Program to prepare students for digital world

Mon, July 16, 2007 |

A new Valparaiso University program being launched this fall will help students in any academic discipline learn advanced technology skills needed to excel in an increasingly digital world.

Valparaiso’s Information Technology Fellows Program will put approximately 100 students each year into positions where they will master a wide variety of technologies – including Web design, graphic design, digital video and hardware and software support – while at the same time gaining practical work experience.

Dr. Dennis Trinkle, chief information officer, said students don’t need to be technology gurus to enter the program.

“Whether a student’s interest is business, philosophy, music, computer science or history, possessing practical experience working with a variety of these digital technologies is something that can differentiate them in the job market,” Dr. Trinkle said. “This liberal arts approach to learning about technology especially makes sense at an institution like Valparaiso. IT Fellows will gain exposure to a variety of technologies becoming more pervasive the workplace and determine which skills to concentrate on based on their interests and goals.”

In the first year of the program, participants will receive broad exposure to technologies that are redefining work in the digital age, with each student participating in four six-week training rotations devoted to various technologies.

During the second year of the program, IT Fellows will serve in semester- or year-long internships in which they will work side-by-side with faculty and professional staff on some of the most important and sophisticated technology projects taking place on campus. As IT Fellows gain experience, Dr. Trinkle said they will assume leadership roles and serve as mentors to new fellows.

IT Fellows will be able to continue mastering new skills and working on projects throughout their four years on campus.

“We are looking for students with enthusiasm, leadership skills and a desire for continuous learning,” Dr. Trinkle said. “This program is part of Valparaiso’s efforts to pursue information technology innovations that will build the quality of education we provide.”

The IT Fellows Program will be guided by a national panel of business and technology innovators, who will help guide the program in preparing the strongest possible leaders for the digital age.

The program will be launched with a cohort of 26 freshman students and up to 75 upperclass students and graduate students. More information about the IT Fellows Program is available online.

Earlier this year, Valparaiso was one of seven institutions of higher education in the country named to CIO magazine’s list of the 100 most innovative organizations in the country using information technology to create business value.