In October 2009, the Center for Information Technology Innovation (CITI) and CU Denver Business School’s Information Systems Association (ISA) hosted the fourth-annual CIO executive panel event, “Become a Business Leader With an Edge.” The annual event provides an opportunity for students to learn about what executives are looking for and what they see as the future of business and information technology. This year’s CIO Panel had the largest attendance so far, attracting 215 attendees.
David Guild, CITI Executive Director, opened the event by sharing information about the Business School’s upcoming move to their new location at 1475 Lawrence Street. Guild then introduced the following panel members:
- Kevin Capp, chief technology officer for the City of Castle Rock
- Randy Guthrie, academic developer evangelist from Microsoft
- Ron Huston, chief enterprise architect from the State of Colorado
- David Laube, executive in residence for the Business School at CU Denver
- Mary Anne Leach, vice president and CIO of the Children’s Hospital
- Matthew Taylor, vice president of managed services and IT/IS Operations
Randy Guthrie presented “IT Myth Busters.” His presentation covered important technology trends and clarified misconceptions about the IT industry and job market. Dave Laube spoke about CITI and community involvements in the recent curriculum changes for undergraduate and graduate Information Systems Programs at the Business School.
Each panel member spoke about the importance of IT in their respective industries. The panelists agreed that by second quarter 2010, the IT job market will be booming due to three primary factors: the strengthening of the economy following recession, retiring of previous generations of IT workers, and new and growing applications of IT in areas such as health care and state government.
The student response to the event was very positive. They asked questions of the panelists about how to be successful in a job search and how to break into the industry with no IT experience. Many students felt they gained valuable insight and learned about the industry from a very personal perspective. Juan Sanchez, a student mentor from the Denver Transfer Initiative, said, “This was one of the best events I’ve ever been to on campus. I was very impressed.” Overall, students found the discussion very informative and are looking forward to more ISA events and another successful panel event next year.
