UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The College of Information Sciences and Technology recently partnered with RMS US LLP to present the 2023 Be You in Tech Summit. The event brought together more than 60 Penn State students with corporate partners in a professional environment to connect, learn, and share ideas, while recognizing the strength and opportunity of diversity in the technology industry.
This year’s theme, Empower and Engage, sought to empower students to embrace their background and personal story to drive their professional success in the workplace. The theme also aimed to engage students in meaningful conversations with other students and professionals in the technology industry.
The event featured a keynote presentation from Tracey Walker, Principal and National Leader of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion for RMS US LLP, who spoke about trusting oneself and utilizing information and knowledge. Students also participated in a hands-on activity from Capital One on how to develop emotional resilience and engaged with a panel of IST alumni to voice their questions and concerns about starting a new job or internship.
Zakai Holden, a first-year student majoring in Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations, said his favorite part about the event was the moderated panel because he got to hear first-hand from professionals who were in his shoes not too long ago.
“It gave us a chance to hear how past Penn State students are doing today and how they became successful on their own journeys. The event provided me with a lot more information that I didn’t have before, and allowed me to connect with new people,” Holden said. “As a first-year, I learned how important it is to network with everyone you meet and how important it is to start working on your career as early as possible.”
The event was coordinated by IST’s Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement and Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement.
“Learning about being empowered and engaged is extremely powerful for college students. This event helped bring students together, find and build their community, and know that they have so many people out there rooting for their success,” said Madhavi Kari, assistant director of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Summit was part of the college’s Be You in Tech Series, which provides events and programs that help participants understand the role of diversity and inclusion in their personal and professional lives through knowledge-sharing, reflection and community building.
Added Kari, “I hope students took away that their voice matters and their voice can also empower those who haven’t found their voice yet. Supporting each other is one of the most powerful ways students can engage with each other and within their network.”