by Casey Gannon
The University of Maryland Division of IT hosted the Terrapin Tech Expo on Oct.16 and took place in the atrium of the Stamp Student Union from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event encouraged students to learn more about different technological resources available to them on campus.
Vendors such as Apple, Dell and Microsoft participated in the event with hopes to advertise their services to students. These companies have the apps and technologies for students to utilize during their time at the University of Maryland
Colisian Oji McLeod, an IT Specialist for the university’s Division of IT represented the department at the expo.
“We do a lot of in depth work with the technology found on campus that’s in classrooms and conference rooms,” explained McLeod.
McLeod said that professors mainly use the Division of IT’s server when they are experiencing a technical difficulty in a classroom. However, not many students know that the resource is also accessible to them.
“Students also have access to our ticketing system that is only available on our website,” McLeod said. “[Students] put in incident tickets and things for us to check up on to help them with whatever they may need us for.”
Senior government and politics major Darius Craig who works for the Division of IT joined McLeod at the expo. Now a team leader, Craig began working for the Division of IT when he was a freshman. Some of Craig’s responsibilities include training new employees and ensuring that IT operations are running smoothly.
Craig explained that he went to a high school that specializes in technology, but he did not have that much experience with information technology. He learned about the job shortly after starting at this university.
In regards to technology related resources, Craig also mentioned that students should be attending the Terrapin Tech Expo to learn about low cost programs available to students.
“There’s a lot of resources that are available at a low cost or even free. So I definitely think the students will take advantage of that,” Craig said.
While Craig said he believes that students should be utilizing the technology resources available to them, he also shared that his position with the Division of IT has helped him gain useful skills.
“With my position specifically, it’s a great experience, especially working here,” Craig said. “You learn a lot, you pick up a lot of different skills. I think it’s always good to have a bit of tech knowledge.”
LinkedIn’s Customer Success Manager Jen Jortner Cassidy, represented the popular site and company at the expo. She promoted LinkedIn Learning as a new resource for students at this university.
“LinkedIn Learning is a platform built on top of LinkedIn focused on teaching you business creative and technology skills through video,” Cassidy said. “So, [the] University of Maryland just upgraded to the LinkedIn Learning platform, and all faculty, staff and students have free access.”
Students must use their directory ID to log in to the LinkedIn Learning program. Cassidy emphasized the importance of having a professional appearance and a platform to showcase skills.
“As you see jobs posted on LinkedIn, you’ll see the skills required for those jobs,” Cassidy said. “And if you feel like you need to brush up on some things, LinkedIn Learning is a perfect place to brush up on those skills.”
Featured photo courtesy of Casey Gannon.