Career Development, CIS team up for Meet the Professionals panel

^{By: Mark Reyes, Newswriting Intern                           communications@bloomfield.edu}

Bloomfield’s Center for Career Development teamed up with the institution’s Computer Information Systems department on Nov. 4, with the groups cosponsoring a panel with industry professionals in the field of information technology as part of the College’s “Meet the Professionals” series. 

The event gave students a chance to learn from professionals what it is like to work in the field, how to become a competitive job candidate, and to network with people currently working in the industry.

The panel featured Wesley Wilbourn from Novartis, Software Account Executive Garry Dakers from IBM, Senior Business Analyst Consultant Nekeisha Rouse from AIG and BDPA, and Director of Commercial Excellence Dave Terry from Operational Excellence and PSE&G. The panelists gave students information on the range of careers available in the field, and an inside look as to what employers look for in potential employees when it comes to internships and full-time jobs.

“We held the Technology Professionals Panel to help students learn about the variety of career options available and what it takes to be successful,” Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems Steve Kreutzer said of the event. “By learning directly from four working professionals, our students can learn about a range of options and a variety of paths to a successful career.”

"Computer Science is a professional field. I want to do everything I can to help prepare our students for a long, rewarding career in the information technology field.”

The event was a success, as students were able to gather more information about the field of information technology and the panelists also enjoyed the event.

"I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to interact with students at Bloomfield College,” said Wilbourn. “I greatly enjoyed the open communication and the forum the session was held in. You could feel the excitement and energy of the students during the session. Bloomfield College has some dynamic students with an even brighter future ahead of them. I look forward to more interaction with the institution’s students and staff.”

“A primary goal for the Center for Career Development is to connect students with professionals in the field who can give them insights as to the range of opportunities within their field and what they need to do to be very competitive candidates,” said Center for Career Development director Carol Ruiz. “As we go forward, our plans are to continue to offer these panels and to provide students with the opportunity to participate in informational interviews with professionals through our “Meet the Professionals” series.

For more information on the Center for Career Development, visit http://bloomfield.edu/student-life/career-development.