Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/238538
PROGRAMMING STEM SUCCE SS FOR OUR STUDENTS < < < Internships are giving students the opportunity to gain practical Chemical Society," says student Stephanie Schneider. "She's very experience at companies such as Northrop Grumman, The Johns helpful in making me understand what employers are looking for Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Magellan Health and what it's like being a woman in the workforce." Services, and others. Some of these students go on to work for these employers once they complete their programs. What's next? "More opportunities for students to receive scholarships, internships, and mentors; new degree programs Mentors offer another valuable link to the world outside of and classes; and a new state-of-the-art science, engineering, academia. The American Association of University Women and technology building with more project lab space, high-tech (AAUW) is one of the organizations offering its members as equipment such as wind tunnel testers and solar data equipment mentors to encourage women to go into nontraditional STEM racks, and lecture areas with LED projectors, whiteboards, and careers. "I meet once a month with an executive from the American document cameras," reports Friedman. STRAIGHT SHOT TO SUCCESS > > MIKE TANO Mike Tano was a student in HCC's network security program, when he heard about an internship offered at Magellan Health Services in Columbia. He decided to interview and got the assignment. "I knew this was a great way to get out and see the business world," says Tano. "It would give me experience I'd need to be hired and perform well in the future." "At Magellan, we look for people who have a passion for doing information security work, are inquisitive and tenacious, and who excel at their endeavors," explains Jerry Garland, vice president and chief security officer. "We also look for people who can communicate well, both orally and in writing, and who have a good understanding of the fundamentals. The HCC program that Dale Schnepf oversees is one of the finest information security training programs I have ever seen." One of the top certifications in the industry is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), which requires passing a difficult exam and accruing five years of experience in the field. Tano recently passed the exam. "Mike is an excellent security officer, and I predict he will go a long way. I fully expect to see him as a chief security officer one day," Garland says. HCC network security student Mike Tano. When a position opened in the department where Tano was interning, Magellan offered him the job. Tano gives HCC a lot of the credit for helping him be prepared when the opportunity came his way. "The network security program at HCC is unique because it teaches you to think in multiple contexts," Tano says. "You learn to think in terms of business and technical requirements and be well-spoken and well-rounded enough to understand what upper management needs before you implement a technical solution." 16 Pathways | Howard Community College Spring 2011