates

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Computer Support
Computer Programmer
Computer Programming Specialist
Cybersecurity
Linux System Administrator
Microsoft Certified Solutions Administrator
Web Development

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Computer Networking
Computer Information Technology
Computer Programming & Analysis
Cybersecurity
Web Development

Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.)

Technology Development and Management

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

Technology Career Exploration Event set for April 4

March 27, 2017College of Computer and Information Technology, Technology Events, Technology JobsCharleston Fritts

St. Petersburg College will be hosting its 4th Annual Technology Career Exploration event from 5:30 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, at the SPC Seminole Campus, 9200 113th St. N. in the Conference Center (CC). Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and the event, which is free and open to the public, starts at 6 p.m.

4th Annual Technology Career Exploration event

At the technology career exploration event you can learn about:

Everything you need to be prepared to work in the IT field
Available jobs
What IT professionals are looking for in a candidate
Growing trends in IT
Salary expectations
IT degree program options available at SPC

The expo will feature panelists:

Brandon Faulkenham, Divison Director, Robert Half Technology
Ryan McNulty, Talent Acquisition and Campus Relations, Tech Data
Bruce Philipoom, VP Technology Infrastructure, Raymond James
Mario Ricatti, Manager of Infrastructure Services, NetWolves

Panel portion will be moderated by Cindy Brown, CEO, Pratt Brown & Associates.

The Information Technology market wants you!

Dress to impress and bring plenty copies of your resume because you will also get the opportunity to network with HR and IT professionals from:

Digigone
EC-Council
Geographic Solutions
IT Authorities
NetWolves
Pratt Brown and Associates
Raymond James
Reliaquest
Robert Half Technology
SPC CCIT
Spectrum
Tech Data
…and more!

RSVP online today at http://web.spcollege.edu/survey/23377

For more information on the Technology Career Exploration event, please contact Charleston Fritts at 727-341-4641 or Fritts.Charleston@spcollege.edu

St. Petersburg College offers Information Technology degrees

Today it’s hard to find an industry that doesn’t rely on technology in almost every aspect on their business. At SPC, the College of Computer & Information Technology provides a guided pathway for degrees and certificates in a number of areas and a bachelor’s degree in technology management. In addition, SPC also offers state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and specialized classes in online or traditional classroom settings.

Learn more about St. Petersburg College’s technology degrees.

SPC professor earns another cybersecurity industry certification

February 1, 2017College of Computer and Information Technology, CybersecurityCharleston Fritts

St. Petersburg College Professor Laura Malave has added another cybersecurity industry certification to her repertoire.

SPC professor earns CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CSA+) certification

Professor Malave has always had an interest in the Computer Science field. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Computer Science from the University of South Florida. As she advanced in her studies, she developed an interest in cybersecurity which lead her to join the (ISC) 2 Tampa Bay Chapter. She recently added the CompTIA CSA+ to her many industry certifications including:

Cybersecurity Industry Certification overview

The CompTIA CSA+ technology certification teaches students how to identify and analyze threat and risks to an organization. Students learn to:

Configure and use threat detection tools
Analyze and interpret data
Secure and protect applications and systems

Currently, SPC offers a wide range of courses through its Technology A.S. degrees and Certificate programs that will prepare you for several industry certifications. SPC plans to add courses that will align with this certification in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology Development and Management degree program.

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

Tech Community Connection MyCourses Commons is a pot of gold

February 1, 2017College of Computer and Information TechnologyCharleston Fritts

Are you looking for a job, internship, or information to get started in the tech industry? Well, SPC’s Tech Community Connection MyCourses Commons is the perfect place for you.

Introducing the Tech Community Connection MyCourses Commons

The Tech Community Connection is a commons put together on MyCourses exclusively for St. Petersburg College technology students. This commons has an abundance of information that can help any technology student no matter where they are on the spectrum. Some of the information that is at your disposable is:

Job opportunities from local industry leading companies
Internship opportunities both paid and not
Career Frequently Asked Questions
Information on workshops and events that help you develop professional skills
Faculty information
News and resources to help you stay ahead of the game for your career in IT

Networking starts here

The Tech Community Connection MyCourses Commons is also a great place to start your networking venture. You can connect with students and faculty in every area of technology at the click of a button. This is super handy if you need help or just simply advice on how to proceed with a class assignment or project.

Don’t miss a thing with the app

This commons is ever changing and constantly being updated with information for you. In order to stay connected and updated you should download the Brightspace Pulse app to your mobile device.

Brightspace Pulse is a mobile app for students that can help you stay connected and on track with your courses. It allows you to view course calendars, readings, assignments, evaluations, grades, and news all in one place. The app will help you to make better decisions about how to handle your workload, when to submit assignments, and when to prepare for tests. Real-time alerts will let you know when classes are canceled or moved and when new grades are available. The schedule view and weekly visualization allows you to quickly at a glance view what is due today, this week and upcoming for all your courses.

See all the important dates and deadlines for each one of your courses
Anticipate your busiest times with a quick glance
Receive the latest grades and news
View all your course content
Share updates via email, text messages, and social media
View and reply to subscribed discussion threads
Enter your own events and deadlines

Brightspace Pulse is available through both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Innovate Together connects SPC faculty and middle school students

January 31, 2017College of Computer and Information TechnologyCharleston Fritts

SPC’s College of Computer and Information Technology faculty participated in Innovate Together with Bay Point Middle School and Cisco Systems Inc. The program allowed students to identify problems affecting their communities, conduct research to demonstrate it, develop solutions, and effectively communicate their solutions.

Innovate Together: Solving real-world problems through hands-on projects

More than 100 seventh graders from Bay Point Middle School’s Center for Advancement of the Sciences and Technology participated in this two-day event.

Students were broke up into 16 teams with a mentor from Cisco assisting each one. The teams were tasked with creating projects that addressed social conscious and conservation issues. Some of the problems addressed were:

Proper nutrition for children
Feeding the homeless
Automation that is re-skilling the workforce
Affordable transportation

The Innovate Together event ended with an award ceremony where the top four groups pitched their problem and solution to their peers, faculty, staff, district administration, and a judging panel. The panel included:

Laura Malave, SPC Academic Chair Midtown/Downtown Campuses
Adrian Tillman, SPC Technology Professor
Other community members

The winning team developed a program around proper nutrition, that integrated a wearable component to scan and track food intake and nutrition information. The team also included a gaming component to incentivize kids to use the device for fun and educational purposes.

The winning team won $250 for their school to either use to further the winning team’s concept or to donate to a community charity of their choosing.

St. Petersburg offers STEM degrees

Careers in STEM play a crucial role in expanding scientific frontiers, developing new products and advancing technology. Most of these jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher and have an average salary significantly above the U.S. average. SPC is the perfect place to earn your STEM education.

Learn more about St. Petersburg College’s STEM degrees.

Technology Job and Social Club prepares students for competition

November 30, 2016College of Computer and Information TechnologyCharleston Fritts

The technology job market can be very competitive as there are numerous job seekers competing for the same positions. St. Petersburg College prepares students for the competition with their new Technology Job and Social Club.

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

Goals of the Technology Job and Social Club

The Technology Job and Social Club will gather a group of students, faculty, career staff, and IT professionals. We believe that all students and members will have valuable contributions. Members will network with each other and share advice, knowledge and reassure one another.

The club offers opportunities to explore the following topics:

Technology trends
Networking
Hiring trends
Mock Interviews
Resumes
Using social media to market yourself
Discussions with IT professionals and companies
And many more…

Meeting information

The club meets on a biweekly basis and may change by the needs of the group. The next meeting will be Thursday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the SPC St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Career Hub – Social Arts building, room 135.

If you have any questions or would like more information contact Lenore Swaim at swaim.lenore@spcollege.edu or 727-341-4578.