EMPLOYER PRESENTATION:November 2016

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• Challenges• The New Approach• The FUSION Program• Employer Engagement Opportunities

AGENDA

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CHALLENGES

Our current approach is coming up short

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• Between 2010 and 2020, employment growth and retirements will require more than 9,000 new

application and web developers in Minnesota. (source: DEED Occupational Projections through 2020)

• In 2010, Minnesota universities awarded 832

bachelor degrees in computer and information science, down from more than 1,100 in 2005. (source: Minnesota Office of Higher Education )

• 37% of employers report difficulty hiring new

grads, due to skill mismatches and lack of candidates. (source: DEED 2013 survey of employers.)

TALENT SHORTAGE EXAMPLE:

• Technology skills used to produce actual products and solutions

• The capacity to work effectively with others and be part of a team

• The perspective to appreciate business goals and customer requirements

THE EXPERIENCE GAP

Students are often lacking real-world work experience:

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• Limited capacity to provide “real-world” applied experience in college

• University curriculum tends to be discipline based rather than competency based

• Technology is changing at such a rapid pace, it is hard for colleges to keep current technology systems in the classroom

THE EDUCATION CHALLENGEEducators struggle to keep pace with changing market demands

and technologies:

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FUSION Definition: “The binding of two or more things, tangible or intangible, into something new that possesses properties of both.”

EDUCATORS + EMPLOYERS

Experienced students, highly employable and

prepared for the demands of the market.

FUSION: A New Approach

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EMPLOYER ENGAGED EDUCATIONEmployers working with educators to create a new generation of

graduates experienced in their field prior to graduation.

• Employers may engage by:– Helping to shape and evolve

curriculum based on business needs

– Leading educational sessions and mentoring students

– Providing feedback to educators as market and technology demands change

– Helping students prepare for the workplace

• Employers will benefit by:– Students graduating with a practical

blend of professional, technical and hands-on experience

– Gaining privileged access to a continuous pipeline of talent

– Talent acquisition process that matches skills with business needs through a unique, IT residency program

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FUSION PROGRAM

Innovative program blending employer and educator perspectives

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• FUSION curriculum is developed in conjunction with employers

• Junior and Senior year of a bachelor’s degree program offered at Metropolitan State University and Minnesota State University-Mankato

• Typical pathway into program is from 2- year institutions with students already competent in entry level technical skills

• IT residency program provides credit for graduation (8 credits of FUSION total)

• Employer partners evaluate and select student residents

FUSION PROGRAM SPECIFICS

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• Self-management; those skills that underlie personal and professional success;

• Working effectively with others, those skills and attributes that enable individuals to work productively and enjoyably with others, including people from dissimilar backgrounds or perspectives;

• Contextual awareness of and responsiveness; understanding the industry, business and customer perspective

• Thinking and process skills, the framework and techniques needed for analysis, decision making and innovation.

FUSION WORKPLACE OUTCOMES

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• Proficiency with current programming languages and platforms (e.g. Java, Java Script, HTML 5, .net)

• The ability to apply software development methodologies and standards to product development

• Design and implement a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

• The capacity to analyze existing systems and add features or enhance solutions within that environment

• Awareness of the need and options to maintain skills through continuous professional development

FUSION TECHNICAL OUTCOMES Example for Computer App Development

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FUSION PROGRAM AMBITIONSMissionProvide a rewarding career opportunity for students and produce the quality I.T. talent needed by Minnesota employers

VisionCreate a community of learners, educators and employers that help fuel innovation and entrepreneurship in Minnesota’s I.T. Community

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EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Pathways to secure the talent you need

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ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIESEmployer engagement is centered around the IT Residency program, but there are

many other opportunities to be involved as well.

Program Development• Program continuous improvement• Scholarship funding• Advocacy initiatives

Employer Led Learning• Guest speaking• Adjunct faculty role• Project sponsorship• Cooperative research• Competitions/Challenges

Career Guidance• Informational interviews• Business showcase visits• Mentoring

Employer Program

Development

EmployerCareer

Guidance

EmployerLed

Learning

ITResidency

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EMPLOYER SUPPORTERSJoin these forward-thinking employers who have helped shape the Fusion program to date:

• Blue Earth Interactive• Digineer• Maverick Software Consulting• Minnesota Headhunter, LLC• MOJO Minnesota• The Nerdery• Project Skyway• Yugma

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NEXT STEPS• Employer I.T. residency students are available – contact us for more

information…• Job description is required along with designated supervisor• Contact the Director of FUSION at Advance IT Minnesota

Contact: Amy LaneDirector of FUSION program, Principal InvestigatorAdvance IT Minnesotaamy.lane@metrostate.edu612-659-7225

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THANK YOU!