LAST week saw the annual Institute of Technology of Tralee’s Steps to Success Networking Event for the Computing and IT Departments take place.

This is a unique careers module delivered to final year students to assist in the transition from the world of college to the world of work.

The aim of the networking event – held on Thursday, May 4 – was to facilitate discussion and networking between final year IT students and IT related industry representatives.

Continued below…

The evening began with an expert panel discussion facilitated by Jim Breen – Founder and CEO Pulse Learning and Cycle against Suicide.

The expert panel members this year were: Deirdre Carr – Director Diomac; Dr John Daly, Research and Innovation Manager, Dairymaster, Ann Jensen, Content Developer/Technical Writer, Aspengrove Solutions; Marta Doberschutez, Software Developer, Continuum Commerce Solutions; David O Donoghue, Audience and Display Performance Specialist, Google and 18 year old entrepreneur and technical genius Harry McCann (via Skype).

The event was attended by Information Systems Management, Computing with Games Development, computing with Software Development and Computing with Media Development final year students.

IT Companies represented at the event were Griffith College Limerick , Monex Financial Services, Fexco, Aspengrove Solutions, JRI-America, Dairymaster, Salasco, Digital Buzz, Digital Marketing, Sidelineye, Mobocar, Pembroke WebServices, Kerry Expo and many more.

The experts all outlined the route their own careers took. They had wise words for the students who will be all finishing college this month – on making the right choices about careers; about seizing opportunities; about being resilient when having to cope with failures in life.

They disclosed what impresses them most about an applicant when they apply for a job or attend an interview.

One of the over-arching pieces of advice that all the experts agreed on was to follow your passion and pick a career that excites you and that you will love.