Whether you are changing careers or branching out for the first time after college, the Career Boot Camp at St. Petersburg College is a great place to start.
With the help of staff from the Workforce institute in the Corporate Training Center at SPC, students have the opportunity to learn how to market themselves for the industry. The Career Boot Camp will be held throughout the months of September and October. Those who attend all of the workshops will receive a certificate of completion.
Technology internships provide students with skills and job experience that help them get started in their career. Many Associate in Science (A.S.) degree programs at St. Petersburg College require that students enroll in an internship class. The College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) has five A.S. degree programs that require an internship:
Computer Networking
Computer Programming and Analysis
IT Security
Technology Management
Web Development
Technology internships are usually taken toward the end of a student’s curriculum when they have completed all required major courses. Each semester, Internship Coordinator, Susan Biszewski-Eber works with CCIT faculty to provide an orientation for internship students. It is important that students plan ahead since much is involved with this process.
One student who recently applied for an internship is Ashley Rush. She is an IT Security A.S. student. To be sure that she was well prepared, she took the necessary steps to get the ball rolling. For starters, Rush filled out the internship application found under the internship section of SPC’s web site.
One key to landing technology internships is to have a good resume. Since Rush started college fresh from high school, she was not familiar with how to write a resume. Though challenging at first, she worked with Biszewski-Eber to write a solid resume. In lieu of work experience, Rush had to focus on related course work, volunteer experience and her ability to be a self-starter, for her resume.
Since resume writing has so many vital facets, Rush suggests that students get help from an internship coordinator or a career counselor. There are also workshops available to receive assistance. These resources are helpful since it is important to heighten your skill sets. At SPC, students should create their resume through Optimal Resume under My Career in MYSPC. Once the resume is complete, it is sent to SPC employment and Internship Office.
Any questions regarding Career Services, resumes, or internships should be directed to Career Services on any of the SPC campuses.
Quarterly, the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ICS)2 Tampa Bay Chapter hosts meetings to discuss ways to improve information security and defense against cyber threats. The chapter focuses on local communities in the Tampa Bay area to educate members and security professionals on new and innovative ways to improve security software.
Academic Department Chair Laura Malave, of St. Petersburg College’s College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) attends these quarterly meetings. Since she teaches IT Security courses for CCIT, these meetings provide an excellent opportunity to keep abreast of industry trends, network with industry professionals and collaborate on projects. As part of her involvement with the Tampa Bay Chapter, Malave volunteers her time as a planning committee member for the Tampa BSides Information Security Conference. Involvement with organizations such as this help professors such as Malave bring real world experience to the classroom.
The (ICS)2 website contains resources for technology professionals to check out tips about security awareness in various parts of the world. Some of these resources include: (ICS)2 Career tools, Foundation, InfoSecurity Professional Magazine (or members only), Global Information Security Workforce Study, Journal-Discount for members and Security Central.
Saturday, Aug. 15 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
South University
4401 North Himes Avenue, #175
Tampa, FL 33614
During the meeting, the following will be discussed:
Summer STEM Camp
BSides 2016 Reports which highlight the following:
Marketing
Hosting
Merchandise
Web Site
Sponsor
Speakers
Volunteers
Education/Training
After lunch, a guest speaker will introduce the topic, Intro to Metasploit. According to Professor Laura Malave of the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT), Metasploit is “an advanced open-source platform for developing, testing, and using exploit code. It is among the most widely used exploitation tools in the information security field”, she said.
Seven Bay Area high school students were given the opportunity to get a head start on their college careers by enrolling in courses from the College of Computer & Information Technology as part of the JumpStart Program. The courses were taught at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Clearwater campuses of St. Petersburg College. They are geared toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Development and Management, with a goal of completion in four years for $10,000.
Courses taught in this program included:
Introduction to Computers & Programming (COP 1000)
Introduction to C# (COP 2360)
Local Area Network Concepts (CNT 1000)
These students took COP 1000 which focused on topics such as the Internet, an overview of how computers work and binary numbers. Upon completion of the course, students received one credit hour to apply toward their college degree. It also prepared students who were interested in careers in Computer Programming with the necessary skill-sets to pursue careers such as Web Developer, Computer Programmer and Systems Analyst.
“It’s really satisfying to see your program come to life and do what was intended,” said one male student about an assignment he completed in class. Since he has an interest in cybersecurity and gaming, he felt that this course was very informative.
Though there was a lot of work involved in the course, students appreciated the challenge. In addition to completing a course such as this at a young age, many appreciated the fact that it prepares you for a career in cybersecurity, which is in high demand. It was also beneficial to one female student who is considering a career change.
“It is awesome having a class of motivated students who are working ahead and completing assignments in advance,” said SPC IT Security Professor Shane Hamilton.
After a successful pilot, Hamilton looks forward to being a part of programs such as this in the future.
In an effort to prepare students for Microsoft certifications exams, Dr. Holly Hoopes, Microsoft Professor for College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) at St. Petersburg College piloted practice exams called MeasureUp, in her courses. These exams are for the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate track, (MCSA).
CTS 1328 Installing and Configuring Windows Server
CTS 1334 Administering Windows Servers
CTS 1303 Configuring Advanced Windows Server Services
“These exams add value and better prepare students for the workforce and serve as tools to help them succeed,” Hoopes said. Available 24/7, MeasureUp allows students to take these practice exams as many times as needed. Additionally, Netlab provides students with 24/7 access to hands-on labs which is vital since it provides students access to labs that emulate a production environment, This is beneficial since employers are looking for people with some real world experience, which students can gain using Netlab, an Internet-based lab for instructor-led training developed by the Network Development Group, Inc. (NDG).
Dr. Holly Hoopes prepares students for Microsoft Certifications
In addition to the MeasureUp exams, Hoopes uses discussion questions and research topics as part of the coursework in her classes. Upon completion of research, students present the information to their peers. Hoopes believes that hands-on approaches such as this help students hone in on the material. Also available to students are computer labs at the EpiCenter campus in Largo, FL, where students can go on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-8pm for the summer session (0500). The MeasureUp exams have similar questions like the actual exam and there are links to resources. If utilized, students have a greater probability of passing the actual exam.
All of this is made possible through a Perkins grant that SPC obtained. Students who receive the voucher take the exam at the EpiCenter. The final exam has the same grading scale as in a regular course. The weighted grade does not determine if you pass the course. Even if you don’t do well, there are other opportunities available to retake the exam.
Hoopes believes that SPC is “on the right track,” and is confident that more students will take advantage of opportunities such as this in the future.
Recently Dr. Holly Hoopes, Microsoft Professor from the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) had the privilege of attending a “Women on the Way” luncheon as part of a Microsoft Ignite Conference in Chicago, Illinois. This luncheon brought to light that there is a greater population of men than women in the technology field. With a goal to break this trend, lecturers presented excellent tools that could be implemented throughout St. Petersburg College (SPC) and CCIT.
Hoopes viewed her attendance at the conference as an excellent opportunity to expand her knowledge of the industry. “Real world experience brings greater value to the course and lends credibility to the professor,” she said. This, she feels, leads to a greater rapport with students in the classroom.
This year the Microsoft Ignite Conference included:
Microsoft Hyper V
Cloud Computing
Business Skype
“Microsoft Hyper V is giving VMware a run for their money,” Hoopes said, because it is efficient and cost effective. For the purposes of SPC, Business Skype is replacing the Microsoft Lync system; CCIT faculty can communicate with students and others outside our organization.
Female vs Male Graduates Spring 2015
Note what a recent report from Cyberfed.org, had to say about the level of interest women had in comparison to men when it came to IT programs:
“Despite the fact that 57% of bachelor’s degrees are earned by women, only 12% of them are in computer sciences. In more recent times, the number of enrollees in IT related degrees has declined when compared to 37% of women who obtained bachelor’s degrees in the 1980’s, whereas in 2012 they only amounted to 18%.”
Female VS Male Graduates Spring 2015
The report continues, “With the rising number of attacks on companies like Primera Blue Cross, Anthem, Sony Pictures and many more, the need for cybersecurity professionals in growing at a rapid rate. The timing has never been better for women to get involved in the cybersecurity sector especially since the Pentagon alone plans to hire at least 3000 new cybersecurity employees by 2016. These highly skilled well-paying jobs have salaries ranging from $42, 399 to $132,122.”
As for the future of SPC, Hoopes hopes that in the near future more women will pursue IT programs and break the current enrollment trend.
The College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) is hosting an information session on July 9. This event provides a great opportunity for attendees to speak with department heads and learn about our programs.
Register now for CCIT info session
Learn more about certificates, AS degrees and the Technology Development & Management BAS at the next info session on:
SPC’s technology degree and certificate programs prepare students to pass the NET+ certification exam and other IT industry certifications.
Last spring, Terre Porter attended an open house at St. Petersburg College’s Seminole Campus with the intention of getting information on certificate programs. While there, he listened to a presentation by Dr. Sharon Setterlind, Dean of the College of Computer & Information Technology Department and Nancy Russell, the Program Coordinator, as they spoke about the certificate and degree programs that are offered by the department.
Originally from Arkansas, Porter has always had a love for programming. Once he moved to Florida in 1999, he formally started programming.
Program prepares students to pass NET+ certification exam
Whether degree or certificate seeking, students are required to complete all courses within a program before taking the industry certification exams. In Porter’s case, he took the NET+ exam and passed. He said that intense study, preparatory classes and simulations contributed to his success. He especially emphasized the importance of taking a prep class such as the one he took with Dwayne Josephson, an adjunct instructor who works at SPC’s Corporate Training Center in Largo. He mentioned that the course was helpful since it allowed him to brush up on his weak areas. Flashcards were also utilized as a memory tool.
Currently, Porter is finishing up his A.S. Degree in Computer Programming & Analysis. Next, he plans to pursue SPC’s Smart Choice Bachelor’s Degree, adding a B.A.S. Degree in Technology and Development Management for only $10,000. Learn more about this degree at www.spcollege.edu/10k.
“It feels good when you can look at your certificate and say you know what you are doing,” said Porter. “When you can show a hiring manager a certificate, it shows that you can do the job.”
He encourages all who plan to pursue industry certifications to “study and study more. Find practice exams where you can, do simulations when available and go to prep classes to clarify understanding.”
On Tuesday April 14, the College of Computer & Information Technology (CCIT) hosted a Career Exploration and networking event at the Music Center on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs campus of St. Petersburg College. The event drew more than 250 people. Students were able to interact with senior executives from the following Tampa Bay area companies:
Dan Doyle, CEO Bayside Solutions
Tony Francisco CEO, VAR Dynamics
Andy Swenson CIO, UPC insurance
Bruce Philipoom, VP, Infrastructure
The senior executives held a panel discussion, led by CCIT professor Dr. William Cross, regarding career opportunities that are available in the computer and information technology industry. Students and other attendees had the opportunity to ask questions of the executives during the session. Recruiters were on hand to give an overview of the information technology job market on the local and national levels. Veredus Corporation Recruiter Adam Doll told students what to expect in various IT fields in the future.
Topics discussed included job availability, skill sets that are sought by employers, information technology trends, salary estimates and program options at St. Petersburg College. CCIT Dean Dr. Sharon Setterlind presented the benefits of enrolling in college’s computer and information technology program and pursuing a certificate or A.S. degree.
Following the event, attendees engaged in meaningful conversation with company executives, a valuable and excellent networking opportunity. For many this proved successful, since they were able to obtain interviews with prospective employers. Local companies that participated in the event included:
BayCare
Bayside Solutions
DTCC
Raymond James
Var Dynamics
SMC Software
UPC Insurance
Veredus
Vology
Overall, the event was a success due to the diligent effort put forth by the following individuals: Dr. Setterlind; CCIT professors Cross and Sandra Beck; College-wide Internship Coordinator Susan Biszewski-Eber; Career Outreach Specialists Rosaria Pipetone and Tracy Garrett, and CCIT Administrative Services Specialist Christy Boucher.
Recently, SPC’s College of Computer & information Technology (CCIT) worked with other local educators to host an Exploratory Lab as a way to fill the technology gap and connect students with local employers.
A team of educators from SPC’s College of Computer and Information Technology and the University of South Florida worked with professionals from Tech Data, Val Pak and the Tampa Bay Technology Forum to develop the program. Students learned about:
Business Planning
Understanding Technology Trends
Integrated Marketing Strategies
Emotional Intelligence
Taking Business Risks
Networking Stack
Video/Collaboration
Software Licensing
Web E-Commerce
Data Center and Cloud Storage
UX and Design Thinking
Agile and Lean Development
Security
Data Analytics
Giny Kapili
One student who recently completed the program was Giny Kapili. She is currently pursuing a BAS in Technology Management with a sub plan in Software Development. Though Kapili initially pursued teaching, her love for technology was sparked when she helped a friend with a WordPress blog. Later, she took a class in HTML. Since she enjoyed that class, she took some programming courses with SPC professors Adrian Tillman and Brad Yourth. As a result, she now has a certificate in Java Programming and is now pursuing Oracle.
“I knew I was passionate about teaching, but when I started to code, it was exciting; from then on, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life,” said Kapili.
Kapili found the Exploratory Lab to be a rewarding experience where she was able to interact with people from various backgrounds and apply what she learned by developing a business plan.
Overall, Kapili said that this experience built confidence, instilled valuable skill sets and provided excellent networking opportunities, which were valuable to students who were seeking internships.
Whether you are changing careers or branching out for the first time after college, the Career Boot Camp at St. Petersburg College is a great place to start.
