Seven members of the MSU Chapter of AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals) attended the AITP National Collegiate Conference (NCC) in Atlanta, Georgia from April 9-13.  The conference, for student and professional members, was attended by 487 students from across the country.   At the event students attended seminars, mingled with potential employers and participated in competitions.

“I have been going to AITP NCC for three years now. I never knew how I compared to others. Besides my classmates, I had no way to benchmark myself. NCC gave me a new confidence. I know that I can compete against others on a national level and hold my own,” states Dustin Banks AITP student member.

This year was another banner year for MSU AITP as each student attending received an award:

• Region 4 Chapter of the Year

Region 4 includes student chapters in Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri. This award indicates our chapter is providing a variety of opportunities for its members.  The honor was presented by AITP Association President, Michael Welch, to chapter president, Philip Strong, and faculty advisor, Michelle Hulett.

• First place in PC Troubleshooting– Philip Strong

This is one of only two events where students compete as individuals.  This was Strong’s second year to place in this event, winning second place in 2013.

• Second Place in Microsoft Office Solutions-Zechariah Campbell and Greg Donnell

• Honorable Mention in Microsoft Office Solutions-Amy Battles and Ryan Gyger

• Honorable Mention in the Database Design
  • Zechariah Campbell and Greg Donnell
  • Preston Pedersen and Dustin Banks.

“It was thrilling to see each student who represented MSU recognized for their achievement at the awards banquet, capping off the 3-day event,” says faculty advisor Michelle Hulett.

Students found the experience to be very valuable to their academic and future professional careers. “I loved having the chance to go to the conference. I saw so many opportunities that I would never have otherwise had access to. The competitions were intense and I felt like I came away from them having learned something. I can’t wait for next year,” says Ryan Gyger AITP student member.

AITP student member Amy Battles adds that her favorite thing about NCC, “is that even though it is a competition it is not all about the win…it is about the technology.  It’s about learning.  It’s about meeting people from other schools, making connections that you never would have had the opportunity to make.”

Please join the College of Business and CIS Department in recognizing and congratulating these students for their hard work and leadership this year.