Greetings, Family!
The Future of Tech is Bright: The Power of Internships
As a CEO, I have always believed in the power of mentorship and providing opportunities for the next generation. This summer, ITSMF had the privilege of hosting two incredibly talented interns. Interns were paid through the ITSMF Foundation. The Interns learned and gained work experience this summer. Their contributions to our organization have not only been invaluable but have also served as a powerful reminder of the bright future that lies ahead for Black executives in tech.
Our interns, both majoring in technology, were tasked with completing challenging capstone projects that required a combination of strong project management, organizational skills, research, and data analytics. They exceeded our expectations in every way, delivering exceptional presentations that showcased their professionalism, intelligence, and potential.
One intern analyzed multiple years of membership and Global Institute for Professional Development survey data, identifying key trends and insights that will inform our future strategies. The other intern conducted research on Black Tech Founders with over $1 million in revenue, providing valuable insights into their businesses and potential collaborations through our Ignite program.
Witnessing these presentations, I was struck by the immense talent and potential of these young individuals. Their passion for ITSMF, coupled with their strong work ethic and analytical skills, made them invaluable assets to this organization.
By providing opportunities for students to get to and through college, and by supporting their growth and development in the workforce, we are not only investing in their futures but also ensuring a brighter future for the tech industry as a whole.
I am proud to lead an organization that attracts such exceptional talent and is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. The work that our interns have done this summer will have a lasting impact on ITSMF, and I am confident that they will go on to achieve great things in their careers.
A study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that college graduates with internship experience earn more than those without. So, there are short and long term benefits for interns.
The future of Black executives in tech is bright, and it is up to us to continue providing opportunities and support for the next generation of leaders. Let us celebrate the incredible talent of our interns and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
ITSMF Intern Jordan Tolliver just graduated from High School and plans to attend University of Pennsylvania in the fall. ITSMF Intern Maxxim Jean-Baptiste is a Senior at the State University of New York at Buffalo.
Warmest Regards,
President and CEO, ITSMF
About Information Technology Senior Management Forum
Since 1996, Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) has been dedicated to increasing the representation of Black professionals at senior levels in technology to impact organizational innovation and growth. We do this by developing and nurturing these dynamic leaders through enrichment of the mind, body and soul. At its inception, only 3% of senior-level positions in the technology industry were held by Blacks. With a half-million new computer-related jobs expected by 2028, ITSMF is committed to increasing the number of qualified Black professionals for these positions. For more information about ITSMF, visit www.itsmfleaders.org.
