The Capstone course for the Technology Development and Management (TDM) BAS degree provides the student the opportunity to demonstrate what they learned from the program overall and then apply it to solving real technology management problems. The ideas developed and cultivated in the course itself are intended to provide an enduring perspective that can help students make sense of an increasingly globalized and technology intensive business environment. During the course all students are required to complete an information technology Executive Interview as the Enterprise Experience consisted of an interview with a senior IT executive at a business enterprise of the student’s choice.

Spring 2016 Capstone presentations

The College of Computer and Information Technology currently completed its Spring 2016 Capstone presentations where fourteen teams of 4-5 students demonstrated their culmination of studies through senior project case studies presented to a panel of instructors and local technology industry leaders.

A special thank you to instructors: Dr William Cross, Dr. Nathan Heinze, and Sandra Beck who taught the classes and conducted the presentations. To CCIT instructors: Shane Hamilton, John Long, Therezita Ortiz, Chrissy Risberg, Adrian Tillman and Darlene Westberg, To local industry professionals: Alberto Contreras (Verizon), Joseph Cuenco (ResolvNow), Dan Doyle (Bayside Solutions), Muslim Gadiwalla (City of St Petersburg), Maurice Hamilton (TechData), Mayra Harley (RESERVEC), Chris Paul (Melitta USA Inc.), Bruce Philipoom (Raymond James), Harold Schomaker (City of Largo),  and a special thanks to Nancy Russell, Academic Department Coordinator who provided snacks and water.

Capstone student testimonials

Following are some testimonials students provided on their journey through the TDM program:

“I knew that I needed this Bachelors of Applied Science in Technology Management for expanding my IT skill sets and knowledge for different employers in the Tampa Bay Area. I feel like this program prepares us for the real world in the workplace and we as Technology Management graduates and potential future graduates need to apply from what we know in the textbook and applied it to the real world and also going back to school for our IT certifications for our continuous learning with different IT concepts if I can make it then you can make it too.”  — John Swain

“The Capstone Project dealing with Daktronics was not only a challenge from the case perspective but it was a challenge getting everyone to agree on the problem and solutions. This class transformed us to think and act how we would normally have to in the real world and gave us a chance to practice real live situations. While not everyone was comfortable presenting, we made sure to focus on each others strengths during the presentation and ensured the whole team that it would go great. With the moral support from one another we were able to get the most nervous team members through the presentation. Overall I really enjoyed this challenging experience and if I had a chance to would urge everyone to consider this as more than just a school assignment.” — Tanja Focakovic-Omeragic

“As may be typical of many SPC students, I returned to college after many years in the work force to complete a Bachelor’s degree. When deciding to return to school, I applied to and was accepted at both SPC and the University of South Florida. I choose to complete my diploma with SPC for two reasons. The first and most obvious reason was financial – I am happily walking Saturday knowing I do not owe thousands in student loans. The second reason I choose SPC, which is likely more important to the college, was the practical course offerings. In route to my degree, I obtained a certificate in web development. The practical skills like JavaScript and Photoshop helped me earn a promotion with my previous employer. The combination of business skills such as writing proposals and gathering project requirements combined with practical knowledge in database design and programming training proved very beneficial in the next phase of job searching. I feel fortunate I was able to gain professional level employment as a programmer working for the state government a few months prior to graduating. SPC gave me the confidence to not only complete my bachelor’s, but that I could achieve even more goals moving forward. I took the GRE in January and am currently applying to graduate programs. I continue to feel assured my decision to complete my degree with SPC was the best option – it has allowed me to feel free to continue my studies without the burden of debt already present.” — Alic Bandy