Computer science and industrial technology majors were given the opportunity to talk with a variety of companies and organizations who visited campus in the lobby of Fayard Hall.

On Mar. 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 2017 Tech-Connect Career Fair hosted by the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology along with Career Services invited a total of 32 companies, contractors, corporations and more to help students start developing networks and communicating with possible future employers. 

“This is our fourth annual event,” said Director of Career Services Kenneth Ridgedell. “It seems to be growing every year. It’s an event that is specifically designed for computer science and industrial technology, engineering technology and OSH&E, the technology majors here at Southeastern.”

Tech-Connect was first established to help employers have an easier platform to communicate with students.

“We found that working with services that there’s been a really large push and demand in the part of employers for the technology industry over a period of years,” said Ridgedell. “And that’s why years ago we started this specialized event in the spring. We felt it was appropriate to do so just because of the sheer amount of demand on the part of employers asking to be open and engaged with our students one on one.”

The spring semester presents the opportunity for students to become employed over the summer or near future.

“So doing this event this time of year in the spring allows them technology employers to come on campus every six months to have those face-to-face engagements and networking with our students,” said Ridgedell. “And many of these employers are looking to hire interns for the summer. They’re also looking for some full-time positions and has a variety of opportunities for the technology students based upon the high demand for those jobs.”

Overall, there are a few qualities and skills that employers are seeking out in potential student employees.

“There’s two primary things that all of these companies are looking for universally,” said Ridgedell. “They’re looking for, given that these are technology companies, they are looking for students to come to the table with a certain amount of technical knowledge as a base or a foundation. But just as important as that technical knowledge and education, they are also looking for people who have adaptability, flexibility and great interpersonal communication skills.”

A variety of different industries were represented at the fair such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Entergy and Triad Electric & Controls. One visiting accounting firm Postlethwaite & Netterville came specifically looking for possible cyber security interns or systems engineers.

“We really try to network with students, seeing who has communication skills,” said Postlethwaite & Netterville recruiter Missy Judice. 

Oluwafemi Akande, a senior computer science major registered and visited Tech-Connect seeking more information about future job opportunities in his field and concentration.

“I tried to communicate with people and trying to get a feel for the type of jobs they’re looking for,” said Akande. “I just wanted to get to know more about system administration which is what I want to do. How to get jobs. How to get a feel for the companies that offer system administration.”