Spears Business students engage with technology industry through TSIA Career Pathways program
Monday, October 28, 2024
Media Contact: Terry Tush | Director, Marketing and Communications | 405-744-2703 | terry.tush@okstate.edu
The Technology Services Industry Association Career Pathways program is connecting five Spears School of Business students with a range of networking and career resources.
Ashlyn Caldwell, Hadley Dowers, Melat Lemma, Evan Simons and Wilson Torres are representing Oklahoma State University in the program from Sept. 10 through the end of October. Reflecting the growing partnership between TSIA and Spears, the students received all-expenses paid registration to the TSIA World ENVISION Conference from Oct. 21-23 in Las Vegas.
"At the Eastin Center for Career Readiness, we couldn't be prouder to see these five outstanding students representing the Spears School of Business in this year's TSIA Career Pathways program," said Robin Darmon, director of the Spears Business Eastin Center for Career Readiness. "They are stepping up, engaging with global business leaders and showcasing the caliber of talent Oklahoma State University produces — leaders who are not only technically skilled but also ethical and resilient. This is what OSU and Spears are all about: preparing students to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving technology industry.”
Benefits of the TSIA Career Pathways program include access to the TSIA research library, involvement in webinars and seminars, connections with industry mentors and information about internships and job opportunities.
Dowers and Torres have twice received selection for the program, and Dowers said she enjoyed reconnecting with people she met at the 2023 conference.
“This program is an incredible stepping stone for my future,” Dowers said. “It’s given me the chance to meet highly successful professionals who are genuinely invested in helping me reach similar achievements. The connections I’ve built within the tech industry are invaluable and will undoubtedly support my career journey after graduation.”
Lemma, a first-time participant, established industry connections during an interactive session about key performance indicators (KPIs), which allow companies to track progress toward goals. She said this was her favorite part of the conference.
“I sat at the same table as industry professionals and gave my opinion on topics that were being discussed, which instilled a confidence in me,” Lemma said. “Having those powerful conversations allowed me to see how prepared I truly was for starting a career in the technology industry.”
More than 40,000 technology and services organizations comprise TSIA’s membership, allowing the students to explore many career avenues. As the world’s leading research organization dedicated to helping technology companies achieve profitable growth and solve their top business challenges, TSIA strives to foster interest in technology and services careers among students and rising leaders.
OSU’s Eastin Center, which facilitated the partnership between Spears and TSIA, serves to guide and support students so they are prepared to pursue professional opportunities, practice continued growth and fully realize their potential. Holly Bergbower, a career services coordinator in the Eastin Center, saw this mission in action as she accompanied the students at the conference.
“The TSIA conference immersed our students in the world of tech with the people who make the big decisions,” Bergbower said. “But even more than that, it allowed them to practice professionalism. These students reflected the Power of Personal well.”
TSIA Career Pathways participants
Ashlyn Caldwell, management information systems and data analytics junior
Hadley Dowers, MIS and data analytics junior
Melat Lemma, data analytics senior
Evan Simons, MIS junior
Wilson Torres, finance senior