ICT Today

ICT Today October/November/December 2022

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October/November/December 2022 I 5 From the Board President, Carol Everett Oliver, RCDD, DCDC, ESS WORKING TOGETHER As the ICT industry is constantly changing to address emerging technologies—many of which are covered in this 2022 BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition issue of ICT Today—we realize that ICT intersects with many other shoulder industries, such as electrical, AV, security, and other systems now being connected through low-voltage. In addition, ICT professionals cut across many occupations from network system designers to technicians to marketing managers and span multiple generations. Our world is no longer siloed, so we must work together to keep our industry moving forward. Reducing obstacles and gaps could be as simple or complex as gaining more education on new technologies and collaborating with other trade associations. Industry progress evolves and allows you to expand your knowledge and open up your mind to new methods. I came into this industry "through the back door" as a freelance writer for installation case studies and quickly learned that there was not one single solution. In those days, telecom was just starting to integrate with datacom through Ethernet. Eventually, most IP systems, which had been separated both physically and logically, converged onto a common communications network. The network landscape continues to transform. In addi- tion to delivering voice and data, Ethernet now delivers power over Ethernet (PoE) and even digital electricity, also known as fault-managed power. Furthermore, the Ethernet cable distance that was limited to 100 meters has expanded to kilometers through a copper/fiber hybrid cable solution. Emerging technologies are finding new techniques to reduce fossil fuels and become more sustainable by incorporating more solar power and also replacing AC with DC. Last month, I mentioned I would be writing a case study on a net-zero facility—Hotel Marcel. There are now many articles about this hotel as it was a historic building that was transformed into one of the most sophisticated, self-sustaining buildings through the forward-thinking developer who brought together many unique systems and diverse contractors for one common goal and on one common platform. Addressing diverse technologies, professions, and demo- graphics means finding common ground. This includes discovering ways to seek more knowledge—through online or in-person education, training, and networking, such as BICSI's virtual learning platforms and ICT forums, as well as live conferences and workshops. This past May, BICSI participated in its first combined NECA/BICSI Summit, which brought together the electrical and low-voltage professionals through cross-training sessions and net- working. You'll notice at our 2022 BICSI Fall Conference & Exhibition, BICSI has expanded their educational sessions to include a wider variety of topics for a wider variety of ICT professionals. To foster engagement, mentorship is important to bridge today's generation gap. An effective mentorship pro- gram should involve all generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen-Z'ers—sharing experiential rewards, gaining peer respect, and obtaining real-life skills training. BICSI's Men- torship program strives to match BICSI members in similar career paths to create a cross-generational, professional network of mentees and mentors. While mentors become role models to the emerging professionals, the mentees can develop a plan for their future, as well as provide their visions and new ideas to their mentors. At one of the educational sessions during the NECA/BICSI Summit, Chris Hobbs, RCDD, RTPM, DCDC, OSP, BICSI's manager of training provider services, spoke about the value of mentorship and that a mentorship relationship should span one's entire career. I take those words to heart as I rely on my mentors for advice. Moreover, I have enjoyed mentoring two mentees through the BICSI Men- torship program in the BICSI Community, not just during the length of the program but for the remainder of my career. Mentorship is a win-win for all. Moving forward, each emerging technology, together with each new generation, creates new challenges in our industry. Challenges provide opportunities. The differences and commonalities need to be embraced to work together. Keep your mind open and always "Kulia I ka Nu'u"— Strive for the highest.

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