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VCU School of Business alumni offer a hand up at the Careers in Technology and Analytics symposium

by Vivian Tran
Careers in Technology and Analytics symposium

By Megan Nash

The world of technology is booming, and so are the careers that come with it.

In fact, the Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum reveals that more than 75% of companies are expected to adopt big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing within the next five years, placing analytical thinking and technology literacy among the most sought-after skills.

On Oct. 4, the VCU School of Business hosted a Careers in Technology and Analytics symposium, a half-day event organized by Business Career Services and the Information Systems Advisory Board. The event brought together 17 VCU Business alumni and experts, who shared their career journeys, insights and advice with students.

Organized into six breakout sessions, students shuttled from discussions on cybersecurity to data management and engineering, getting firsthand glimpses into the diversity and demands of each field.

For some, the session on Data Science and Analytics illuminated how businesses increasingly rely on storytelling through data to make strategic decisions. “It’s not enough to understand the numbers,” said Sheilla Collins (B.S. ’00), senior vice president and human resources data lead at Truist Financial. “You need to translate data into a language people understand and act on.”

Conversations often shifted between the technical and the practical—how platforms like Python, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and visualization tools are essential, but so is the ability to understand the key business question for delivering the right information at the right time.

In the Cybersecurity and Security Assurance session, panelists took students inside one of the fastest-growing sectors thanks to generative AI. “We have a large industry of people doing things by hand,” said Jordan Burch (M.S. ’25), chief technical officer of Foster Care to Success. “AI is going to speed up testing, defense and documentation. It’s a shift to a more technical focus, but nothing is going away.”

Dan Han (M.S. ’11, M.B.A. ’11, B.S. ’05), chief information security officer at VCU, added: “There’s a whole new class of challenges that are coming out of AI. We have to learn how to effectively defend—it’s a whole new way of the future.”

Across panels, a recurring theme emerged: tech and data knowledge may get you in the door, but it’s the soft skills that make all the difference. Many speakers acknowledged that adaptability, critical thinking and problem-solving qualities can shape not just a career but the direction of a shifting industry.

“IT is messy,” said Clay Westbay (M.S. ‘15), vice president of Synergy Technical. “If you like to problem-solve, apply critical thinking and solutions, IT consulting is not for the meek or weary, but it’s very rewarding.”

Advice came thick and fast. Students were urged to stay plugged into the news cycle, to keep learning and to not underestimate the power of networking.

“Keep your ear to the ground, pay attention to the news,” said Collins. Han added to the call for constant learning: “Familiarize yourself with the technology; be passionate.”

Guidance went beyond professional skill-building and touched on the importance of creating networks “Stay curious, be adaptable,” said Kahlil Banning (B.S. ’22), federal associate consultant for IBM. “Master the soft skills by becoming part of the community here at the School of Business.”

During the closing networking lunch, students had the chance to connect with panelists in a more casual setting. What might have been intimidating turned into an open exchange.

“I’ve learned to remain curious and never claim that I’ve seen everything,” said Tony Plok, a senior major in marketing. “Fortunately, interacting with many experts here has given me more insight into opportunities and helped me realize many of these people are willing to help you no matter what.”

Devrielle Stokes, a junior majoring in information systems, felt like she finally found her heading. “I learned a lot about where I want to go with my career and how mentoring can shape the decisions on what skills to obtain to be successful.”

As students soaked in the day’s sessions, it was clear that there’s no one way to make it in tech. “Skills are far-reaching—there are so many roles you can find yourself in this industry,” said Larry Rose (B.S. ’84), chief operating officer at Precise Software Solutions, leaving students with one final takeaway: in this field, there’s room for all kinds of talents.

For students interested in learning more about careers in technology and analytics, or for personalized advice and guidance, schedule an appointment with VCU Business Career Services. They offer support on networking, career planning and professional development.

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