Alumnus Talks about his Graphics and Video Game Company

You might want to hear from one of our successful alumni, Chris King. He will be speaking on Monday evening, 5:30PM, February 21st, at an event called "Midnight Innovation - Celebrating Engineering, Computing, and Entrepreneurship" as part of our Engineer's Week celebrations. Mr. King, along with his partner Michael Sechrest, have been described as the classic innovator in video gaming, and more recently Avatar-like visual effects (see here). He has created in the ten years since graduating a very successful company in the video game middleware industry, which is now moving into cinema special effects with resounding accolades. Chris will share his and Michael's adventures with our students and faculty in this session.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided.

Chris will be joined by Jeff McElroy, Al Quick, and James Clark (from Bang Technologies, Inc.) who have served on USC's Research Foundation Board and have been long-time supporters of USC CEC. They will also be joined by Dean Kress and Richard Robinson, both builders of the Faber Entrepreneurship Center @ USC.

GE Software

Did you know that GE ranks among the world’s top software companies? We’re committed to doubling our software portfolio in the next five years—and need your help to do it! At GE Global Research, we redefine what’s possible by finding answers to some of the world’s toughest problems in the energy, aviation, oil & gas, healthcare, and transportation industries. Our software engineers work hand-in-hand with GE’s businesses to invent meaningful solutions in all areas of software, including advanced software engineering; certified software systems; software systems engineering; software architecture; artificial intelligence; cyber-physical systems; cyber security; systems networking; semantic web; cloud, GPGPU, parallel computing; and data management. GE Global Research, the hub of technology development for GE’s businesses, is hiring for graduate-level positions in a variety of computer science, computer engineering, software architecture, and software engineering disciplines. Find out more about GE Global Research careers through our Software Research Webinar. Find out more at www.ge.com/research, and connect with our technologists at ttp://edisonsdesk.com, @GEResearchJobs and @EdisonsDesk.

IT-oLogy and Job Listings

Here in Columbia there is a new initiative called IT-oLogy. Their goals are to

  • Change the face of IT by encouraging all students to consider opportunities available in IT
  • Advance IT careers by supporting networking and professional development
  • Grow the economy by spurring existing companies to create new jobs and attracting new companies to the state and region

The have a job bank which lists open jobs, check it out.

You can also give a link to the website to your family and friends who are wondering what the various computer-related careers are.

Student Reports from the SET Fair

Below are some quotes from our (Computer majors) students who attended the SET Fair. "...I learned that computer scientists and engineers are essential to most other career choices." "There was one thing that really stuck out in my mind before I even arrived at the fair: thank God I am in Computer Science. As I scanned the list of employers and what majors I was looking to hire, I noticed that nearly all of them were hiring majors that related somehow to computers." "Attending the career fair was a very new and interesting experience that I'm not sure I would have done had it not been for class." "Because I went to the career fair, I was offered an internship right on the spot." "Even though I did not go there for a job, I learned a lot which will greatly help me in my future." "It was also good to see that many companies were looking for Computer Information Systems students, which was great for me since that is my major." "Seeing all the potentially great places I could work for made me excited to be a CIS major. I'm confident that when I graduate, I will take great pleasure working in the computer field." "[Student describes being called by BMW and asked to apply after last semester's fair, and continues:] This was probably the best feeling of my life." "I have about seven companies to contact about possible internships." "From the whole event, I took away several lessons, the main one being, I can't ever stop learning" [from a student who has an internship and spent part of the time at the booth of the company he interns in].

Computer Science vs Software Engineering vs Information Technology

These terms simply reflect that traditional science, engineering, technology distinction we see in all fields. That is:

ScienceEngineeringTechnology
Biology (human) Medical Doctor Medical Technologist, X-Ray Technician, Nurse
Physics (electrical) Electrical Engineer Electrician
Phyics (materials, mechanical) Civil Engineer General Contractor, Construction Worker
Chemistry Chemical Engineer Factory worker at a chemical plant
Computer Science Software Engineer Information Technology worker, network admin, computer admin

Blue Waters Undergraduate Internship program

We would like to make you and your undergraduate students aware of the Blue Waters undergraduate internship program. The NSF Blue Waters project will be funding 17 undergraduate research internships again this year. This program provides for: 1) a $5000 stipend for the student over the course of the year; 2) travel, accommodations, meals and participation in a two-week intensive Petascale Institute at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA); 3) travel to the SC11 conference in Seattle in November.

Because this program is run nationally NCSI is soliciting student applications from across the country, in addition they are seeking faculty with research or educational projects involving high performance computing to post intern positions through our site. Positions can be created for a particular student, or open to qualified applicants.

To learn more about the Blue Waters Undergraduate Petascale Education Program (BW-UPEP), and for information on how you can become involved, please visit our website here. Questions can be sent to jeffk@shodor.org.

Summer Internships at JPMorgan Chase

My team is currently seeking college juniors and sophomores interested in our 10 week summer internship program in Technology. If aware of potential candidates for our analyst program, please have students contact me directly at the following e-mail address: Leroy.Clarke@jpmorgan.com NOTE: The deadline to apply is Friday, March 4th Corporate Technology Summer Internship Development Program JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $2 trillion and operations in more than 60 countries. The firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers, small business and commercial banking, financial transaction processing, asset management and private equity. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase serves millions of consumers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Technology at JPMorgan Chase "Financial services can be thought of as a technology business with a financial domain of expertise," says Guy Chiarello, the Chief Information Officer at JPMorgan Chase & Co. We believe that our success rests on our ability to identify and implement technological solutions that anticipate client needs while providing employees with the tools that make JPMorgan Chase a premier place to work. We are a recognized leader in information technology aligned to the needs of specific business lines. While some IT professionals are business aligned, others work on firm-wide initiatives. Regardless of where they work, the overall mission of our IT specialists is to turn our applications, systems and infrastructure into a competitive advantage for the firm by coupling technological expertise with an understanding of our different strategic business visions. Program Overview JPMorgan Chase is seeking highly motivated individuals for opportunities within our Technology Summer Internship Development Program. The overall mission of JPMorgan Chase’s technology team is to establish technology as a competitive advantage for the firm by coupling technological expertise with an understanding of our strategic vision. Information technology supports the spectrum of staff functions that lie at the heart of virtually every aspect of our business. The goal of the Technology Summer Internship Development Program is to introduce and prepare participants for the information technology organization at JPMorgan Chase through a 10 week program. You will be exposed to different technology areas through varied training and presentations. Technology Summer Analysts join technology teams who are responsible for designing, developing and supporting the applications or projects that give our businesses their competitive edge. Summer Internship Program Details The Summer Internship Development Program is primarily for students entering their senior year of college, with some opportunities for rising sophomores and juniors. The Summer Internship Development Program is structured similarly to the full-time Technology Analyst Development Program. The variety of roles offered is vast and constantly evolving, with numerous opportunities to gain technology experience across all business areas. This creates a very exciting environment in which to launch a career. These are the different opportunities that are available within the Technology Summer Internship Development Program: Application Development Analyst · Design, develop, code, test, debug & document applications · Translate requirements into technical specifications · Modify application codes · Develop reporting capabilities · Provide design recommendations for unit & integration testing of applications · Create & test software application modules Business Systems Analyst · Identify, assess & record business needs · Advise on options, risk & cost vs. benefit · Research new and existing technology solutions · Document & communicate requirements · Translate documentation into test plans · Ensure test plans are completed · Execute unit testing & implementation of new application functionality · Hold training sessions/demos · Develop appropriate documentation Service Delivery Analyst · Perform production support for applications or technology infrastructure (i.e. networks, servers, desktops) · Diagnose/resolve production problems · Install/remove, configure & maintain operating system workstations & servers · Evaluate, implement & manage software/hardware solution · Ensure optimum system performance levels · Analyze system support processes · Create, manage & execute test plans/scripts · Maintain template libraries & internal project documentation · Execute progress reporting, defect tracking & risk assessments Qualifications Only those candidates who are highly motivated and eager to begin their career in technology within our organization will be considered. · Business & Technical Acumen is required to succeed in the program. Specifically: o Working towards a BA/BS degree, preferably In Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering is preferred o A GPA of 3.2+ is preferred o Working knowledge of C, C++, Java, C#, Visual Basic, SQL, networking and infrastructure and/or server administration. o Previous related internship experience and/or other relevant experience is preferred o Strong written/verbal communication skills · Other program qualifications are centered on competencies interns and analysts need to demonstrate on a consistent basis in order to be successful at JPMorgan Chase & Co.: o Corporate Perspective: The desire to understand the bigger picture beyond the team/business area/region and to understand and exceed client needs. Strong desire to work in the financial services industry. o Delivery of Results: The ability to drive individual and team performance to exceed expectations and achieve business goals. o Leadership: The ability to articulate a vision and harness/engage resources to achieve objectives while role-modeling corporate values & recognizing the business & social value of diversity. Must be flexible, adaptable to change, able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. o Drive for Innovation & Improvement: The commitment to challenge & question the way things are done and seek improvements / new ways of doing things to maximize value add, optimize cost and minimize risk. o Relationship Management: The ability to relate 1 on 1 and work inter-dependently with others - internal partners & colleagues as well as external clients & suppliers. Ability to collaborate with others in a results-driven, team-oriented environment. o Personal Development (Self & Others): The passion for self-improvement and the desire to facilitate the development of others to achieve more than s/he believes may be possible. · All candidates must have the eligibility to work permanently in the U.S. Locations · New York Metro area · Columbus, OH · Newark/Wilmington, DE · Chicago, IL · Tampa, FL · Dallas, TX · Houston, TX

Non-Myths About Programming

I came across the paper below on this reddit thread. If you are considering a career in computers, please read this honest and realistic account of what that might be like and how it might compare with the other alternatives.

I especially don't get the "must spend all my time in front of the computer" complaint since the average teenage girl spends more time on facebook than the average developer spends on his computer.

Microsoft and CGI Information Sessions

Two upcoming informations sessions: Microsoft Date: Mon, Feb 7 Time: 6:30PM Location: B201, 300 Main Building CGI Technologies Date: Tues, Feb 15 Time: 5:30PM Location: Amoco Hall, Swearingen

Summer Jobs at SCANA

SCANA Corporation (located in Cayce SC) has open positions for summer interns in our IT department. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and must be enrolled in computer science or a related degree program. All interested applicants should apply online at www.scana.com for job number is 963037. We will accept online applications through 3/13/2011.

SET Career Fair

Science, Engineering, and Technology Career Fair, Wednesday, February 2.

Summer Job Teaching Tech

Teach Technology this Summer! If you want to spend your summer teaching kids, having fun, and improving your resume, look no further—iD Tech Camps and its Teen Academies are looking for people like you! Teach ages 7-18 Video Games, iPhone® and Facebook® Apps, Programming, Robotics, Web Design & Flash® Animation, Graphic Arts, Digital Video Editing, Digital Photography and 3D Character Modeling. As an iD staff member, you’ll receive: Higher pay than the camp industry standard. Summer work that will build your professional resume. Travel! Choose from 60 university locations from coast to coast. Overnight Staff receive free Room & board valued at over $300/week. School credit. Accepted as internship, co-op or directed study credits at many colleges! High-tech tools and toys. From our Wiki-based curriculum delivery system to our nationwide Gaming Tournaments we implement the most cutting edge technology. Online support forums for problem solving, idea sharing and teaching tips. In person training on classroom management and team building. 24/7 support from your Regional Management team. FUN! This is camp! Outdoor games, Guitar Hero® contests, LAN parties and more! Learn more about us and apply online at: http://internaldrive.com/summer_employment.htm

Scholarships for Students Interested in Information Assurance

Department of Defense (DoD) Information Assurance Scholarship Program (IASP) Solicitation of Student Applications Due: January 31, 2011 5:00 pm Submission contact: Dr. Csilla Farkas farkas@cec.sc.edu Swearingen Bldg. 3A43 OVERVIEW OF THE IASP The DoD is seeking full-time rising junior and senior (third and fourth year) undergraduate and graduate/doctoral students who are interested in full-ride scholarships for concentrated studies in information assurance. Students selected for the program will receive full scholarships. $14,000 + tuition per year for undergraduate students(minimum GPA 3.2) $19,000 + tuition per year for graduate students(minimum GPA 3.5) This requires the student to agree to serve one year of service to the DoD, upon graduation, for each year of scholarship received, in addition to internship during studies. Go here for more information.

Fellowship for Graduate School

If you are a graduate student in our department (CSE), or an undergraduate who plans to apply to graduate school, and started school in a community college or regional campus then you can apply for the SC Graduate STEPs to STEM program which comes with a stipend of $10,000/year for 2 years. I know that CS is not listed in that webpage as one of the options, but I have been assured that they do accept CSE students (in fact, they have one currently in the program).

Java Developer in Spartanburg

Position: Entry Level Java Developer Location: Spartanburg, SC Company: Confidential* (Financial Company) *Please contact for further details Salary: $50-$65k, commensurate with experience Our client is seeking to hire a full time Entry Level Java Developer for an immediate opening in Spartanburg, SC. Please contact Shannon Drawdy at sdrawdy@apexsystemsinc.com for more information and full description!