BICSI Brief

BICSI Brief Volume 1, Issue 1

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There are two things that stand out to me about the ICT industry: women and minorities are hard to find, and the industry is aging out. Whether we are manufacturer's representatives, technicians, or designers, we are all working in a monochromatic industry. As young professionals, we are constantly working to prove our knowledge and worth. We often need to put in significant effort to prove our legitimacy as a source of information because we know we do not have the tribal knowledge of most others in the industry. Rather than degrees, ICT relies on certifications like the RCDD or RTPM, and I feel like this is a big reason why our industry does not garner the same level of recog- nition as other trades. Most often, we find a career because we know someone who is part of the industry, have a connection to the industry, or somehow stumbled upon the industry by happenstance. As young profes- sionals, how do we introduce and educate the next generation? The industry is in a holding pattern because of a lack of educational programs available to high school students and vocational schools. More than Words from Women in BICSI "Be the Young and the Restless" By Caitlin Brudnicki, RTPM, Senior Project Manager with BCL Enterprise and Vice Chair of the BICSI Emerging Professionals Workgroup W.S. Halstead of Johns Hopkins Hospital started the "see one, do one, teach one" method. In my experience, this is the best way to learn in this industry. By being immersed in the day-to-day activities of the industry, we gain a unique understanding and familiar- ity with the equipment, designs, and materials. To better prepare the next generation, we need to provide these opportunities to them as soon as possible. Internships and mentoring programs are a start, and BICSI even has a mentorship program for young professionals! I can remember sitting and simply watching as my mom went through project designs, product submittals, and RFIs. Then we progressed to site visits for above ceiling punch lists, walk throughs, and final punch lists. All of this was an organic process that led me to the knowledge base I have today. If we do not start to take the education of the next generation seriously, we will have missed the oppor- tunity to create a strong workforce to support our up-and-coming professionals. Mentorship and education are the foundational basis of any strong industry, and fortunately, we have a foundation in place for young professionals through BICSI. But we need to expand these opportunities to the next generation as well! My plea to the members of our industry is to be the person who offers mentoring or an internship to an eager young learner, or to initiate talks with local high schools or vocational schools through career event opportunities. Unless we educate our youth, they will not realize that the ICT industry is a potential career path, or it will take them years to find out. We do not have that kind of time, as more ICT professionals retire and fewer enter the workforce. As young professionals, we need to be engaging the next generation today. Let's be the young and the restless. Educate the youth and spread awareness. Share Your Story with Women in BICSI We want to hear from women in the ICT industry. Please consider submitting your brief story, anecdote, or advice for a future "More than Words" column. Email to wib@bicsi.org. bicsi.org/wib PAGE 18 C OM M U N I T Y C O R N E R

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