UTICA – Local high school students learned a bit about the future of technology at the September 11 “Empowering the Future of Innovative TECH Leaders,” summit on the Utica Campus.
The expo was about bringing awareness to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs at Utica and the kinds of careers people in STEM can get.
“We are committed to moving people forward to fulfill their purpose and passion, demonstrating accountability, leadership and innovation. Tech is the future. Let this event inspire you for the future of technology,” said Jonathan Townes, Vice President Instruction, Career and Technical Education.
Townes told students workers skilled in cybersecurity are in demand because the advances in technology also lead to more online vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity providers are the “guardians of the galaxy,” Townes said. He talked about the importance of keeping businesses and institutions safe and gave examples of the crippling effect of malware on America’s digital infrastructures in healthcare, education and business.
J.J. Townsend, Community Affairs representative and Ecosystem builder for Microsoft, was introduced by Townes as a tech activist because he works to bring access to technology to rural and underserved Mississippians. He picked up on the idea of “guardians of the galaxy,” saying, “There is a critical need for skilled people to fill these jobs in Mississippi. At Microsoft we want to empower every Mississippian by giving them access to technology.”
“It is vital for our businesses, our schools, our governments to be protected from malware,” he said. “Cybersecurity crime is not a victimless crime. It really hurts people and can put their lives in jeopardy. Recall recent cases of rural hospitals and community colleges getting hit with malware. That’s the kind of thing we are fighting every day. That’s where the opportunity for you lies.”
“The industry and the need for skilled technicians is only going to grow as we move into the future. It should excite you. The entry level roles of machine-learning engineers and research scientists start out at $100,000,” Townsend said. Then he listed four steps students needed to take:
1. Get educated.
2. Stay curious, always be looking for the next greatest thing.
3. Network – talk to professionals in the business, develop relationships, learn about opportunities for work and internships.
4. Gain experience – build a reputation for excellence.
High schools represented at the event included River City Early College High School, Warren Central, Vicksburg High School, Hazlehurst High School, Forest Hill High School and Crystal Springs High School.
Students were given swag bags from as they piled into the auditorium for the cybersecurity presentation. Afterwards students went to breakout sessions where many departments had set up booths with brochures and leaflets, tools from their profession were on display, and instructors were on hand to answer questions.
Among tech companies represented at the summit were Lobaki, the Mississippi Coding Academy, Dream Innovations Inc. and NASA Community College Aerospace Schools.
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