UMSL students networked with representatives from area businesses during the Information Systems Career Conference. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Joshua Benoist understands that networking doesn’t always come easily to those in his field of study.
“In information systems and computer science, networking and people skills are not always our strong suit,” said Benoist, an information systems major at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “So any opportunities we have to improve upon them just make us that much better to a potential employer.”
The Information Systems Career Conference is one of those opportunities. Held recently by the Department of Information Systems in the College of Business Administration, the conference was attended by more than 100 students and representatives from 15 area companies.
“Events like this are so important,” Benoist said. “I learned some great tips and resources and had the chance to sit down with companies I’m interested in, talk with their employees and see what they are looking for. Plus the work session offered up great insight into the field.”
Emily Coates, who earned her bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2013 from UMSL, now works as a software engineer for Enterprise. Coates attended the conference on behalf of her employer.
“This is a great networking opportunity for students,” she said. “There are students that we’ve spoken with (at the conference) that would fit perfectly for positions we have available. This is a great way for them to get some exposure and, if nothing else, some experience in networking and interviewing.”
Dinesh Mirchandani, professor and chair of the Department of Information Systems at UMSL, organized the event.
“The conference is a wonderful way to give our students exposure to businesses, while also presenting our talented students to these companies,” Mirchandani said.
Other companies in attendance included Ameren, Boeing, Edward Jones, Emerson, Express Scripts, MSD, Panera Bread, TDK Technologies and Unisys.
The IS department has several other events planned; click here to see a complete list.
