Students in the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) were able to explore student organizations and engagement opportunities during the college’s recent Connections Day student involvement fair.
Hosted by IST’s Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement on Jan. 19 in the Westgate Building, Connections Day presented students with the chance to learn more about involvement opportunities and services available to IST students.
Students from more than 15 organizations and representatives from the college's student support offices gathered to promote their opportunities and support the idea that IST instills in all of their students – extracurricular experiences add great value to what students learn in the classroom.
“Joining an IST club can be an extension of your coursework and gives you more hands-on practical experience,” said Yuya Ong, a junior majoring in data sciences who was representing Nittany Data Labs.
Many students say that these connections made within the college are crucial. Along with providing additional skills to enhance their careers and creating a more well-rounded experience, joining an IST club also helps students grow their personal networks.
“The interpersonal relationships you make, along with learning technical skills, are important aspects of every IST organization,” said Jackson Farris, a freshman cybersecurity analytics and operations major who was representing the Competitive Cyber Security Organization.
Every organization at the event, like Women in IST (WIST), provides students with opportunities to pursue membership and leadership roles. Students who have taken on these roles shared that club-related experiences often translate to success in a professional environment.
“In a job setting, I can think ‘When I was president, this is how I solved problems’ and translate into solving that problem,” said Patrice Morris, WIST president and senior security and risk analysis major.
And regardless of the organization, the most rewarding part of being in an IST club for many students is being able to make an impact.
“My favorite part of IST is getting the chance to get to know your peers and being able to make some sort of difference within the community,” concluded Adrianne Kubiak, a junior majoring in IST and Girls Who Code representative.
For more information about engagement in IST, visit the college's website.