In an effort to increase company involvement, the Syracuse University School of Information Studies (iSchool) Women in Technology (WIT) group hosted a booth at SU Career Services Reverse Career Fair, held at the Sheraton on October 6, 2010.
The group was able to interact with such big name employers as Ernst and Young, NBC, Headstrong, IBM, and Deloitte and showcase the of events and activities WIT holds
“I am very glad to get a positive response and attract big brands’ interest in WIT,” said Chhavi Gupta G’11, M.S. in Information Management student and president of WIT. “Around 10 employers visited WIT and showed interest in sharing their experienced professional speakers from their respective firms to present to WIT.”
One of the most popular WIT activities was the (Bolstering Original Opportunities & Self through Technology (BOOST) initiative that teaches displaced homemakers technology skills to help them start a home business.
The reverse career fair is a chance for employers to visit student organization booths, in an effort to turn the tables of a regular career fair where students stop by employer booths. Syracuse University Career Services held the event as part of the Diversity Business Summit.
The mission of WIT is to capitalize on the presence and strength of women in the information management field. The goals of the organization include raising awareness of women in the field by hosting school-based events such as an alumni panel, assisting with the recruitment of women into the Bachelor of Science in information management and technology program, and offering career exploration opportunities.