Focus on Cybersecurity and Tech Jobs as Google Sponsors Regional Conference at University of New Haven

With 1 million open positions in cyber security around the world, 17 colleges and universities across the Northeast have joined forces to connect students with leading employers in the cybersecurity and technology fields.  The University of New Haven and its Connecticut Institute of Technology are hosting the 2nd annual Connecticut Regional Cybersecurity and Tech Virtual Expo on Tuesday, October 26, from 1-4 p.m.

The event is co-sponsored by Google and the Connecticut Career Consortium, a group of college and university career centers in Connecticut that advocates for the workforce development needs of the state’s college students. Employers will meet with students virtually via chat or video, and they will have the opportunity to share information about their organization or discuss open positions, the University of New Haven recently announced.

More than 40 employers are expected to take part in the event.  Among them are companies, agencies, and organizations from the private sector as well as government entities, such as Lockheed Martin, the U.S. Department of Energy, Yale New Haven Health, the National Security Agency, and Electric Boat.

Also on the list of varied attendees:  Google, TikTok, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Navy Cyber Warfare Group, The Jackson Laboratory, Webster Bank, Town Fair Tire, Travelers Insurance and Raytheon Technologies.

Students can build a one-on-one appointment schedule in advance, to meet with specific companies and organizations. Employers will meet students on a virtual platform, ensuring high-quality interactions.  Video drop-in booths will also be available.

"Technology-related positions are some of the fastest-growing opportunities in the world, with cybersecurity leading the way,” said Matt Caporale, executive director of the University of New Haven’s Career Development Center and president of the Connecticut Career Consortium. “It is currently estimated that there are more than one million open cybersecurity positions right now globally.

“As we see regularly in the news, cyberattacks on businesses, education, and governments have dramatic and wide-ranging impacts on personal privacy, global finances, and trust in our institutions,” Caporale continued. “The talent need in this area is immense, and the University of New Haven and the state of Connecticut are stepping up to provide the industry with the talent needed to secure our global networks. As evidenced by Google sponsoring this career fair, Connecticut is positioned to become a leader in producing technology and cybersecurity talent."

Participating higher education institutions include Albertus Magnus College, CCSU, Endicott College, ECSU, Fairfield University, Goodwin University, Post University, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, SCSU, Trinity College, University of Bridgeport, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of New Haven, WCSU and Yale University.

 “Getting a good education is about getting a good job,” said Ibrahim “Abe” Baggili, Ph.D., Elder Family Chair and founding director of the University’s Connecticut Institute of Technology. “The Connecticut Institute of Technology is leading the way in the state of Connecticut and beyond in creating opportunities for cybersecurity and technology students to meet with some of the best employers in the country. We want to transform the state into a technology hub for hiring talent, and that is why we are glad the career fair is open to 17 universities.”

 “From a career-readiness and outcomes perspective, it sends a positive message to all of our stakeholders – students, faculty, staff, and external partners – that we are preparing an outstanding pool of talent worthy of a top-echelon, Fortune 100 recognition. I hope this Google sponsorship is the beginning a long-lasting trend,” added Marcus Paca, assistant director of employer relations for the University of New Haven’s Career Development Center.