SCC CAPS Tech Solutions
August/September 2019 Newsletter
General Update
Since the beginning of the school year, the Technology Solutions Associates have developed their professional business skills, built resumes with cover letters, created LinkedIn accounts, and engaged with professional business partners through guest speakers and site visits.The associates have just begun their business partner projects that will take them to the end of the semester.
Professional Skills Development
Elevator Pitch
One of the first skills the associates started to develop was communication. By learning a 30-second "elevator pitch," they learned how to introduce themselves along with their interest in a confident and professional manner.
LinkedIn Profiles
Along with their resumes, associates created a LinkedIn profile to connect with business professionals and guest speakers who have visited our classroom. They also had the opportunity to take their own profile pictures, developing their photography skills & gain hands-on experience with the camera.
Strengthsfinder Bootcamp
The associates met at Lewis and Clark Career Center with Dan Vincent of Kaleo Coaching to discuss the importance of their Clifton Strengthsfinder results. With these results, the associates know what their strengths are and how to use them to their advantage during project work.
Site Visits
Charter Spectrum
The associates had the opportunity to meet with Charter Spectrum Network Engineers to learn about cyber security and computer networks. Along with a Q&A, they were able to see the server rooms where Charter Spectrum stores computer network that support voice, data and network services.
Enterprise Holdings
Technology Solutions first site visit outside of Charter Spectrum was to Enterprise Holdings in order to learn about cyber security and digital forensics. Craig Sohn lead the group through the different departments and answered all the great questions associates had. Along with learning about cyber security and digital forensics, the associates had the opportunity to see the day-to-day operations of different employees in various departments.
EPC
The associates visited EPC, a St. Charles-based company that reuses old electronics and gives them new life. At EPC, the associates toured their workshop along with their organization systems for recycled electronics. The IT department also gave advice regarding interview tips and what it takes to be successful in their specific line of work.
Boeing
One of the highlights of SCC CAPS so far has been the site visit to Boeing. Both the AM and PM sessions attended this amazing opportunity. The associates were invited to the Immersion Development Center where they explored the world of Virtual Reality (VR) and its applications. After getting some hands-on experience with VR, the associates attended a Q&A session with Boeing employees from various departments. They got to ask questions regarding college, internships, and how to go above and beyond with networking. The associates ended the day by hopping over to St. Louis Community College to learn about their Boeing Pre-Employment program and had the opportunity to work with some of the tools they use in the program.
Associates at Boeing
Exciting Day!
St. Louis Community College -Boeing Pre-Employment Program
Stauder Technologies
Stauder Technologies is a company that builds software for the U.S. Military. The associates had the opportunity to see their programs used in real time and ask questions regarding coding and how to be successful in the workplace. Stauder Technologies is offering unpaid student internship for the second semester, and this was a great way for students to see if they would like to work for this company!
Hi-Tek Mobility
The associates had the opportunity to visit Hi-Tek Mobility, one of the leading prosthetic developers in the United States. Not only were the associates exposed to various machines and technologies, they were given great advice on how products can always be improved and to never settle. It was also interesting to see how technology, engineering, and healthcare can be blended at a company.
Business Partner Projects
Nancy Strebe | We Love St. Charles
Nancy Strebe came to class to present her business partner project with the associates. The project includes editing a promo video for an event they are holding in February next year. The associates will use video editing software and filming in order to complete the project.
Heather Cushing | Foristell Chamber of Commerce
Heater Cushings came to class to raise interest in her project with the associates. The project includes building a new website for the Foristell Chamber of Commerce and the associates will use WordPress to complete the project.
Kacey Derby | Baue Funeral Home
Kacey Derby came to class to present her project for Baue Funeral Home to the associates. The project includes creating service book design examples for online sharing and printing, utilizing online design templates and Adobe InDesign.
Student Resources
Schoology
Schoology is the program the associates utilize to turn in their reflections, weekly updates, and other various assignments. It mimics the platforms professors use in college and ensures the associates learn the importance of deadlines.
Grok Learning
Grok learning is an online program that teaches code along with other computer science concepts. Currently, the associates are completing a lesson about cyber security and how easy it is for malicious people to find your information. Grok learning blends videos, lessons, and interactive activities to ensure the associates are retaining the information they are learning.
Process Improvement with Edward Jones
The Technology Solutions and Global Business & Entrepreneurship strands met at Lewis and Clark Career Center for training from Edward Jones about Process Improvement. The associates spent two days learning about how to make projects more efficient with hands-on learning and teamwork. They were even given the opportunity to obtain a white belt certification with Lean Six Sigma, which they can include on resumes and their LinkedIn profiles.
Guest Speakers
Naretha Hopson -Ever Appropriate | Business Etiquette
To kick-off the SCC CAPS school year, Naretha Hopson author of 5 Steps To The Professional PRESENCE that PAY$ came to class and talked to associates about the importance of proper business etiquette.
Marcy Bursac | Software Development and Mentoring
Marcy Bursac, from Charter Spectrum, engaged with associates about software development and mentoring. She explained the importance of knowing code and how to practice it using various programs. She also talked to the associates about mentoring and how important advice can be.
Dan Duffy | Video Productions
Dan Duffy talked to the associates about video editing and filming. Along with sharing great tips for shooting quality footage, he gave great advice regarding understanding clients' needs and how to deliver great products or services that meet their objectives.
Jon Robinson | UX Mindset
Jon Robinson from Slalom Consulting came and talked to our associates about the importance of user experience. He highlighted how the importance of keeping the end user in mind when designing new products. The goal is to make easy to use products or services for everyone, not just for tech-savvy customers.
Charter HR Team
The associates were fortunate enough to have the Charter HR Team come to class and talked to them about resumes, LinkedIn, and interviewing tips. The associates learned great tips and tricks they can utilize in their upcoming mock interviews and internship interviews.
Professional Skills Presentations
In order to work on their communication skills and teamwork, associates worked in small groups to create a presentation over assigned pages from their professional skills handbooks.
Event Information
Parent-Student Associate-Instructor Conferences
Parents are cordially invited to attend the fall CAPS Parent-Student Associate-Instructor Conferences. These conferences will be student-led presentations. They will be held at the Lewis & Clark Career Center, in the Multipurpose Room on the following dates/times:
Wednesday 10/9 from 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday 10/10 from 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday 10/10 from 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 10/10 from 3 PM - 6 PM
When?
Wednesday, Oct 9, 2019, 04:00 PM
Where?
2400 Zumbehl Road, Saint Charles, MO 63301, USA
St. Charles County CAPS Program
The SCC CAPS program immerses students in professional environments where curriculum has been developed by industry professionals ensuring what is taught in the classroom is relevant to the workforce. In technology solutions, students learn to utilize technology in order to design products and solve business problems. In addition to working with technology, students have the opportunity to learn important soft skills and build their professional networks before venturing into the workforce.
Email: john.omoresemi@scccaps.org
Website: http://stcharlescountycaps.yourcapsnetwork.org/
Location: 13736 Riverport Drive, Maryland Heights, MO, USA
Phone: 636-362-4051
Facebook: facebook.com/scccaps
Twitter: @scccapstech