Seminar gives students a glimpse of their future in information technology careers

More than 180 students attended the Future Potential in IT seminar, hosted by the Kelley School of Business and the School of Informatics Friday.\nDick McGarvey, director of the career center in the Informatics School, said one of the main goals of the seminar was to attract students to the information technology field. \n"There is a great need for IT majors because there is a shortage nationally," McGarvey said.\nThe seminar provided students who have undecided majors or have yet to determine their career fields with the opportunities and benefits the industry has to offer, McGarvey said. \n"The seminar focuses on the value of IT and what it brings to the world of business," McGarvey said. \nKeynote speakers included Mark Hill, founder of Baker Hill; Doug Hammel, vice president of Athletica of Reebok; and Doug Moe, CEO of Performance Assessment Network. \nThe seminar also gave students an opportunity to speak informally with professionals from the business and technology industries. \nRepresentatives were present from companies such as Microsoft, Reebok/Adidas, Baker Hill, Roche Diagnostics, Cook Inc., General Mills and the Indianapolis chapter of the Society for Information Management. \n"One professional is seated at each table with the students to allow for a personal experience and so the students can ask questions," McGarvey said. \nVijay Khatri, professor of operations and decision technology in the business school, interacted with students and answered questions about his field.\n"I really enjoyed the interaction with the students," he said. \nFreshman Chelsea Dzaugis attended the conference because she said she is unsure of which career path to choose.\n"I'm an informatics major, and I have a general idea of what I want to do, but I thought it would be helpful to see what else is out there," she said. "I'm glad I came because it was interesting to hear all of the different career opportunities."\nInformatics professor Martin Siegel said the information technology field is changing to become more interdisciplinary and include outside fields. Siegel offered students tips to be more successful in school and in finding the right career. He encouraged students to take the initiative and apply for internships while in school.\n"(Students should) see what it's like to work in this industry," he said.