Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
MCALLEN, TEXAS – South Texas College is connecting students with high-paying and prominent careers in the Information Technology industry with its 12th annual “Upgrade You” IT Career Expo.
The expo was held at the college’s Pecan campus and hosted more than 200 high school students along with 13 external IT companies which included hospitals, school districts and municipalities from across the region.
“I think what we have tried to do here is provide the students with a steppingstone into the industry, which can be kind of intimidating and scary. This provides students with the means to network with people and get more information about what daily life is like on the job for someone in IT,” said STC Information Technology Department Chair Angelita Teniente. “This expo can give students insight into the next steps of their education as they look ahead to their future in this industry.”
Eric Rodriguez, account manager with Netsync Network Solutions in McAllen, said attending events like the one held at STC is vital to students entering the industry. Rodriguez said he took advantage of networking opportunities as a student, which launched his career.
“I highly recommend that students meet with all the presenters here and get as much information as possible,” Rodriguez said. “They have to learn to ask questions and never be afraid of asking questions. Networking is one of the most critical skills you can have. I myself have been able to move up in my field simply because I reached out to someone who knew someone else and that opened the door for me. It’s critical to make those connections.”
STC student Arturo Cruz, who is pursuing his associate degree in Computer Networking, said he is currently a technology intern with Edinburg CISD and getting experience in the field before he graduates in spring 2025.
“This expo is a great benefit to all students who attend these types of events, especially those who want to get into the IT field,” Cruz said. “The opportunity to network with top companies and professors shows that students have the initiative and determination to put themselves out there and be recognized. If this is a career they are interested in, they have to take advantage of these opportunities now because they can open so many doors before you even leave college.”
Overall employment in computer and information technology occupations, which includes those that create or support computer applications, systems and networks, is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to U.S. Bureau and Labor Statistics.
More than 377,500 job openings each year are projected to come from growth and replacement needs. The median annual wage for employees in the field was $100,530 as of May 2022, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $46,310.
Examples of careers in IT can include computer and information research scientists, computer network architects, programmers, support specialists, analysts and web developers or digital designers.
Tentiente, who coordinated the first Expo in 2012 said what began as a small networking event with a few staff and faculty at a table has grown into a vital resource for IT professionals with the assistance of the business community.
“I hope students walk away from this event with all kinds of opportunities available for them,” Teniente said. “I hope they see all the different areas that they can specialize in and gain knowledge from these experts who have taken the time to be here for them. They are providing a great service and support to our communities.”
For more information on information technology and computer-related programs at STC, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/information-technology/.
