Seminole State hosts tech conferences for career upskilling
Friday, September 27, 2024
Written by: Emily Hollingshead
Two Central Florida technology conferences, DevFest Central Florida and SQLSaturday, will take place on Seminole State College of Florida's Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. These one-day conferences are aimed at developing the skills of software developers and IT professionals in the area. The demand for a well-developed tech workforce is only growing. The Orlando Economic Partnership reports that "Tech employment in the region expanded by 15% between 2018 and 2023, growing at a faster rate than total employment in the region, and is projected to surpass 76,000 in 2024."
The conferences not only provide a training opportunity for local professionals, but also for students of Seminole State's five degrees and ten certificates in Information Systems Technology to learn and interact with those established in their field.
DevFest
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, University Partnership Building
Central Florida DevFest is a Google-sponsored conference focused on the latest in-demand technology trends in AI, web, cloud, mobile and more. Software developers, technologists and students can take advantage of hands-on workshops and speakers from companies such as Google, Microsoft, CGI and The Cigna Group.
With sessions focused on hard skills such as working with Kubernetes, building serverless web apps and ensuring quality in AI applications, the conference also includes sessions on how navigate and pivot in your technology career. The variety guarantees that there is something for everyone, regardless if they are a veteran in the field or are just starting out. Visit devfestflorida.com/Orlando to learn more and buy a ticket for the event. Students can register for the event at half-price at $25 and must show their student ID when checking in.
SQLSaturday
When: Saturday, Oct. 12
Where: Sanford/Lake Mary Campus
SQLSaturday is a free training event for IT professionals and students in its 17th year in Orlando. Focusing on the expansive field of data platforms, sessions cover topics from SQL server, data analytics and Power BI, DevOps, Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services, and more.
Seminole State students who attend can take part in a special Student to IT Pro Seminar. With introductory sessions surrounding topics like classification and database design, SQLSaturday is an excellent way to break into data-centric fields. More experienced professionals will benefit from the intermediate sessions where they can stay on top of the latest trends, getting the most out of data platforms and learning from other disciplines to take their skills to the next level. To learn more and register, visit sqlsaturday.com.
Seminole State offers five degrees and ten certificates in Information Technology including Associate in Science degrees in Computer Programming and Analysis and Information Systems Technology and a bachelor’s in Information Systems Technology with programming and cybersecurity tracks. For those looking to gain a credential faster, the College also offers certificates in computer programing, network infrastructure, cybersecurity and, coming in Spring Term 2025, an Artificial Intelligence Awareness Certificate.
Seminole State College of Florida’s School of Construction, Design, Engineering and Information Technologies provides a wide range of educational pathways from professional bachelor’s degrees, workforce-ready associate in science programs to short-term technical career certificates in the built environment and emerging technologies. Specialized centers within the school include the Center for English Language Studies and the Center for Adult and Workforce Education where adult learners can improve their English, seek academic foundation skills or in-demand workforce programs.