GSU Hosts Technology Expert Panel
October 22, 2018
Contact: Samantha Schmidt
GOVERNORS STATE UNIVERSITY
Email: sschmidt@govst.edu
Phone: 708.534.4977
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
University Park, IL — GSU students met and networked with technology industry professionals during a recent Careers in Technology panel discussion and networking reception hosted by the university's Alumni Association. University Lecturer Steve Steve Hyzny moderated the panel.
GSU Alumna Tamisha Rose, and supporters James Floyd, and Emmanuel Jackson shared their inspiring stories during the panel and emphasized the importance of networking, teamwork, and passion to grow as tech industry professionals.
Rose received a Master of Science, with honors, from GSU in Computer Science in fall 2013. Within months, she began a career as a Software Engineer at Accenture. Upon hire, she was assigned to various software functional testing roles to ensure that the application met business requirements.
In fall 2015, Rose changed roles to drive her career towards information security. She joined a three-person team to design a collaborative approach to strengthen Accenture’s firewall security. In 2016, Rose became the primary subject matter expert for compliance definitions, assessments, and implementation to meet complex requirements based on company policies and standards.
When seeking her job, Rose found that it was primarily her activities at GSU, including work with the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society and serving as president of the Computer Science Club that impressed her interviewers. She strongly encouraged students to stay involved on campus. “You are the driver. Find your niche— drive your career.”
Floyd is Managing Partner of the tech startup DGITIZE, LLC, which, “partners with companies to build integrated disruptive business models for competitive advantage through the use of digital technologies,” according to his bio. As former VP of U.S. Operations for McDonalds, Floyd used data to quantify business results. He advised students to stay engaged, get educated—both formally and informally—on both business and technology, and build their brand as problem-solvers.
Jackson is the Founder, CEO and Chairman of Evanston Technology Partners. His organization helps healthcare organizations improve efficiency and quality and decrease costs using innovative IT solutions. Jackson emphasized the importance of building people skills in developing tech industry professionals.
He shared a story about a time he was working as a janitor and was asked to bring a man sliders from a nearby restaurant. When Jackson returned with the food, the man gave him a $250 tip and handed him a business card. The card eventually led to the start of his telecommunications infrastructure company.
Although he did not pursue formal education, Jackson’s continuous research— an impressive 3 to 5 hours per day— and entrepreneurial spirit brought success. He suggested that true professionals care less about their own achievements. “Don’t just connect with the technology; connect with the organization, the community, and society as a whole.”
Governors State University serves nearly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students with 59 degree and 24 certificate programs that prepare them for success in business, industry, healthcare, the arts, and education. As a state university, GSU is committed to providing high-quality, accessible, and responsible higher education opportunities. GSU is located 40 miles south of Chicago in University Park, IL and offers the most affordable undergraduate tuition and fees in the state. GSU is committed to embracing diversity and academic excellence.