Spears Business connecting students to the technology industry
Friday, October 20, 2023
Media Contact: Stephen Howard | Manager of Communications | 405-744-4363 | stephen.howard@okstate.edu
The Technology Services Industry Association (TSIA) partnered with the Spears School of Business to provide eight Oklahoma State University students an exclusive opportunity in the TSIA Career Pathways program.
The program connects students with global industry leaders in the technology services field and included an all-expenses-paid trip to the annual TSIA Conference in Las Vegas from Oct. 15-18. In addition to the conference, the Spears Business students will participate in one-on-one mentorship programs, webinars and virtual summits, and will be promoted for internship and career opportunities with participating companies. OSU was the only school invited to participate in the TSIA Career Pathways program this year.
At the conference, the OSU students met with member companies and participated in a live panel discussion where professionals asked the students what they’re seeking in a career and an employer, and what values drive their professional choices. Senior Benjy Adolphe delivered an address to the those in attendance about his career journey and how the TSIA Career Pathways program will help him.
“It was an experience that helped me get out of my comfort zone,” Adolphe said. “It just stretches you and makes you learn in a fast-paced environment. I had a chance to meet the CEO of TSIA, J.B. Wood, and he gave me some great career advice and insights. We networked with a lot of industry executives, and talking to these people can really expand your horizons.”
Over 40,000 organizations in the technology and services sector are members of TSIA, the world's leading research organization dedicated to helping technology companies achieve profitable growth and solve their top business challenges. Companies large and small look to TSIA for world-class business frameworks, best practices based on real-world results, detailed performance benchmarking and exceptional peer-networking opportunities.
The partnership was made possible thanks to the Eastin Center for Career Readiness, which seeks to guide and support Spears Business students so that they are prepared to pursue professional opportunities, practice continued growth and fully realize their potential.
“I learned a lot about industry trends and developments,” said junior Kate Contreras, an international business major from Juarez, Mexico. “It gave me a sense of direction as to where I want to take my career. Getting to network with executives and hearing how tech companies are adapting to new technologies isn’t something that college students get to be a part of every day. I feel like it opened the doors to future internships and connections that will definitely help my career take the next step.”
TSIA Career Pathways participants
- Benjy Adolphe • MIS
- Evelyn Larson • Marketing with a minor in data analytics
- Jaycie Cash • Human Resources Management
- Ahmad Shanawaz • Mechanical Engineering
- Hadley Dowers • MIS
- Kate Contreras • International Business
- Wilson Torres • Finance and accounting
- Theo Neighbors • MSIS