The St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus recently hosted a College of Computer & Information Technology Exploration Fair – a perfect opportunity for students to network with big names in the industry.

Tech Data, Bayside Solutions and BayCare were just a few of the companies represented at the April 14 event. The fair also showcased a panel discussion featuring Dan Doyle, CEO of Bayside Solutions; Bruce Philipoom, VP of Infrastructure for Raymond James; Maurice Hamilton, VP of Technical Services for Tech Data and Keith Archibald, VP of Network and Professional Services for Vology. Panelists discussed the evolving nature of the information technology field and shed some light on how a student might traverse the expanding IT world.

Here were some of the questions panelists were asked and their answers:

Question – As an organization, what do you see as the most important thing a student can do to be ready for an IT career? How about in regards to education versus experience?

Maurice Hamilton: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. And take a look at industry trends. Look and see what is big today, and three years down the road. When you take a look at those courses, plan it out and say this is where I want to be. Plan your future.”

Keith Archibald: “We are not just looking for one skill set. Budgets are tight so what you can bring to the table is important. I think it is important to realize that IT is in a service business as well. Show people that you want to be part of the team.”

Bruce Philipoom: “Internships are the most important part. Getting experience, networking, those types of things as a student are important. Being good in school does not always translate to being good in the field.”

Dan Doyle: “A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge. I think a good ground level starts with an internship. Experience. Can’t get experience from a job? Get it in your garage. Break open your laptop and just learn. Get the hands-on (experience). Look for the internship. Get with the people you know.”

Question – How much difference does a four-year degree make? And how important are certifications?

KA: “It really depends on the situation. Some people on my team don’t have a four-year degree, but you have to continue to learn. Continue to build on your specialization.”

BP: “A degree does give you an edge. Having those credentials helps out. Especially if you want to get into management. There’s always the idea of skills versus talent. If I want someone who is going to grow with the company, I want talent. Someone who can learn new technologies as they come along, that’s what I look for.”

MH: “I love certifications. If I find that they have the right attitude and experience, I will really consider that person. I would rather have someone with a degree on the service side where we are dealing with customers though. Certifications are extremely important for higher positions as well.”

Question – What are the hot skills in the field?

DD: “Scripting is very important. Data is getting massive, so storage is important too. Everything is hot now I think.”

KA: “Java is really hot. It will stay hot. Thread analysis, cyber hunting, etc., that’s not going to cool off at all. Lastly, a hybrid project manager with good skills to drive projects will never cool down as well.”

MH: “I really believe that some of the positions aren’t even created yet. I agree with scripting and security and management. I also believe in the internet of things. Everything is getting connected. So when you think about that, it is an enormous area. Cameras are everywhere.Someone has to create the data and someone has to read it.”

KA: “Security above all else. We are going to have a shortage of personnel in years to come. That’s what the government is telling us. It’s what institutions are telling us. So we need people in the field to help secure business systems.”

After the panelists were finished, students had time to talk with the employers and show them their resumes. Making a first impression is key to a strong relationship, and it starts at a SPC’s Exploration Fairs!