DSU Programs, Graduates in High Demand

Madison, SD -- Recent downsizing at major corporations and a dramatic downturn at the stock market in the United States has raised some questions about the demand for Information Technology employees. According to recent data released by the Information Technology Association of America, there is a high demand for highly skilled technology workers. In fact, 900,000 Information Technology jobs will need to be filled in 2001 and there still are not enough workers to fill the jobs.

“Despite the softening economy, the outlook for Dakota State University graduates remains excellent because of their solid computer skills,” said Marie Lohsandt, Director of Career & Placement Services at DSU. “Each year, our office hosts companies that come to DSU specifically to recruit upcoming graduates. Campus interviews remain strong as employers continue to vie for graduates with those essential technical skills.”

“In the past, some DSU graduates have received 10 plus job offers before they have graduated. With the economy softening, future graduates may not see double-digit offers extended to them, but they will continue to be heavily recruited because of their academic and technology preparation,” continued Lohsandt.

Last year, Dakota State University introduced two new baccalaureate degree programs: Electronic Commerce and Web Development/Multimedia. Enrollment has been tremendous in both areas, and DSU expects placement of these graduates to follow the trend of IT graduates. “We’ve seen increased opportunities in web development/multimedia and e-commerce positions. Companies realize it is important to have a presence on the Internet and routinely contact the DSU Placement Office in hopes of attracting graduates from our programs in those areas,” said Lohsandt.

Dakota State graduates in Computer Science and Information Systems are experts in how information technology should fit with a sound business strategy. Early on, DSU recognized the need to train its students not only in information technology, but the entire business model as well, stated Tom Farrell, assistant professor for the College of Business & Information Systems.

“As a part of the Computer Science and Information Systems programs, our students work with actual businesses and are able to easily make the transition from school to work,” said Farrell.

Each year, DSU students visit high-tech corporations such as Citibank, Federated Insurance, Mutual of Omaha, and Schwans to gather information on the company and learn about information technology career options. The strong internship program at such companies also helps define the relationship of IT and business.

“Most CS-IS students attain an internship for at least one year or more. And half of those students end up working for that corporation or at least receive an offer from them,” said Farrell.

Faculty from DSU also take part in summer internships at various corporations. The hands-on experience is then brought back to campus for the benefit of students and also helps cultivate a relationship with the company for future endeavors.

Major corporations have also been guest speakers on campus. Topics range from what information technology means to products in information systems to specialized areas such as software, database, and certification.

In addition to the intense study of the academic discipline and mastery of leading technologies, Dakota State brings the work world back to the classroom through a structured effort.

“We have a three-prong effort at DSU. We get students on site at corporations, we bring those corporations to the classroom, and we get our faculty on site,” said Farrell.

The outlook for DSU graduates remains strong. “All but one of the December graduates in the computer science and information systems programs had secured positions before or immediately after graduation. The one graduate that hadn’t accepted a position was obligated until recently, but he is already in the stage of second interviews,” said Lohsandt.

“May 2001 graduates are already reporting that they have accepted offers. While this is very similar to past years, it indicates that the changing economy is not affecting our graduates,” continued Lohsandt.