Workshop on Aligning Computer/Technology Education with Industry Needs

[Junilu Lacar]

This event is a direct result of some discussions we've had in the past right here on CodeRanch!

Dr. Paul West of Charleston Southern University and I have been collaborating on this and now we will have the very first workshop to explore what can be done to better align how academia prepares students for eventually getting jobs in the industry and what industry actually needs entry-level job applicants to know.

If you are in Charleston, SC on April 21, 2017, consider stopping by the workshop and participating in one of the sessions. Sessions will run for up to 1 hour 15 minutes throughout the day starting at 9:30am and again after lunch at 1:30pm (Eastern Daylight Time). Attendance is FREE and all-day participation is not required, just come and go as your class or work schedule allows you. If you do come, please plan on participating in at least one whole session.

You can register for the workshop here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workshop-aligning-computertechnology-education-with-industry-needs-tickets-33505775677

Due to room availability on site, tickets are currently limited to the first 55 registrants.

[Junilu Lacar]

Well, I'm off to Charleston, SC today. The workshop is tomorrow and I have over a dozen students, one educator, and one hiring manager from the industry registered as of today. Not exactly the good mix I was hoping for but I guess we'll have to see how it goes and make the best of whatever happens.

Wish us luck.

[Junilu Lacar]

We had a really good day today, in my opinion. I got a warm welcome from the folks at Charleston Southern University, got a relatively good turnout from the students with over a dozen coming in throughout the day to do practice auditions/interviews, I think I got one more educator onboard with what Paul and I are trying to achieve, as well as a hiring manager from the area who was like-minded and said he'd get me in touch with other professional bodies to maybe expand our effort or at least get more tie-ins around industry-academia alignment.

I got a lot of chances to talk to students about the things I like to talk about here: software development practices, principles, good names, refactoring, etc. They seemed genuinely interested to learn, asked pertinent question, and listened to my usual long-winded answers.

Paul and I will work on getting an experience report out and I'll provide a link once it's available.