This year, the COMMON Education Foundation was able to bring 31 students and 5 educators to COMMON’s Fall Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. There, the students, had an opportunity to get the best in supplementary education with a student track designed specifically with their needs in mind. The student track featured a mix of technical education along with business development content to help them prepare for their entry into the workforce.
When students weren’t in sessions learning the latest tips and tricks, they were able to walk around the Expo and talk to vendors. Speaking with vendors allowed the students to network and learn what’s available in the industry as well as what employers may be looking for in their next employee.
At the Fall Conference, COMMON donates free certification testing for students. This year there were a number of students that sat for the COMMON Business Computing Business Associate exam or CBCA. With a large majority passing, this first level certification provides a means of demonstrating students’ knowledge and abilities to employers.
To round out the conference, a student networking reception was held Tuesday evening. Sponsored by iTECH Solutions Group, this event gave students and their educators an opportunity to meet with those individuals that sponsored their attendance, and ask general questions about the industry in a relaxed atmosphere.
The COMMON Education Foundation’s Student Initiative would not be possible without the generosity of all the donors. Thank you to everyone that supported this year’s student initiative. From the sale of raffle tickets and merchandise onsite to those companies and individuals that sponsored students, every dollar spent benefitted students interested in learning about our industry. Feedback from the students has been overwhelmingly positive. Most have said their experience at the conference has solidifed their decision to pursue a career in the IBM i workspace. These are your future employees, co-workers and customers, thank you ALL for taking the time to support them, connect with them and impart your wisdom.