From Classroom to Career: Building Pathways for Tomorrow's IT Pros!

As computer and data sciences continue to grow in popularity among undergraduates, students in higher education are increasingly seeking professional opportunities in the information technology field to prepare for their post-graduation careers. Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to enrich academic learning with practical IT skills that align with students' career aspirations while addressing the distinct challenges they encounter. As academic employers, we are equipped to instruct on a range of topics, including IT service management (ITSM), knowledge-centered service (KCS), teamwork and collaboration, and customer service, all while supporting students pursuing personal career goals and projects that contribute to their individual development. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, we extend our role as educators beyond conventional boundaries, embodying the Wisconsin Idea that "education should influence people’s lives beyond the classroom." By equipping student employees with essential skills and knowledge for a successful IT career, we foster a potential for widespread positive impact post-graduation. We are eager to share our approaches at EDUCAUSE 2024, including our WiGrow program, tailored training plans, and our commitment to an inclusive and supportive environment. Our goal is to enhance the capacity of fellow educators to similarly empower their student workforces.