PERSPECTIVES FROM THE CAMPUS

One of the strengths of Indiana is that we bring together a variety of perspectives from the plethora of areas that touch the field of cyber, especially through the colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education throughout our state. Hence the name, “Perspectives from the Campus”, we invite experts – immersed in the pursuit of educating their students – to offer their knowledge for finding solutions in cybersecurity that benefit all Hoosiers.

In the latest installment of this series, Shabbir Qutbuddin, who serves as the Assistant Vice President for the School of IT and Entrepreneurship at Ivy Tech Community College shares the features and benefits of Ivy Tech's IT Toolkits, a comprehensive collection of resources designed to empower students as a gateway for guiding them to a thriving career in the tech industry. 

By Shabbir Qutbuddin

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, starting a career or advancing in the tech industry requires a commitment to continuous learning and access to the right resources.

Understanding and leveraging technology is crucial for academic and career success.

Students with access to resources, such as career pathways, tools, and experiential learning, will likely be better prepared for college and career paths. At the same time, those without might face challenges in postsecondary education and have fewer opportunities for early career exploration. For high school students, a lack of access to educational resources can profoundly affect their long-term academic and career trajectories. To bridge this gap and ensure inclusivity and accessibility, we aim to increase awareness of these resources through career coaching so students may use them more effectively.

Ivy Tech Community College has curated the resources that can help launch or level up a career in tech into IT Toolkits, a comprehensive collection of resources designed to empower high school students, college students, and career changers across Indiana.

These toolkits offer a roadmap through various IT fields, including software development, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, data analytics, computer science, network infrastructure, and IT support. By providing resources and guidance tailored to different learning and professional development stages, these toolkits can be the gateway to a thriving IT career, offering students the tools they need to thrive in the tech industry.

Each toolkit is designed to be user-friendly, serving as a comprehensive guide that can take you from initial curiosity to professional expertise. They enable you to explore educational opportunities, competitions, certifications, programming languages, tools, blogs, forums, projects, volunteering, freelancing, events, professional associations, and jobs. These toolkits are intended to serve as your companion on your educational journey, helping you identify the skills necessary for a successful career in IT in a way that's easy to understand and navigate.

The toolkits assist individuals through academic exploration, continuing education opportunities, and skills enhancement prospects. They share information regarding applied learning options, aid in understanding industry trends, and support career development. Within these toolkits, resources are available to uncover opportunities for earning dual credits, engaging in accelerated learning programs, and pursuing self-directed education. They can help gain a competitive advantage by fostering career readiness, keeping abreast of emerging technologies, and encouraging applied learning. Furthermore, these toolkits are instrumental in expanding professional networks, providing access to expert insights, and assisting with job information.

Ivy Tech is committed to educating and connecting learners to the vast opportunities in the tech landscape. Whether you're a high school student exploring career options, a college student seeking to specialize, or a professional looking to pivot into an IT field, these toolkits will not just help you navigate the complex world of IT but also equip you with the information you need to succeed. Start leveraging these toolkits today and take your first step towards a promising future in technology, where you can shape the digital world with your skills and knowledge.