When you think of careers in technology, what do you think of? Is it the IT person at your work coming to scold you? Is it someone furiously typing up a code that you don’t understand? The truth is that it is these jobs, but it’s so much more.
It’s information technology, but it’s also cyber security, data analytics, developing AI, Cloud computing, computer science, and even project management. And no matter which career it is, it always starts with one thing: someone curious about the field.
In the fall of 2023, Technology United, one of United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Donor Networks, partnered with area businesses to host the Technology United Career Fair at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus. Students from Milwaukee Public Schools got the chance to not only talk to professionals, but experience technology in careers they may not have previously explored. Students immersed themselves in games and virtual reality while learning from partners like the Milwaukee Brewers, Baird, and Northwestern Mutual as well as students at UW-M which career paths they can explore. They also learned that a career in technology doesn’t always mean that you need to master the skills.
“You don’t have to have all the technical skills and know-how to use the technology,” said Cassidy Korpela, Technology United’s Engagement Manager. “Sometimes, students have strength in managing projects and have more energy in organization.”
The discussion of technology programs wasn’t the only agenda item, though. Students were excited to practice their communication and networking skills, and learned how relationships matter in furthering their career path. Mentors at the event shared their own journeys, encouraging students to never give up.
“I learned there are really nice people in the tech field,” one student said.
The career fair provided a safe, reassuring place for students to discover more about themselves and their interests. Some students who had felt “directionless” before were now hopeful, knowing that they can ask for, and receive, support in pursuing self-sustaining careers that don’t always require a degree; a barrier they thought would prevent them from a wide-open future.
“You can’t have enough opportunities,” Cassidy said.
“We really felt so much passion around this event because we know that at all of our companies, we need to help inspire that next generation of talent,” said Stacy Zaja, Assistant Director of STEM Outreach at Northwestern Mutual and a Technology United advisory board member. “We all know that we have to do our part to bring events like this together to expose students to these careers.”
Technology United Career Fairs are just the beginning for these students as they learned that some mentors were once in their shoes. One student from Hamilton High School had even started his application to UW-M and was excited to gather letters of recommendations from his teachers.
You can help us inspire more students by volunteering at our next career fair or supporting the work of our Donor Networks like Technology United. Read about the impact this event had from students and volunteers below, and remember that to live better, we must Live United.
FEEDBACK FROM STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS
From students, when asked what their favorite part of the event was:
- “Learning new things about technology: Cloud computing, computer science, and cybersecurity.”
- “Learning about technology jobs and roles you can have.”
- “Talking to the people who worked at start-up companies.”
- “Getting to know and see different programs and people.”
- “They explained what they do very well and it made me more interested in tech.”
Asked about some takeaways, students said:
- “I am much more aware of technology careers now.”
- “To focus on what I’m interested in and not the degree itself, and Cloud computing is a major part of the tech field.”
- “There are different types of computer science jobs, and all these jobs help individuals.”
- “You don’t always have to go to college to get jobs in technology.”
- “I got to practice communicating and finding what areas of tech I am most interested in.”
Volunteers felt rewarded:
- Bently Turner from Baird: “There was some nice synergy as I leveraged the college students to share with the high schoolers. The chaperones seemed happy to have another adult echoing what they are telling students. Sometimes, a different messenger gets the message through. FYI: I learned a lot from the students as well!”
- Jon Jackson from Baird: “I want to thank you for the opportunity to be a part of today’s career fair. I had a wonderful time. I hope the students had a better time. These types of events are important, and I’m honored that you allowed me to be a part of it.”
- David Scurlock from In Your Face Learning and Training Academy: “The students were very engaged and had some great questions. I look forward to participating in future events.”
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