ITS Speed Networking Event Connects Students With IT Professionals

Florida State University's Information Technology Services (ITS) team hosted an intern speed networking event, bringing together current and prospective interns with IT professionals. Students had the opportunity to meet ITS employees, ask questions, learn about different areas of IT and discuss their career interests and goals. 

The event is a highlight of the ITS Intern Cohort program, which includes students from a range of disciplines each fall and spring semester. Derek Kooi, ITS emerging technology developer, and his interns designed custom 3D-printed networking tags for each attendee. The tags featured chips that linked directly to participants’ LinkedIn profiles, making it easy for attendees to stay connected after the event.

Led by staff engagement and intern director Sara Mischler, the ITS Intern Cohort program launched in fall 2021 with 12 students and has grown to more than 100 interns each semester. Beyond day-to-day project work, the program includes professional development workshops, coffee hours, and end-of-semester showcases where interns can present their work at ITS Town Hall. 

Events like speed networking reinforce the program’s core message: A career in technology is shaped as much by the people you meet as by the skills you develop.