Torya Whittaker / Contributing Writer
Sometimes students need more than words on a piece of paper to help land that perfect internship.
Their name. Their URL. Their own work.
Upsilon Pi Epsilon focuses on helping students create websites through web development and tech workshops.
The websites provide examples of a student’s work to build a portfolio-like resume.
“Sometimes you need a little proof,” said Sabina Cartacio, marketing representative of Upsilon Pi Epsilon. “You can add it to the top where your email is on your resume and it adds a little kick.”
Upsilon Pi Epsilon is a computer science honor society focused on providing computer science majors with information about scholarships, internships and free tutoring; however, the workshops and information sessions are open to everyone regardless of major.
Information sessions are offered every week.
Workshops are offered two to three times a month and are free to all FIU and non-FIU students.
The workshops being offered in the month of February include database management, Google product showcase, and hardware.
“The most important thing is that people who want to learn about those topics have the choice to decide where to go to,” said Cartacio. “So when you leave the workshop, we want you to understand at least the basics so that you can evolve.”
There are no requirements to participate.
The goal of the workshops is to create a foundation for individuals to build upon.
“You don’t have to come in and know something or not know something. If you’re more advanced, you can still come, get more ahead and ask questions to someone who has a job in the field,” said Cartacio.
No one is expected to remember everything that it is taught in a workshop; instead, Upsilon Pi Epsilon provides external resources that will allow individuals to improve upon what they learned.
The only restriction one may encounter when trying to attend a workshop is the maximum capacity.
If there are no more available computers, then entry into the workshop is closed.
People are urged to bring their own laptop in case maximum capacity of the room is reached.
If you bring your own laptop, you are welcome to take a seat on the side.
In order to guarantee a spot in a workshop, participants can RSVP on the organization’s Facebook page: Upsilon Pi Epsilon- FIU Chapter.
Workshops tend to be one hour long.
Dependent on the subject, some teachers may request two hours.
Food is provided to assist brain power and to help participants enjoy themselves.
Workshops are a step-by-step experience and a PowerPoint is displayed so participants can work on everything as a unit.
There is often someone walking around the room to assist an individual if they need more help.
“We just want you to have enough foundation where you don’t have a reason to say ‘I can’t do this,’” said Cartacio. “You can do this. We gave you the basics. Now go build on it.”
[image from flickr]
Fine idea! I like it.