CEO of Calico Systems and IUP alumnus Matt Green ‘24 partnered with the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) to share advice about entering careers in technology to students.
While still in college, Green launched his own small business in 2023. He feels that launching a business can give students more freedom rather than pursuing a traditional career.
According to Green, even though launching his own business gives him more freedom, it is a lot more work.
Green’s company is a service provider that acts as an information technologies (IT) department for other companies. Green mentioned that working at a residential computer shop gave him the confidence to start his own business.
“The longer I worked there, the more I fell in love with the idea of having a business. To own your own business, you have to have a vision like that,” said Green.
Green is a recent IUP management information systems and information technology graduate and expressed that he wishes that he had joined more clubs during his time on campus. He encouraged students to join clubs and organizations so they can make connections with their peers.
Working at the IUP IT department during his time at IUP is another important job that Green recalls. He suggested that students take advantage of the opportunity to work on campus to gain experience.
Green also encouraged students to join LinkedIn. He believes that it is a good way to make connections and find future internships and job opportunities. Students can make connections by attending career fairs and finding internships to build connections as well.
“Don’t be afraid to talk to people. Take a chance. I know it’s scary, but if you don’t take a chance, you’re never going to get anywhere,” said Green.
Aaron Martin (junior, software engineering) said the program gave him an idea of what to prepare for in the future. Martin believes Green’s most valuable advice was to join LinkedIn and find internships.
Sarah Fisher (senior, human services), a Career Development Advocate for CPDC, believes that these events help students from all different kinds of majors.
“It doesn’t have to be a major specific thing. They give insight on how they get the job, when they get it, what do they do. But the common theme is career readiness,” said Fisher.
Fisher agrees with Green’s advice about getting connected with students as well as employers to aid in internships and future job opportunities.
Fisher was able to find an internship by going to a career fair and connecting with companies there.
CPDC Assistant Director of Academic and Career Success Jeremy Risinger expressed that he believes students were able to learn what to expect when joining the workforce.
“I hope they learned a general understanding of what the workforce is like and things that they can expect,” said Risinger.
The event was a part of the CPDC’s Professional Panel Series that offers panels of professionals from all kinds of careers to talk about entering the workforce.
The panels are held four times each semester and can be attended through Zoom as well as in person.
