Careers INsite hopes to remedy Technology Brain Drain epidemic

Indiana is No. 11 in the country in job opportunities for technology graduates, yet each year an estimated 42 percent of college graduates abandon the state for more popular technological meccas like New York and Chicago, according to the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute and the U.S. Department of Commerce. \nOther Midwest states like Michigan and Ohio lose about 20 percent of their graduates annually. \nTo combat the "Brain Drain," the Indiana Information Technology Association joined forces with Purdue University to create Careers INsite, a Web site and program designed to educate students about attractive technological opportunities in the state.\nTami Tarpley, director of work force development for the IITA attributes graduates' flight from Indiana to lack of awareness. \n"In order for Indiana to be a nationally-recognized leader in technology, we must have a strong technology-based work force," she said. To contend the "alarming statistics" in a field of work "traditionally a challenge to fill," Tarpley said she hopes to bridge the gap between employer and potential employee.\n"We connect students with the high tech community through many activities and programs," she said. \nIn addition to traditional means, IITA brings a representative from the high tech community to talk to students. \n"And in a casual environment they can meet professionals ... and network, talk about job opportunities (and) get career advice," Tarpley said.\nAlan McNabb, director of Indiana University Career Development Center agreed with the need for action.\n"I think it is important for (the students) to have the opportunity to stay in state for employment. I think employers should be able to attract some of the talent that graduates from Purdue or IU." \nIU turns out many qualified graduates searching for jobs in the technology field each year, McNabb said.\nTechnology students usually realize the opportunities that lie with big Indiana-based companies like Eli Lilly, who provided the funding for Careers INsite, a budget of $1.3 million, but they don't know about many smaller companies, McNabb said.\n"First you have to educate students about opportunities for employment in the state of Indiana, and then you have to educate employers about how to use the placement services," McNabb said.