Business & Tech Education

JUNE 2019 | EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

BUSINESS & TECH EDUCATION

Robert Herjavec

emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity preparation

Learn how confıdence plays a powerful role in overcoming the tech skills gap Discover the ways young women can prepare to be business leaders

How an Online EMBA Can Fit Into Your Career Path Kim Maylee, director of sales at Office Depot, tells us how he pursued an EMBA to advance his career.

It Takes Confidence to Close the Skills Gap Employers in tech can close the skills gap by addressing the confidence gap first.

What inspired you to go into the business field?

I feel the business field provides the greatest opportunity for personal growth and success. It is very broad and allows both lateral and vertical movement.

What did you choose to study and why?

I chose to pursue an EMBA. I reviewed several online programs and felt the University of North Alabama aligned with my priorities. The UNA EMBA program offered flexibility on the timing to take classes, since I was working over 50 hours a week.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from continuing your business education?

You’re never too old to continue your education. Having many years of business experience prior to earning my EMBA was a benefit. I was learning in real time the strategies that my company and competitors were utilizing. My advice to prospective students is to never stop learning. n

Todd Thibodeaux President and Chief Executive Officer, CompTIA ou hear a lot about the skills gap from employers. They can’t find people with the skills they need to do the jobs they need done. But any motivated individual can acquire these skills if employers are willing to provide the necessary training.

The bigger issue centers on confidence, or rather, a lack of confidence.

Confidence gap This confidence gap is the main reason we see a lack of

diversity, both ethnic and gender-based, in the tech industry workforce. Consider these findings from CompTIA’s 2018 report “Role of Confidence Gap in Tech Career Development”: •Seven in 10 individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 cited confidence as a factor that contributes to discouragement, which may hinder or thwart altogether someone from pursuing a career in technology.

•Less than half (44 percent) reported receiving encouragement from someone in their life to pursue a career in tech.

•One-half said that concerns over their perceived deficiencies in math and science skills left them underprepared for a job in tech.

Beyond STEM The vast majority of good,

paying jobs in the next 30 years not only won’t require a STEM degree, but a huge number of them, if employers are willing to open the door to non-traditional candidates, won’t require a four-year degree of any kind. One of the first steps to bridging the confidence gap is talking to students and prospective workers in plain and simple terms about tech.

It’s not about engineering, coding, calculus, and Silicon Valley. It’s about customer service, teamwork, curiosity, communication, and problem solving.

While it’s absolutely true that some companies will need a higher proportion of very highly skilled people, it doesn’t mean every company needs that, and it certainly doesn’t mean every tech job does either. n

Publishers Shira Peretz, ALI Amanda Ippolito Business Developers Jordan Hernandez, Gretchen Pancak Managing Director Luciana Olson Designers Tiffany Pryor, Keziah Makoundou Copy Editor Sydney Scott Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Lead Editor Mina Fanous Content Strategist Vanessa Rodriguez Cover Photo Herjavec Group All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.

FOLLOW US @MEDIAPLANETUSA

INQUIRIES: US.EDITORIAL@MEDIAPLANET.COM AND US.ADVERTISE@MEDIAPLANET.COM

PLEASE RECYCLE

Unlock Your Career in Cyber Intelligence.

Embry-Riddle students are training today to secure a safer tomorrow, thanks to new pioneering programs in Cyber Intelligence and Security.

FIND OUT MORE: ERAU.EDU/CYBERINTEL 2 • EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

MEDIAPLANET

Robert Herjavec Offers An Insider’s Look at Cybersecurity Robert Herjavec, “Shark Tank” investor and founder of cybersecurity group Herjavec Group, feels that when it comes to a strong security strategy, it’s all about your process and keeping your cool.

What is one new advancement in

cybersecurity that you are excited about?

I love our business and our industry. It’s constantly changing. Having better intelligence — often artificial intelligence — and leveraging big data analytics will change the security land-

scape for the next 5-10 years. We’re also placing an immense focus on our identity services.

You want to understand who is accessing your data, why, for what purpose, and for how long.

We focus on setting up a data warehouse for our customers, then

Everyone leads, every day.

At AchieveForum we empower people to lead successfully in turbulent business landscapes. From in-person instruction to digitally enabled experiences, we are the human touch that drives leadership success, not just leadership know-how.

Get started today: www.achieveforum.com

4 • EDUCATIONANDCAREERNEWS.COM | FUTUREOFBUSINESSANDTECH.COM

PHOTO: HERJAVEC GROUP

to threats. Faster time to value, hands-on support, active hunting: it makes sense.

specializing further into privileged access and cloud requirements.

We’re also seeing increasing demand for Managed Detection and Response services. This extension of Managed SIEM has come to rise because enterprises want an orchestrated response

What’s one piece of advice you want to give to business owners about security breaches?

When you’re in the midst of an incident, you tend to panic, so you want to engage a partner who can bring a sense of calm to the situation. Bring in someone who has been there and knows how to guide you. Even more importantly, all businesses should be talking often about cybersecurity. Cyber is no longer an IT conversation; it’s an executive priority and every employee’s responsibility. n

4 Reasons Students Should Consider a Career in Statistics A career in statistics can open up rich and diverse opportunities and access to a variety of industries.

Statistics — the science of learning from data — is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, with a projected growth rate of 34 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked statistician as the best business job, and USA TODAY named statistician as the fifth best job in America. What’s

more, you can apply statistics to virtually any field, making a career in statistics a highly relevant, flexible, and valuable professional path.

Opportunities Today’s students can set themselves up for rich and diverse opportunities as the next generation of statisticians. Here are four reasons students should consider statistics as a future career: 1. Statisticians can pursue their passions. Statisticians work in almost every field, from global

health research to Silicon Valley, sports analytics to journalism.

Students can apply their statistics skills to any industry they are passionate about.

2. Statisticians are in high demand. Everyone needs a statistician, and those with a background in statistics will be an asset to any organization. Data analytics, math, and the ability to communicate results go hand-in-hand with an education in statistics, equipping students with highly marketable skills.

3. Statisticians are paid well.

In May 2018, the median annual salary for statisticians was $87,780, while the best-paid 10 percent made around $139,350 and up. In addition to being in demand, statisticians earn a great wage.

4. Statisticians can change the world. Statistics can have a meaningful impact on global issues. In medical research, global health, and climate change studies, there are statisticians behind the scenes who are making the world a better place through their analytical lens.

The field of statistics is expected to grow dramatically in the coming years, so there’s never been a better time to pursue this career path.

Since statisticians are essential to many organizations, they also earn top dollar for their work. Statisticians feel fulfilled by their jobs and are able to work in a variety of industries, so they can combine both their passions and profession. n Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director, American Statistical Association

Why Students Should Consider a Master’s Degree in Data Science from Saint Mary’s College SPONSORED

Data science, blending data with algorithm development and technology to solve complex analytical problems, has been called the sexiest job of the 21st century.

“A data scientist has to understand how to use appropriate tools in a given situation,” says Colleen Hoover, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and department chair at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. “They have to be able to dive in and really understand the question being asked and which tools

across the fields of mathematics, computer science, and statistics they will need to answer those questions.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in mathematical science occupations will grow 27.9 percent from 2016 to 2026, (over 50,000 new jobs), much faster than other occupations.

Employers need experts to analyze raw data into useful information to solve modern business problems.

Saint Mary’s College offers a master of science in data science program, a professional science master’s (PSM) program, helping graduate students understand the algorithms of data mining, processing, and visualization, along with important professional skills like communication and project management.

Essential skills Focused on the theoretical foundations of mathematics, computer science, and statistics, the program allows graduates to adapt and evolve as software and technology changes.

The goal is for students to be able to know, use, and create analytical tools.

“The ability to gather, manipulate, and interpret data is an essential skillset in today’s workplace,” says Samuel Rohr, Ph.D., assistant professor of management at Saint Mary’s. “Not only do our students learn those essential skills but they learn how to make sound, ethical decisions based on the information.”

Saint Mary’s students use data analysis tools they learned in class to engage in a real-world practicum, such as developing

databases or predictive models. Students get support from professors, peers, and other resources.

“Our program will give you the skills you need to stand out; you’ll gain the mathematical and computational depth needed to refine the analytical tools others simply know how to use,” says Kristin Kuter, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and computer science at Saint Mary’s.

Students from Saint Mary’s data science program graduate with the skills and confidence to solve complex data problems, significant advantages in competitive job market.

Visit Saint Mary’s College online to learn more about the value of a date science degree. n Kristen Castillo MEDIAPLANET • 5

4 Reasons Students Should Consider a Career in Statistics A career in statistics can open up rich and diverse opportunities and access to a variety of industries.

Statistics — the science of learning from data — is one of the fastest-growing fields in the United States, with a projected growth rate of 34 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked statistician as the best business job, and USA TODAY named statistician as the fifth best job in America. What’s more, you can apply statistics to virtually any field, making a career in statistics a highly relevant, flexible, and valuable professional path.

Opportunities Today’s students can set themselves up for rich and diverse opportunities as the next generation of statisticians. Here are four reasons students should consider statistics as a future career:

statistics will be an asset to any organization. Data analytics, math, and the ability to communicate results go hand-in-hand with an education in statistics, equipping students with highly marketable skills.

1. Statisticians can pursue their passions. Statisticians work in almost every field, from global health research to Silicon Valley, sports analytics to journalism. Students can apply their statistics skills to any industry they are passionate about.

3. Statisticians are paid well. In May 2018, the median annual salary for statisticians was $87,780, while the best-paid 10 percent made around $139,350 and up. In addition to being in demand, statisticians earn a great wage.

2. Statisticians are in high demand.

Everyone needs a statistician, and those with a background in

4. Statisticians can change the world. Statistics can have a meaningful impact on global issues. In medical research, global health,

and climate change studies, there are statisticians behind the scenes who are making the world a better place through their analytical lens.

The field of statistics is expected to grow dramatically in the coming years, so there’s never been a better time to pursue this career path. Since statisticians are essential to many organizations, they also earn top dollar for their work. Statisticians feel fulfilled by their jobs and are able to work in a variety of industries, so they can combine both their passions and profession. n Ron Wasserstein, Executive Director, American Statistical Association

Why Students Should Consider a Master’s Degree in Data Science from Saint Mary’s College SPONSORED

Data science, blending data with algorithm development and technology to solve complex analytical problems, has been called the sexiest job of the 21st century.

“A data scientist has to understand how to use appropriate tools in a given situation,” says Colleen Hoover, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and department chair at Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. “They have to be able to dive in and really understand the question being asked and which tools

across the fields of mathematics, computer science, and statistics they will need to answer those questions.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in mathematical science occupations will grow 27.9 percent from 2016 to 2026, (over 50,000 new jobs), much faster than other occupations.

Employers need experts to analyze raw data into useful information to solve modern business problems.

Saint Mary’s College offers a master of science in data science program, a professional science master’s (PSM) program, helping graduate students understand the algorithms of data mining, processing, and visualization, along with important professional skills like communication and project management.

Essential skills Focused on the theoretical foundations of mathematics, computer science, and statistics, the program allows graduates to adapt and evolve as software and technology changes.

The goal is for students to be able to know, use, and create analytical tools.

“The ability to gather, manipulate, and interpret data is an essential skillset in today’s workplace,” says Samuel Rohr, Ph.D., assistant professor of management at Saint Mary’s. “Not only do our students learn those essential skills but they learn how to make sound, ethical decisions based on the information.”

Saint Mary’s students use data analysis tools they learned in class to engage in a real-world practicum, such as developing

databases or predictive models. Students get support from professors, peers, and other resources.

“Our program will give you the skills you need to stand out; you’ll gain the mathematical and computational depth needed to refine the analytical tools others simply know how to use,” says Kristin Kuter, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics and computer science at Saint Mary’s.

Students from Saint Mary’s data science program graduate with the skills and confidence to solve complex data problems, significant advantages in a competitive job market.

Visit Saint Mary’s College online to learn more about the value of a date science degree. n Kristen Castillo MEDIAPLANET • 5

PHOTO:FORTÉ FOUNDATION

How Young Women Can Reach Business Leadership Goals

What do young women — especially those who aren’t majoring in business — need to launch a stellar career?

“As a liberal arts college, Yale doesn’t offer an undergraduate business major; instead, our students are prepared to enter multiple careers from any major,” says Jeanine Dames, Director of the Yale College Office of Career Strategy. “My office works with

our undergraduate women as they prepare to be future leaders across industries. Graduate business degrees, such as the MBA, provide vital preparation for these cross-functional management roles.”

Higher education Universities and colleges that also offer graduate programs may be particularly helpful with a leg up. Yale’s undergrad-

uate women exploring an interest in business, for instance, can take advantage of access to many of the resources, courses, and programs at the Yale School of Management.

“In addition, we have a valuable partnership with the Forté Foundation,” says Dames. “Forté provides unparalleled resources for undergraduate women, and we have had tremendous success connecting our current undergraduates to the Forté Fellows within the MBA program.”

Career development Young women steering toward professional goals can also participate in programs from organizations like Forté that build the pipeline of women into careers in business, including the College

to Business Leadership Conference, the College Fast Track to Finance Conference, and the Forté Rising Stars.

Start early Here’s a key takeaway from Forté’s college student resources page: start climbing early!

Women undergrads are advised to consider taking the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) before they graduate.

“There are many good reasons to forge ahead and take the [GMAT] while you’re still in college, even if you intend to wait for several years before entering business school — or, for that matter, if you’re still deciding whether the MBA is in your future.” n Pam Bixby, Freelance Writer, Forté Foundation

4 Things to Consider When Choosing an Online MBA SPONSORED

Online MBAs offer the flexibility that busy professionals need. Here are four considerations to have when you’re choosing the right program for your career.

U.S. News and World Report ranks more than 300 online MBA programs — and the list is growing because these programs allow professionals to earn a degree while continuing to work in their current roles.

“Many working adults aren’t going to be able to push pause on their career, on their life to attend school full time,” says Mary Carr, dean at the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI). But choosing the right program is crucial.

When selecting an online MBA, there are four fundamentals to consider: 1. The curriculum Understand what you are going to learn. “Jack Welch has been involved in the development of our program from day one,” Carr notes of JWMI, “and he continues to provide insights on the curriculum based on the companies and industries he consults with

around the world. In that way, we ensure that what we teach aligns with the skills employers are seeking in their leaders.”

2. Investigate the faculty Just as important is who is teaching you. “For example,” Carr says, “our faculty are all academically qualified, but they also have real-world experience in some of the leading companies in the world including P&G, Microsoft and Deloitte.

They serve as business mentors to students.”

3. Look for a student-focused program Many academic institutions are focused more on the faculty

and research side. Look for a program that has a student-first philosophy.

4. Gauge the ROI The return should be clear, Carr says. “For example, we conducted a survey of 1,281 students in their last term at JWMI and found that 2 out of 3 of them are getting raises and promotions while enrolled.”

The bottom line is the benefit to your career. “Our whole philosophy is the learn today, apply tomorrow’ model,” says Carr.

“We want to transform the lives of our students and give them the tools to be better leaders.” n Jeff Somers MEDIAPLANET • 7

PHOTO:FORTÉ FOUNDATION

How Young Women Can Reach Business Leadership Goals

What do young women — especially those who aren’t majoring in business — need to launch a stellar career?

“As a liberal arts college, Yale doesn’t offer an undergraduate business major; instead, our students are prepared to enter multiple careers from any major,” says Jeanine Dames, director of the Yale College Office of Career Strategy. “My office works with

our undergraduate women as they prepare to be future leaders across industries. Graduate business degrees, such as the MBA, provide vital preparation for these cross-functional management roles.”

Higher education Universities and colleges that also offer graduate programs may be particularly helpful with a leg up. Yale’s undergrad-

uate women exploring an interest in business, for instance, can take advantage of access to many of the resources, courses, and programs at the Yale School of Management.

“In addition, we have a valuable partnership with the Forté Foundation,” says Dames. “Forté provides unparalleled resources for undergraduate women, and we have had tremendous success connecting our current undergraduates to the Forté Fellows within the MBA program.”

Career development Young women steering toward professional goals can also participate in programs from organizations like Forté that build the pipeline of women into careers in business, including the College

to Business Leadership Conference, the College Fast Track to Finance Conference, and the Forté Rising Stars.

Start early Here’s a key takeaway from Forté’s college student resources page: start climbing early!

Undergrads are advised to consider taking the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) before they graduate.

“There are many good reasons to forge ahead and take the [GMAT] while you’re still in college, even if you intend to wait for several years before entering business school — or, for that matter, if you’re still deciding whether the MBA is in your future.” n Pam Bixby, Freelance Writer, Forté Foundation

4 Things to Consider When Choosing an Online MBA SPONSORED

Online MBAs offer the flexibility that busy professionals need. Here are four considerations to have when you’re choosing the right program for your career.

U.S. News and World Report ranks more than 300 online MBA programs — and the list is growing because these programs allow professionals to earn a degree while continuing to work in their current roles.

“Many working adults aren’t going to be able to push pause on their career, on their life to attend school full time,” says Mary Carr, dean at the Jack Welch Management Institute (JWMI). But choosing the right program is crucial.

When selecting an online MBA, there are four fundamentals to consider: 1. The curriculum Understand what you are going to learn. “Jack Welch has been involved in the development of our program from day one,” Carr notes of JWMI, “and he continues to provide insights on the curriculum based on the companies and industries he consults with

around the world. In that way, we ensure that what we teach aligns with the skills employers are seeking in their leaders.”

2. Investigate the faculty Just as important is who is teaching you. “For example,” Carr says, “our faculty are all academically qualified, but they also have real-world experience in some of the leading companies in the world including P&G, Microsoft, and Deloitte.

They serve as business mentors to students.”

3. Look for a student-focused program Many academic institutions are focused more on the faculty

and research side. Look for a program that has a student-first philosophy.

4. Gauge the ROI The return should be clear, Carr says. “For example, we conducted a survey of 1,281 students in their last term at JWMI and found that 2 out of 3 of them are getting raises and promotions while enrolled.”

The bottom line is the benefit to your career. “Our whole philosophy is the ‘learn today, apply tomorrow’ model,” says Carr.

“We want to transform the lives of our students and give them the tools to be better leaders.” n Jeff Somers MEDIAPLANET • 7

100% CORE STEM EDUCATION

Academic, research, and internships go hand-in-hand at Florida Poly. Our students intern at prestigious institutions across the country. Computer Science major Ryan Anderson interned at Purple, Rock, Scissors in Orlando, Florida.

While at the creative agency he led a project to build a virtual reality experience that allows terminally ill children a virtual reprieve from their hospital bed to explore the world. The hands-on experience allowed Ryan to blend his passion for design with the leadership skills he developed in high school and college.

Our students are making the world a better place. |oridapoly.edu|