John Hauselt Student Spotlight

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John Hauselt, a sophomore pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) with a minor in Computer Science, has been interested in Information Technology since he was in high school. As a proactive student he decided to begin his job search as a junior in high school, looking for jobs in IT to fill his free time. He was able to land a position as an intern in the IT Department at Masonicare, a hospital and rehabilitation center. Here Hauselt was able to get introductory level experience on how the IT world works, and was exposed to cyber security. Masonicare uses a program called Honeypot which “generates fake information to analyze how people are trying to hack the network and traces incoming IPs.” It was this exposure, in addition to his later work experience, that pushed him to work in cyber security.

Working at Masonicare opened the doors to IT positions Hauselt was eligible to apply for. His next job was in the IT Department in the Wallingford public school system. Most of the work involved solving basic computer issues, but the work was independent which gave him the ability to work through issues on his own. He now works at the IT Department in the School of Business and really enjoys the diversity of work he is exposed to. “People always ask me what I do, but what I really enjoy is that everyday I do something different. So I’ll tell people today I did something as simple as blocking pop ups but tomorrow could be something like downloading software, coding, or something totally different.”

This job, and the ability to be a student worker, is perhaps the most helpful aspect of preparing for his career. His job has given him helpful connections such as other students who are able and willing to help him with school and connecting him with future employers.

While fulfilling his goals of doing well in school and securing a job after graduation, Hauselt is the Secretary of the Information Management Association (IMA) and involved in the Business Connections Learning Community (BCLC). The BCLC provides students with a place to live, learn, and connect with each other, helping students grow both inside and outside of the classroom. “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved,” Hauselt advises younger students. IMA is a great way to make connections with employers and peers. He was amazed to see that employers who would attend meetings were actively engaged and cared about the students they were talking to.

Data Analytics Minor

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The Data Analytics minor gives students data analytics skills in understanding patterns in data, analytical frameworks, predictive modeling, and discovering hidden relationships in data. These skills are important for problem solving in the business world, especially in fields such as finance and accounting.  The ability to understand and analyze data is a crucial aspect of all fields, and creates a competitive advantage when on the job search. Because of its usefulness in the technological world we live in, the minor is open to all UConn students, regardless of whether or not they are in the business school. The minor requires twelve credits. Students must complete OPIM 3221 Business Database Systems, OPIM 3802 Data and Text Mining, and OPIM 3803 Spreadsheet Modeling, and can choose between OPIM 3801 Project Management or OPIM 4895 Special Topics as their twelfth credit.

For more information visit: http://s.uconn.edu/busnminor

Note: OPIM 3221 can count towards both the Management Information Systems (MIS) major and the Data Analytics minor

 

 

Scholarship Opportunities (Round 2)

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SOUTH JERSEY LAW FIRM OF JOHN W. TUMELTY ANNOUNCES $1,000 CANCER SURVIVOR SCHOLARSHIP

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any type of cancer, you are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be attending a four year accredited university by the fall of 2018. The application requires a copy of your high school or college transcript in addition to a 1,000 word essay on the provided essay question.

Deadline: May 15, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.johntumeltycriminaldefense.com/2018-cancer-survivor-college-scholarship/

ELITE SCHOLARSHIP

Eligible applicants for this scholarship are students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 attending an accredited university. An essay is required.

Deadline: June 30, 2018

For more information visit:  https://www.eliteheatingandac.com/about/elite-scholarship/

ECOIN4DUMMIES SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must be undergraduate students attending an accredited college or university. A 1500-2000 word essay and a five minute video based on the essay are required.

Deadline: August 31, 2018

For more information visit: https://ecoin4dummies.com/2018/01/24/ecoin4dummies-scholarship-academic-studies/

DINARYS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR COLLEGE

Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited college or university. An essay is required.

Deadlines: March 1, 2018 and March 1, 2019

For more information visit: https://dinarys.com/Dinarys_Scholarship

CRYPTOGUIDES SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited college or university. An essay is required.

Deadline: July 15, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.cryptoguides.org/scholarship/

HEALTHIER FUTURE ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must currently be enrolled in an accredited college or university. An essay is required.

Deadline: December 1, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.fastslimbody.com/fastslimbody-scholarship-program

THE H&P VETERANS HELPING VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must be veterans of the armed forces and use their education to help other veterans. A 300 word statement on how you plan to use your degree to help veterans is required.

Deadlines: May 1, 2018 and November 1, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.hillandponton.com/veterans-scholarship/

WELLS FARGO VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP

In order to apply for the Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship, applicants must be honorably discharged veterans or spouses of disabled veterans who have served for the US armed forces. Applicants must be high school or GED graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.5, hoping to attend an accredited university.

Deadline: February 28, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.scholarsapply.org/wellsfargoveterans/

VETERAN CAR DONATIONS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in a STEM related field.

Deadline: August15, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.veterancardonations.org/2018-veteran-car-donations-annual-college-scholarship/

CHRISSY WEEMS SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. A 500 word essay is required.

Deadline: August 28, 2019

For more information visit: http://chrissyweemsscholarship.com

How the Internet Works Workshop

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The internet: an everyday tool that has somehow become obscure and mysterious in both its definition and the way it works. On Friday, February 9, Adjunct Professor Stephen Fitzgerald tackled the daunting task of explaining how the internet works in the latest OPIM Innovate workshop. The workshop covered how we connect to the internet, how we send messages through the internet, the divisions of the internet (such as the surface web, deep web, and dark web), and websites.

The internet began as a Department of Defense project, with the hopes of being able to create a communication network that could survive nuclear attack. In order to do this, the creators of the internet decided to send information in packets, dividing one message into smaller parts, sending those parts on different routes, and reuniting them later on at their appropriate destinations. Each destination that a message will encounter along its travel is referred to as an IP address. IP addresses are a series of unique numbers that distinguish computers depending on the network they are connected to. “IP addresses are like home addresses; so what we want to do is get information from one destination to another. With an IP address, we can track the steps it takes to get from my home router to google,” Fitzgerald said. Although each IP address is different, the amount of addresses is not unlimited because they are coded in binary. This means that at institutions such as UConn, users are able to login to the internet with a specific IP address, but once you log out the information will be recycled for the next user. “There are a few buildings where the huge internets of the world connect to each other. These would be places that connect the millions of IP addresses together like Time Warner, Comcast, etc. and they are filled with routers,” Fitzgerald said as he began to paint a physical picture of how the internet is connected.

“This was a good first workshop to go to because it gave information on how the internet works while reflecting real world issues like net neutrality. I think sometimes if you live on campus at a college you can shut out the outside world, so workshops are a good way to understand the real world applications of things we learn about in school,” said Brittany Reynolds a Management Informations Systems (MIS) and Psychology major (’19). Being able to use the internet is an essential skill for students in their academics and the workplace, but knowing how the internet works is an extremely useful tool for students looking to make an impact in the field of technology. “Knowing about the internet is important. With the amount of information being shared across the internet, it is important to know where that information is going, who has access and who doesn’t, and to be able to control where your information is going,” said Anthony Modolese, a senior finance major in attendance. Modolese and his friend Matthew Kopec have been taking a private independent study on the business of blockchain and are currently learning about the history of the internet. This interest in blockchain has brought them to multiple workshops and they are both interested in attending more in the future.

 

Dominika Lichomska Student Spotlight

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Dominika Lichomska, a junior pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) with an Analytics Minor, has had a passion for Information Technology since her childhood. “I was highly fascinated about computers and what made them tick. Once I took several OPIM classes I realized that technology is equally interesting as it is challenging.” Because technology has become an integral aspect of modern day life and is constantly evolving, her MIS degree will help her succeed in any field she decides to work in.

After transitioning from the Stamford campus to Storrs her sophomore year, she became involved in Health Care Management Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, Hearts Over Latin America (HOLA), and Information Management Association (IMA). IMA was a great way for Lichomska to meet other students who are interested in MIS and share her passion for technology. “IMA was the perfect club to get me acclimated to the opportunities that MIS offers,” she said, and after just one semester she was elected as treasurer. “My main goal as Treasurer is to support the IMA EBoard in introducing the MIS field to undergraduate students, present technology opportunities, and connect students with working professionals.” In addition to IMA, she is also interested in attending the OPIM Innovate workshops so she can “further develop technology skills and knowledge.” With her experiences through the business school and prior work experience at The Center for Women’s Heath, she decided to combine the interests and join Health Care Management Society.  Although Lichomska stays involved within the business school and the OPIM Department, she also makes sure to lend a helping hand through HOLA. HOLA designs campaigns that will have a sustainable impact in public health and education in Latin America. Even with this broad array of clubs, societies, and organizations outside of the classroom, her main goal after attending the University of Connecticut is simple, to “learn a lot, meet some friends, and make great memories.”

“I adore that UConn not only focuses on the knowledge that MIS majors could benefit from but also the history and logic behind them. For example, in my advanced business application development class, before learning how to code in C# we learned the history of computers and the logic behind the language.” This background knowledge is helpful to gain a deeper understanding of topics in class that may be difficult to grasp, and will help prepare students for their careers. Although Lichomska may not know what her future holds, she has been most interested in the concept of gamification. “Gamification includes the process of using objectives and rules, while taking into consideration intrinsic motivations, to apply a gaming environment into non-game contexts.” In the future, she would enjoy working in an industry where the gamification concept is used to help solve industry obstacles. It is the opportunities within the department, such as the courses and workshops, that helped Lichomska intern with M2 Media group, a magazine subscription agency, located in Stamford, CT. “During my internship I learned about the magazine industry, how to efficiently coordinate with many company departments, and edit magazine descriptions. I was able to polish my Microsoft Excel and communication skills. Communication is important especially for business majors and my internship with M2 Media Group has introduced me to the art of business communication.”

With her remaining year at the University of Connecticut, she hopes to find her calling within the technology industry.

OPIM Innovate Workshop Schedule

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This Spring semester, OPIM Innovate will continue to host workshops introducing emerging business technology. The workshops, facilitated by faculty or industry experts, provide a brief look into what the technology is, how it works, and how it is useful to the business world. The workshops are held on Fridays from 1 – 2:30 in the Gladstein Research Lab (BUSN 391) and the workshop topics/dates are written below. In order to attend you must register ahead of time on the OPIM Innovate website. 

  • Feb 9 – How the Internet Works
  • Feb 16 – Intro to Blockchain (sponsored by RapidQube)
  • Feb 23 – Blockchain in Business (sponsored by RapidQube)
  • Mar 23 – Visual Analytics with Tableau
  • Apr 6 – Exploring Text Analytics
  • Apr 13 – Protecting your personal IT security
  • Apr 20 – Corporate IT security

 

Liberty Bank Internship Opportunity

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Liberty Bank is looking for summer interns from the University of Connecticut to work in Risk Management as the Information  Security Analyst Intern. Risk management is necessary for maintaining a strong information security program and this internship will offer hands on experience with challenging assignments guided by an onsite peer/mentor. The assignments include tasks involving security monitoring such as vulnerability review and analysis, security awareness testing and training, risk assessment and analysis, implementation and management of a cybersecurity framework, and information security program implementation and monitoring.

In order to apply, the candidate should have an intermediate to advanced level of technical knowledge and a basic understanding of information security concepts. Liberty Bank would prefer candidates who are rising juniors or seniors residing in Connecticut, as the internship is located in Middletown, CT, but is not required.

Programs of study that may work for this position could include:

1)      Computer Information Systems or related

2)      Business Administration

3)      Cybersecurity focused majors.

If interested, please email a resume and cover letter to Employment@liberty-bank.com

Faculty Spotlight – Stephen Fitzgerald

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Adjunct Professor Stephen Fitzgerald didn’t always see himself as a teacher. He completed his undergraduate career as a Management Information Systems (MIS) major, was hired at PwC to work in Risk Assurance, and had a series of odd jobs before deciding to return to school here at UConn. “Whether I was at PwC with new hires or at HuskyTech during my undergrad, I realized that the times when I was most at home, in flow, comfortable, and felt the most gratification was when I was sharing my knowledge with other people.” It was this self realization that inspired him to return to UConn to pursue a degree in Curriculum and Instruction through the NEAG School of Education. “The best part about my job is I essentially get paid to learn all of this stuff, distill it down to my own words, and tell them about all of the interesting stuff I am learning about. I get paid to learn which is super awesome.”

Professor Fitzgerald is currently teaching three Operations and Information Management (OPIM) courses; Business Information Systems, Operations Management, and Advanced Business Application Development. With Advanced Business Application Development, he was given the freedom to design and teach the course the way he wanted to. The course mostly involves teaching programming languages such as C# and Unity. What keeps him the most interested in information systems is the efficiency of programs and technology. Technology makes his job easier and their construction is “lean and makes sense.” Although he finds information systems “fascinating and elegant” in the way it works, he keeps an open mind towards the future of his teaching career and where that may take him. As long as his job can be learning and that learning can be shared with other people, he will find satisfaction.

“Giving people things that are relevant to them and skills that they can use in other parts of their lives, regardless of whether or not they are going to pursue OPIM or business in general,” is his favorite part of teaching. Being able to see the moment that students are able to make connections and understand concepts is rewarding for professors like Fitzgerald, who even spend their time outside of the classroom teaching. Fitzgerald is always researching ways to improve his teaching and he tries to stay involved in the OPIM Department by conducting workshops. Last semester, Fitzgerald conducted three workshops on Blockchain, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence. This semester he is teaching two more on How The Internet Works and Emerging Technologies Disrupting the Business World.

As someone who attended UConn, worked in the field, and discovered his passion, Fitzgerald is a great mentor to UConn students looking to explore career paths. His advice to students is to stay curious. “I think the easiest way to fall behind or lose interest is to not be constantly learning new things about technology and how to do our jobs better. Not only will you lose interest but you will fall behind. Stay curious and keep up on what’s new because it’s changing faster than we can teach it and the onus is on the student to take that into their own hands.”

Professor Fitzgerald is very thankful for the opportunities that the University of Connecticut has given him. He was able to teach a course last semester, and after his success he has the opportunity to teach more. With his remaining year as a graduate student, Professor Fitzgerald hopes to remain an active, influential member in the Operations and Information Management Department.

Christopher Calaci Student Spotlight

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Christopher Calaci, a sophomore Management and Informations Systems (MIS) student, has many accomplishments to be proud of from his short time at the University of Connecticut. Originally a finance major, Calaci realized his passion for Information Technology (IT) after attending the Operations and Information Management (OPIM) Department workshops and information sessions. Since changing his major from finance to MIS, Calaci has been elected the Vice President of the Information Management Association (IMA). Calaci originally became involved with IMA to make connections with employers and peers, but since then has become an advocate for IMA. “I want people to realize that getting into IT or learning about it isn’t hard. It may be something that is unfamiliar at first but it is a great subject to get involved in.” Getting more students involved in IT and IMA is one of his goals as Vice President, helping to break down the stereotype behind information technology.

In addition to IMA, Calaci is a member of the Business Connections Learning Community (BCLC), mentors freshmen through UConn’s First Year Experience (FYE) program, and works in the IT Department in the School of Business. The BCLC provides students with a place to live, learn, and connect with each other, helping students grow both inside and outside of the classroom. It was through the BCLC that Calaci was introduced to the FYE course that he would later teach. It was here that he encouraged students to “take time out of your day to learn something you may not be learning in the classroom. Just because you’re not taking business classes now doesn’t mean you have to wait to start learning.” These are words he tries to live by, by pursuing his passions outside of the classroom. Last winter break, with the help of the internet, Christopher built a computer and described it as “adult legos.” This determined and dedicated attitude is what helped him land his position in the IT Department at the School of Business. Here he works at the helpdesk, assisting students with their technological needs.

Although Calaci is currently focusing on his academics and securing an internship for this summer, he is most interested in pursuing a career in project management, specifically in software development, or cyber security. Because Calaci is still early in his business education career, he is mostly taking general education courses which has helped push him to learn and try new things, such as philosophy and social ethics. This class taught him how to discuss and form opinions on prominent ethical issues. He is planning on using this class to help him in his future and his career, specifically if he goes into cyber security because of the controversy over privacy issues. He would ideally want to work at a large company that gives him the opportunity to grow and explore as a professional and then look to downsize once he has found his passion.

With his remaining two years at UConn, Calaci is hoping to quench his thirst for knowledge with a variety of OPIM courses and adding a minor that will be both beneficial and enjoyable. Although he may not know where his future will take him, UConn has encouraged him to get involved involved and meet people with similar interests. “Interacting with all of these people has helped me realize what and who I want to be as a person, and the longer I am here the more I learn about myself and what I want to do.”

 

 

Scholarship Opportunities (Round 1)

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2018 FENCE AUTHORITY SCHOLARSHIP

The Fence Authority Scholarship is awarded to full-time students pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree related to improving US communities such as Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Horticulture, and Environmental and Marine Sciences.

Deadline: June 30, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.fenceauthority.com/scholarship

GOEDEKERS APPLIANCES 2018 COLLEGE BOOK SCHOLARSHIP

In order to receive the Goedekers Appliances College Book Scholarship, applicants with a 3.0 or above must write a minimum of 300 words explaining their background, why college is important, and why their field of study is important to them.

Deadline: July 8, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.goedekers.com/collegescholarshiputm_source=Goedeker%27s+Scholarships&utm_campaign=99d1b20391EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_01_18&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_5db6eeae8a99d1b20391399127857&mc_cid=99d1b20391&mc_eid=0a18df5e15

M&J 2018 SCHOLARSHIP

The M&J Trimming Fashion Scholarship is awarded to students with a 3.0 or higher attending a high school, college, or university within the U.S. Applicants must design an illustrated sketch to a red carpet creation as well as write a 500 word essay elaborating on their interests in fashion.

Deadline: May 25, 2018.

For more information visit: https://www.mjtrim.com/scholarship

EVOLVE IP’S 2018 CLOUD SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must answer a few questions and provide brief essay answers that demonstrate a passion for technology.

Deadline: June 30, 2018

For more information visit:Â https://www.evolveip.net/about/careers#scholarship

FIREART STUDIO 2018 SCHOLARSHIP

The Fireart Studio Scholarship is tailored to students with interests in web design,UX, infographics, and illustrations. Applicants must be 18 years old, have a minimum 1150 SAT score or 27 ACT score, must be studying a design subject in the USA, and have a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Deadline: December 2, 2018.

For more information visit: https://fireart.studio/scholarship

APPLIANCES CONNECTIONS COLLEGE CONNECTION SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must be US citizens with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. In addition, applicants must write a 500-800 word essay on their plan of study, choice of major, and their prospective career path.

Deadline: May 15, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.appliancesconnection.com/college-connection- scholarship.html

TFC TITLE LOANS SCHOLARSHIP FOR FINANCIAL INNOVATION

The TFC Title Loans Scholarship is awarded to college students pursuing a degree in finance, business, or economics. In no fewer than 2000 words, applicants must propose a new financial product that could improve the current issues within the lending industry.

Deadline: August 1, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.tfctitleloans.com/tfc-title- loans-scholarship/

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Applicants must be between 16 and 25 years of age. In order to apply students must write an essay on how social media affects students in relation to their study habits.

Deadline: November 15, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.socialmediamonster.com/scholarship/

SHAVING SOLUTION MARKETING SCHOLARSHIP

In order to apply, applicants must currently reside in the US, be registered at an accredited college and/or university, and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. The application process consists of a one to three-page marketing strategy for promoting the Shaving Solution website.

Deadline: September 1, 2018

For more information visit: https://shavingsolution.net/marketing-scholarship/

BELDON SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

In order to apply for the Beldon Scholarship, applicants must be college students majoring in business or communication related fields with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. A 1500-2000 word essay is required.

Deadline: September 1, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.beldon.com/scholarship

THE NICHOLAS WOOLDRIGE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP ESSAY COMPETITION

Applicants must be students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. A 1000 word essay on civil rights is required.

Deadline: June 15, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.lvcriminaldefense.com/scholarship/

KEY EXTERIORS SCHOLARSHIP

In order to apply, applicants must be college students majoring in business, marketing, logistics, organizational leadership, or general studies with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. An essay on how to make a business successful is required.

Deadline: April 1, 2018

For more information visit: http://www.keyexteriors.com/scholarship

STAVER LAW GROUP PERSONAL INJURY SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must be US citizens attending an accredited college or university while maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. An essay of 300-500 words exploring how personal injury lawyers play a role leading safety initiatives is required.

Deadline: December 1, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.chicagolawyer.com/staver-law- group-personal- injury-scholarship/

DISABLED PERSON NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

Applicants must be disabled, a US citizen, and enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college or university in the US. An essay of no more than 1000 words is required.

Deadline: March 16, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.disabledperson.com/scholarships/24

ANTHONY VECCHIO LAW CREATIVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Applicants must be US citizens enrolled in an accredited college or university. A 600 word essay or 2 minute long video regarding social media is required.

Deadline: April 30, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.anthonyvecchiolaw.com/scholarship-program/

COUPONS FOR SAVE SCHOLARSHIP

Any student attending a college or university anywhere in the world is eligible to apply. Applicants must write an essay on how to save money, specifically focusing on saving tips such as coupons and discount codes.

Deadline: December 31, 2018

For more information visit: https://www.couponsforsave.com/scholarship