Reflections on 2012 BDPA Technology Conference courtesy of the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation
National BDPApresidentMonique Berryadjourned the 34th annual BDPA Technology Conference last night. It was a truly remarkable 4-day gathering of information technology thought leaders from all over the nation. Here are some comments for those who were there in person.
Monique Berry(National BDPA president) -
"Congratulations to all of our winners as well as every child that participated in the Youth Technology Camp and the High School Computer Competition. I'm very proud of each and every one of you."
Goldie Bonney(BDPA New Jersey chapter president) -
"Had a GREAT time with my BDPA family at the conference. Shout out to all other chapter presidents who continue to do big things in their respective chapters. Congratulations to Renetta English on her Chapter of the Year win again for NY! See you all next year in DC!"
Perry Carter(BDPA Washington DC chapter president) -
Congratulations BDPA Atlanta (2012 HSCC World Champions) and BDPA New York (2012 Chapter of the Year) for this year's accomplishments and for upholding the highest standards in community involvement and philanthropy in direct support of America's STEM initiatives! We hope to see greater achievements in Washington DC next year.
Dr. Curtis Charles(Fayetteville State University senior associate vice chancellor) -
"I will like to express my sincere thanks to Perry Carter and the BDPA Leadership for allowing me the opportunity to participate in the BDPA HBCU STEM panel. Fayetteville State University and the Center for Defense and Homeland Security look forward to a long and lasting relationship with all BDPA Chapters. Please feel free to call upon me at anytime."
Yvette Graham(National BDPA past president) -
"Just arrived back home in Chicago (Oak Park) from Baltimore Maryland where I attended one of the best conferences for NBDPA. Congrats to all winners (Sponsors, Members, and Students). A special shout out to the HSCC Team from the BDPA Atlanta Chapter for being the first team ever to receive a perfect score!!! Thanks to the NBDPA Leadership Team and the National Conference Team for a JOB WELL DONE!!!"
Wayne Hicks(BETF executive director) -
"I just had a great time introducing over 100 young people who are the future face of technology at the Opening Ceremony of the 34th BDPA Technology Conference in Baltimore, MD. I can't begin to tell you how remarkable it was to see these bright young faces as they were being recognized by BDPA sponsors, leaders, volunteers and members. BDPA is such a truly remarkable organization. Another highlight of the event was the fact that we raised over $6,000 in about 10 minutes to increase the amount of college scholarships that we will give out to high-performing HSCC students. BDPA is truly 'Making Moves' and I'm grateful to be part of it."
Cedrick Moore(National BDPA career development director) -
"I just returned from the 2012 BDPA Technology Conference in Baltimore, MD. I just want to let you know that the jobs recovery is REAL. Not since the early 2000's have I seen employers so anxious in seeking jobs candidates. Here are a few that truly demonstrated to me they are ready to hire today: GE, JP Morgan Chase, State Farm, Microsoft, MillerCoors, Johnson & Johnson, WellPoint, Wells Fargo, etc. Not minor players here.
The funny thing is, I was consistently being told that YOU (minority I.T. professionals) DO NOT EXIST or in other words, you are hard to find and hire. They were certainly looking for YOU so....
What do you think? Comments?"
Sharrarne Morton(Morton Media president) -
"Just witnessed a room full of remarkable young scientists, engineers, mathematicians and technologists win thousands of dollars in scholarships at the BDPA National Conference in Baltimore, Md. Where were the TV cameras? There are brilliant young people doing spectacular things to ensure a brighter future for all of us. Congratulations to them all! We will see you at next year's conference in DC!!"
Stacy Stewart(BDPA Dallas chapter president) -
"Hello BDPA family, I'm currently in the air returning from the 34th annual National BDPA Technology Conference that was held in Baltimore and I must say this was an exhilarating experience, from the opening ceremony to the formal gala held on the last day of the conference. The professional sessions, dignitaries reception and networking with other BDPA members across the nation was exceptional. Teams from seventeen chapters competed in the High School Computer Competition in which the Atlanta chapter won thousands of dollars in scholarship monies and received high-end HP laptop computers. The Youth Technology Camp produced and edited videos this year with one of our Dallas students on a winning team.
Next year our National BDPA Conference will be held in Washington DC on August 14-17. I encourage all of our members to attend! If you have not experienced a National BDPA Conference you don't want to miss this one ... if you have experienced a National BDPA Conference before, then I know you will be there."
You asked and we heard. Many of our members are in transition and can not meet the cost of attending the conference. We are offering a Transition Attendee rate of $150, available only to someone unemployed. To participate email proof of your employment status to vpbm@bdpa.org
Posted By Monique F. Berry,
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Updated: Tuesday, July 10, 2012
BDPA is pleased to announce a new member benefit – free enrollment in a CISSP Certification Course for qualified unemployed members. This is the first of several certification courses available for BDPA members.
Course Value: $2,895
BDPA Member Cost With Grant: $0.00 ($1,295 membercost without grant)
Delivery Method: Virtual Classroom with a live instructor using Cisco WebEx
Dates of course: Sept.17, Oct.15, Oct. 29, Nov. 26, and Dec. 10 2012
Course Duration: 5 days
Course Hours: 9:00 A.M. 5:00 PM
Simple Grant Eligibility Requirements
Be a member of BDPA
Be unemployed before and on the class start date
Tell us your job goal in Information Security
Planning to take the CISSP Certification Examination
Submit your resume
One paragraph on what this would mean to you be admitted into the CISSP certification class
Easy Application Login in and submit your applicationno later than August 10, 2012 be sure to attach your resume and proof of unemployment status. It's that simple! Click on "More in this Section" to access the Grant Application.
Grant Exclusions and Conditions
Candidates must provide proof of unemployment upon request.
Grant recipients must obtain CISSP Boxed Set (All-in-One)[Hardcover] BY Shon Harris books can be ordered directly from Amazon
Classes must have at least 8 participants or the class will be cancelled.
No refunds for expenses if class is cancelled
Limit of one class per person per course session
Candidate must have a computer that supports Cisco WebEx conferencing software
Note: BDPA members that are employed or underemployed, can take the course for $1295.00 with $400.00 down and the balance paid in three installments 90 days. No interest .
I've received a lot of requests lately from seemingly ambitious professionals who are frustrated in their jobs.
Primarily, they feel they aren't being promoted fast enough. They tell me about the great work they do and how they feel it's unfair because the executive team is failing to recognize their efforts. They come to me looking for ways to position themselves as executive-level talent.
It's funny, I remember feeling the exact same way when I was a younger professional! I would get so frustrated and think, "I can't wait until I'm the boss.”
Executives Approach Work Differently
Well, fast forward 20 years and I've not only climbed the corporate ladder to the executive suite, I've been on the inside and heard what criteria executives use to determine who is worthy of climbing the ranks.
Trust me when I say they are looking for people who consistently display certain traits. Which means, you aren't going to get promoted to the C-suite unless you know what they are.
While you may do well in the organization and even make it to the middle management level, here are six reasons why the executives in your company don't see you joining them some day. They are:
1. You don't get up early.
Most successful executives I know have done more by 8:00 AM than the average worker. They are mentally focused on maximizing every minute of their day. That quiet time first thing in the morning is prime time for them.
They use it to their advantage – and it pays off.
While you are catching extra Z's they are reading industry blogs, writing important communications, catching up on e-mails, mapping out business strategies, doing online research, and much more. They use this time to create competitive advantage over their peers.
2. You don't take care of yourself.
The stress level of the executive lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. Executives don't need others to put pressure on them.
Why?
They put enough pressure on themselves. They are highly motivated to achieve results. This intensity needs a physical and mental outlet. Working out gives the executives I know a chance for their bodies and minds to get a much needed release from their focus on work. It also keeps them in shape and gives them the energy needed to keep up their intensity.
By choosing to commit to an exercise regime, you not only show your ability to care for yourself, you show personal discipline – a trait considered vital to executive success. You must be able to show you can self motivate and stay committed to a process. Being a regular exerciser demonstrates that.
3. You don't look or act the part.
Executives place a lot of importance on appearance. Why? They see themselves as the "face” of the company and are always concerned about making the right impression.
There is a famous quote that applies to executives: People hear what they see. Which means, if you don't look healthy, pulled together, and confident, you don't look like you can handle the physical and mental demands of being and executive.
Furthermore, if you don't care about your appearance, the assumption is you probably don't care about a lot of other things too. Proving you are executive material starts with dressing and acting like a member of the executive team.
Take a closer look at your C-suite. Do you honestly look like you'd fit in? If not, it's time to change the clothes, hair and attitude to match the group you wish to be a part of.
4. You don't work more than 40 hour/week.
The idea of work-life balance is a personal thing. Somewhere along the line, somebody said working more than 40 hours creates a bad work-life balance. Executives don't see it that way.
Instead, they see working the extra hours as an opportunity to get ahead.
They use the time to gain knowledge and skills that get them to the next level.
Think about it: If you want to get better at a computer game, what do you do? You spend more time playing!
Well, executives see it the same way.
The more they play the work game, the better they get. They have no problem working nights and weekends from home because they know it will get them to their goal faster. As a result, they look to promote people to their team that play the game they way they do.
Which means, they don't care if you have an hour-long commute each way or family commitments that require your time. That's your private life and up to you to deal with. All they care about is how committed you are to being the best.
Running a company requires a high-level of commitment. Investing time beyond 40 hours is proof you'll be willing to do what it takes to make the business succeed.
5. You don't add major value.
Doing your job well is not enough. Smart executives know to get what they want, they must be of extreme value to their bosses. In short, they look for ways to make their manager's life easier.
When an employee solves a major problem or creates a new revenue stream, they are seen as adding incredible value to the organization. Doing what you are told isn't enough. You need to go the extra mile and think like an owner of the business. Find ways to be seen as indispensable by taking over projects and headaches your boss has to deal with. Make life better for your boss and you'll find yourself being invited to move up the corporate ladder.
6. You don't manage up.
Your boss is in charge. Like it or not, they call the shots. You need to always respect the fact your boss has some control over your career. I don't care how invaluable you think you are to your boss. Nor does it matter you've been working for your boss for years. They are paying you to do your job and they owe you nothing beyond that.
Which means, you could be on the street tomorrow.
At the same time, you should recognize if you can learn to manage up, you can have more control over the situation.
Help your boss be more organized. Give your boss exactly what he or she needs to make good decisions. And above all else, NEVER directly challenge your manager's decisions.
Instead, offer suggestions that can guide them to the answer or solution you want. Trust me when I say employees who frustrate a boss do not rise to the top. Asking too many questions or being negative about a project they have assigned you is not smart. Executives don't promote people who annoy them. Your goal is to learn how to work with your boss in a way that gets you what you want AND satisfies their needs. A boss who likes having you around because you reduce their stress and workload, as opposed to adding to it, is the key to getting promoted – it's that simple.
Are you thinking: "Forget that. I'm not a suck up work-o-holic. This list is stupid.”
If you are, then you are proving my point.
You see, not everyone is meant to be an executive.
The people you see in those roles choose of their own free will to be there. They do the things listed above because they want to be in the C-suite. If you don't, that's okay, but understand you are making a choice as well.
What's the alternative?
You could choose to start your own company and create your own set of executive criteria from day one. But, I guarantee you'll soon find it's not as easy as it sounds. If dumping your job in Corporate America to work for yourself was that easy, more people would be doing it.
Remember: Being an Executive is a Choice, Not a Right
There's a reason many people chose to be regular employees and don't rise to the executive level: Their career isn't a top priority.
That's okay!
Like I said, it's a life choice. But, please don't knock executives for choosing to do the things above. Especially, if you don't want them knocking you for choosing not to.
This is a free country, remember?
Just showing up to your job and doing it well doesn't automatically guarantee you a promotion. You get paid to do the job you do. If you want more, you have to do more. Especially, if you want to be an executive.
What's the First Step to Getting Started?
Opt in on the next page for my FREE e-guide, "4 Ways Executives Are Using Social Media for Professional Branding.”
In it, I'll show you how to build showcase four executives who are leveraging the most popular social media tools for effective Executive Branding campaigns.
About J.T. O'Donnell
Career Strategist. Workplace Consultant. Syndicated Author. Wife and Mother. CEO, CAREEREALISM. CEO, CareerHMO. Host, Career Rehab.
Randy Muller, Global Knowledge Instructor, MCT, MCSE, MCSA, MCDST
January 2012
When the conversation amongst IT professionals turns to IT Certifications, one of their first thoughts is of high salaries - dollar signs dancing in their heads. While some certifications do command a six-figure salary, this is not true for all. With the recent completion of our annual IT Skills and Salary report, I thought it would be a great time to look at some of the more popular certifications - and their associated pay.
Note: The rankings below are based on certifications that received the minimum 200 responses required to derive a salary figure that is statically accurate. There are certifications that pay more that are not represented due to their exclusive nature. These include CCIE: Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert and VCDX: VMware Certified Design Expert, for example.
1. PMP® - Project Management Professional - ($111,209)
The Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) credential is recognized as the most important certification for project managers and is globally recognized and in heavy demand. The PMP credential demonstrates that you not only have the requisite, real-world experience, but that you also have the education to successfully lead and direct projects. The PMP credential should only be attempted by experienced project managers as the qualifications and testing for this certification are very rigorous. In addition, the PMI requires continued validation through required continuing education requirements. All of these factors ensure that the PMP credential is widely respected. The PMP experience and exam requirements focus on five process groups: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.
2. CISSP® - Certified Information Systems Security Professional - $110,342
The Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential is for security managers and professionals who develop policies and procedures in information security. The CISSP certification has become the gold standard in information security certifications. Earning and maintaining a CISSP certification is required for many governmental, military, and civilian security positions. The CISSP was the first credential in the field of information security, accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Standard 17024:2003. Earning your CISSP certification is not only an objective measure of excellence, but it is a globally recognized standard of achievement.
The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) demonstrates that the individual who has passed the required exams has the requisite knowledge, experience, and understanding required to design a Cisco converged network. A CCDA-certified individual has the skills to design a routed and switched network infrastructure and services involving LAN, WAN, and broadband access for businesses and organizations.
4. ITIL® v3 Foundation - ($97,691)
What is this ITIL that we hear so much about? The Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITILv3) is a foundational process that provides for quality IT Service Management. The success of ITIL is through the use of documented and proven processes that cover the entire Service Lifecycle. The ITIL Expert level is the third of four levels. The ITIL Expert level certification is aimed at those individuals who are interested in demonstrating a superior level of knowledge of ITIL Version 3 (V3) in its entirety. Once you have achieved ITIL Expert level, you will also satisfy the pre-requisite entry criteria for the ITIL Master Level. This is the highest level of certification within the ITIL V3 scheme, though the Master level is still under development
5. MCSE - Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer - $91,650
The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification ended with Server 2003, though you can still earn it (as well as the MCSE on Server 2000, though many of the tests are retired). The continued use of Windows Server 2003 in the market suggests that the demand for related expertise will continue for some time. The MCSE certification demonstrates to clients and employers that you are skilled in designing, implementing, and administering infrastructures for business solutions based on Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems. In order for you to earn your MCSE on Windows Server 2003 certification (or Windows 2000 Server), you must pass seven exams: four exams on networking systems, one exam on client operating systems, one exam on design, and one elective exam. One thing to be aware of is that many of the exams are retired or will be retiring soon. If one of the required exams is retired and you have not passed the exam, then you cannot earn the certification. If you have passed the exam before it retired, than it still can be applied to the certification.
6. VCP - VMware Certified Professional - $91,648
Virtualization and those who are knowledgeable on virtualization products are in heavy demand. VMware is one of the leading vendors of virtualization products and earning a VMware certification is the first step toward gaining industry-recognized expertise in virtual infrastructure and the industry recognition that goes along with it. The VMware Certified Professional (VCP5) demonstrates that you have the skillset to successfully install, manage, and deploy VMware vSphere 5.
7. CCNP® - Cisco Certified Network Professional - $90,457
There are two tracks available at the Associate and Professional levels: Cisco Certified Design Professional and Cisco Certified Network Professional. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) demonstrates that you have the ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. A CCNP-certified individual is expected to work collaboratively with other Cisco specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless, and video solutions.
8. CompTIA Server+ - $84,997
CompTIA certifications are international, vendor-neutral certifications that validate a candidate's knowledge of a specific field. The CompTIA Server+ certification demonstrates the IT professional's knowledge of server hardware, software, storage, IT environment, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting. It is recommended that technical support professionals have 18 to 24 months experience in supporting servers and server technology. While not a prerequisite, it is recommended that candidates have a CompTIA A+ certification as well.
9. MCITP - Microsoft Certified IT Professional - $84,330
The Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification helps validate that an individual has the comprehensive set of skills necessary to perform a particular job role, such as database administrator or enterprise messaging administrator. The MCITP certification validates that the IT professional is capable of deploying, building, designing, optimizing, and operating technologies for a particular job role.
MCITP certifications build on the technical proficiency measured in the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certifications. Therefore, you will earn one or more MCTS certifications on your way to earning an MCITP certification. Currently, there are 15 MCITP certifications available from Microsoft:
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician on Windows 7
MCITP: Enterprise Desktop Administrator on Windows 7
MCITP: Consumer Support Technician on Windows Vista
MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician on Windows Vista
MCITP: Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008
MCITP: Virtualization Administrator on Windows Server 2008 R2
MCITP: Database Administrator 2008
MCITP: Database Developer 2008
MCITP: Business Intelligence Developer 2008
MCITP: Enterprise Project Management with Microsoft Office Project Server 2007
MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2010
MCITP: Enterprise Messaging Administrator on Exchange 2007
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) validates the holder's ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. CCNA curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills. This new curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, and access control lists (ACLs).
11. MCSA - Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator - $82,923
The Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) certification helps validate your ability to manage and troubleshoot network environments based on the Windows Server 2003 operating system. It reflects a unique set of skills required to succeed in a variety of job roles, such as systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, and technical support specialist. The MCSA on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server certification is no longer be available as of December 31, 2011
12. CompTIA Security+ - $80,066
CompTIA certifications are international, vendor-neutral certifications that validate a candidate's knowledge of a specific field. The CompTIA Security+ certification validates the knowledge of security professionals in one of the fastest-growing fields in IT. The Security+ certification validates the security IT professional in: network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, access control and identity management, cryptography and application, and data and host security. Candidates will also be tested on their knowledge of security concepts, tools, and procedures to react to security incidents. It ensures that security personnel are anticipating security risks and guarding against them. The CompTIA Security+ certification is accredited by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).The CompTIA Security+ certification may be kept current through the CompTIA Continuing Education program.
13. MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional - $79,363
The Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certification was awarded by passing one or more exams, though there was no designation as to what product you earned with your MCP.
The MCP program itself was designed for both IT Professionals and developers. The MCP was replaced by the Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) certification. The MCTS certification is designed to help validate your skills on the features and functionality of a specific Microsoft technology. The MCTS certification is tied to the end-of-life for Mainstream Support the product itself. You can show your depth of knowledge in one specific technology, earn multiple MCTS certifications to show breadth across different products, or build on the MCTS to earn a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certification
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) validates the ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. With a CCENT, network professional demonstrates the skills required for entry-level network support positions - the starting point for many successful careers in networking. The curriculum covers networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security and wireless concepts, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring simple networks. CCENT is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium-size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.
15. CompTIA Network+ - $71,207
CompTIA certifications are international, vendor-neutral certifications that validate a candidate's knowledge of a specific field. The CompTIA Network+ certification demonstrates the professional qualifications of a networking professional. The Network+ exam covers installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security. The CompTIA Network+ certification is accredited by the ISO and ANSI.The CompTIA Network+ certification may be kept current through the CompTIA Continuing Education program.
Summary
Having a certification does not mean you will walk into one of these higher paying jobs. It is certification and experience that will count. There was a time when, if you had a certification, you were reasonably assured of getting a job. Now it is more of a disqualifier - not having a certification means you may not even get an interview.
About the Author
Randy Muller (MCT, MCTS, MCSE, CEH) is an instructor with Global Knowledge, specializes in teaching Microsoft Office 365, Exchange, Lync Server as well as Windows Server 2008.
Here are 3 "gifts” one 40-something woman would give a 20-something if she were a "Forty-Godmother”.
By Christina Vuleta (Founder, 40:20 Vision)
Trends point in the direction that women have more choices and freedom's today – to marry or stay single, to have children alone, in wedlock or not at all, to work or stay at home — to name a few.
Yet women still feel judged by others (Why aren't you married? When are you having children? You don't work?). And at the same time they put enormous pressure on themselves to find their own passion and maintain independence. That's a lot of tension. Now that women have more choices, it's harder than ever to choose what is "right” and find "happiness”.
Wisdom From 40-something Women To 20-something Women
Women in their forties today are part of the first wave of women to grow up with more choices. We have seen the consequences of delaying marriage, fore-going childbirth or following an unexpected career path in large numbers. And while we all have made different decisions, what we all have in common by the time we hit our forties is the comfort of finally making decisions that are right for us.
We feel stronger, sexier and smarter than ever. We may still have shit happen to us, but we now know "shit happens” and we have a whole vault of experiences and strength to get us through the "shit”. We can draw on this learning to help us make better decisions… or at least know what we are getting ourselves into. And that is a magical power.
Herewith, three "gifts” one 40-something woman would give a 20-something if she were a "Forty-Godmother”.
Tip #1: Get Balls, Not Malls.
A little tongue in cheek… but I mean, spend less time shopping and worrying about how you look and more time jumping into life and doing things that you are afraid of and learning. Falling and getting up. That is what gives you confidence and self worth. Not how much money you can spend on things.
Tip #2: Get Dirty.
Know that life gets messy and that is what makes it interesting. Perfect is boring. Get comfortable with the mess. You can't control everything and keep your life all contained in a box tied up with a neat bow. And it's really okay.
Tip #3: Patience.
Don't rush love. You have to know a man / partner for four seasons to get a good idea of they are in different situations.
About the guest blogger: Christina Vuleta is Founder of 40:20 Vision, a blog that provides advice from 40-something women to 20-something women. She is a researcher, trend analyst and curator of 40-something wisdom. Most recently a director at strategic marketing and trend consultancy The Futures Company, Christina has made a career out of understanding insights that drive women's aspirations and life decisions. Follow her on Twitter at @4020vision.
Want to win a free conference registration to this year's conference?
Help us spread the word by tweeting messages with with the hashtag #BDPACareerFair and the URL http://bit.ly/NEW3I4, or adding the hashtag and URL to post in Facebook, LinkedIn or Plancast.
On Friday, July 20th, we will randomly select one winner, announcing the person on our @NationalBDPA Twitter page.
Over the years, the National BDPA Technology Conferences have taken on unique personalities based on the venues in which they were held, as well as the character of their host chapters and leadership team. Attendees have access to top-notch keynote speakers, topical educational sessions, and a myriad of networking opportunities along with recreation; all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere--and they do so at affordable prices.
Given the opportunity, conference attendees like to play almost as hard as they work. So it's no surprise that our conferences give them the chance to do both by combining quality educational and networking events with challenging and enjoyable recreational activities.
To kick off the 2012 Conference, a few preconference events have been added to this year's schedule. We can look forward to a Tuesday HBCU panel and reception as well as two certification classes; Healthcare IT and Cloud Essentials.
Recreational offerings include golf at Bulle Rock, a premier Maryland golf course. Conference attendees can also try their luck on the gaming tables or laugh the night away at Casino Night. Other activities will include a visit to the Great Blacks in the Wax Museum, the ability to soak up the atmosphere at the Baltimore Inner Harbor, or check out the Leaping lizards and Diving dolphins at the National Aquarium.
In addition to the recreational offerings, the events bring together members and corporate sponsors in an informal and collegial setting, allowing them to expand their network of contacts while keeping abreast of important developments in the information technology industry. The educational sessions are excellent, and feature higher profile keynote speakers that may be economically more feasible for many local chapter events. The events also strengthen the bond among BDPA's chapters as volunteers work together to plan each conference.
The annual conference has worked well for us over the years, and there are plans for future regional conferences. The Washington D.C. chapter currently hosts a regional conference attracting many local executives, government officials, and others from the D.C., Maryland and Virginia areas. The program includes a Regional High School Computer Competition and IT showcase as a precursor to the national competitions.
So, join us in Baltimore, July 31 through August 4, where I'm sure you'll find the right combination of work and play for you.
The excitement continues to build for the 34th annual National BDPA Technology
Conference and Career Expo to be held at the Downtown Hilton in Baltimore, Maryland on August 1-4, 2012.
The theme for the conference is 'Transforming the IT Professional'. BDPA
recently announced that the Awards Gala keynote speaker will be Dr. Ernest McDuffie.
In early 2010 the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was selected as the lead agency for
the National Initiative for Cybersecurity
Education and Dr. McDuffie was appointed as the Lead for this effort. In his
previous position he had been appointed the Associate Director of the National
Coordination Office (NCO) for Networking and Information Technology Research and
Development in February 2008. From early September 2009 until early November
2009 he served as Acting Director of the NCO. His appointment as the Associate
Director of the NCO comes after joining the NIST as a Computer Scientist in
their Information Technology Laboratory, Office of Federal and Industrial
Relations. In August 2006, Dr. McDuffie joined the NCO where he served as the
Technical Coordinator for the Cyber Security and Information Assurance
Inter-agency Working Group, Federal Agency Administration of Science and
Technology Education and Research Committee of Practice, and the Software Design
and Productivity Coordination Group.
Prior to joining the NCO, Dr.
McDuffie served as the Deputy Director of the Office of Naval Research – Science
and Technology for America's Readiness Initiative. He served as the Lead Program
Director for the Federal Cyber Service: Scholarship for Service Program at the
National Science Foundation.
He served as an Assistant Professor at
Florida State University in the Department of Computer Science where he taught
both graduate and undergraduate courses in CS for seven years. Dr. McDuffie has
participated in software engineering projects for the U.S. Air Force, the
National Center for Atmospheric Research, the Federal Aviation Administration,
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the
National Security Agency.
Dr. McDuffie received his Ph.D. and M.S.
degrees in Computer Science from the Florida Institute of Technology in
Melbourne, Florida.
Content provided coutesy of Wayne Hicks and BDPA Groupsite
As strange as this may sound it has never occurred to most members to go tothe BDPA Technology Conference. They know about it - they've been getting emails since joining letting them know about it, but it has never even come up as something to do.
This is how I felt when I joined. The conference was is in Dallas and I lived hundreds of miles away, and I already had my own summer plans.
As it turned out, my plans changed, I had some free time so I went to the 2004 conference in Dallas, Texas. I can honestly say it was the single best thing I'd experienced?with my BDPA membership since I joined in 2001.
There were a number of reasons the conference was fantastic - any one of them alone made it worth going:
I was not a minority among attendees. Do you know what it's like to attend a conference where there may be one or two (.5%) other people who look like you?
I networked with members of Chapters from around the country. I sat next to them in seminars, ate with them at the plenary luncheons and socialized with them during the corporate receptions.
We talked about our careers, issues, challenges, opportunities, the companies we worked for and companies that we wanted to work for.
We talked about our chapters; what we've done that was successful; mistakes we've made; and new ideas for how our chapters could move forward.
I walked away from the conference with a notepad full of action items for my personal development as well as ideas for the Chapter (enough to keep us busy the whole year if we wanted); a pocket full of business cards of peers, recruiters and decision makers; and a stronger feeling of optimism for my Chapter and what we could accomplish than I would have ever imagined.
Perhaps the most important thing I got from the conference was competency. I was amazed at how much tangible, real-world advice was given. There were talks on how to use technology, chapter building, closing the digital divide, leadership skills, team building, and much more. In short, I received a lot of information on developing oneself and everything necessary to know how to run a successful Chapter. I've attended dozens of conferences and this was by far one of the most tangible and beneficial.
So within a two-week span, I went from never attending a program meeting to showing up in Dallas not knowing anyone or what to expect, to meeting two new BFF's (Allstate employees: Marvie Barton and Kimberly Vaughn), falling in love with BDPA and the conference.
When I later became President of the Philadelphia chapter, the conference was at the top of our budget. Every year, we were going to send several of our members and students to the conference. We would take full advantage of BETF grants, but whether we get those or not, conference, airfare, and lodging fees, would be covered for that year. Our goal was to win the Chapter of the Year Award to cover some of the registration fees.
So if you haven't attended a Technology conference where you are one of the 99.5% and not the 0.5%, this is the conference for you. This is my personal invitation to you. I would love to meet you in Baltimore!
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About J.T. O'Donnell
Trends point in the direction that women have more choices and freedom's today – to marry or stay single, to have children alone, in wedlock or not at all, to work or stay at home — to name a few. 
About the guest blogger: Christina Vuleta is Founder of