By: Shelby Hobbs
Friday October 9, 2015

Paul Anderson is a creative, eager student who enjoys spreading his love for technology with others. With these characteristics, the Florida IT Career Alliance is lucky to have him as one of our star Student Ambassadors! Paul is a senior planning to graduate from Florida A&M University in December 2015. In the classroom, Paul is focused on his studies so he can reach his goal of becoming an IT Health Consultant. He is majoring in Computer Information Technology and concentrating in Healthcare Informatics and Information Assurance and Security. He is also minoring in graphic productions. When Paul is not helping mentor other students or volunteering on campus, you may find him dancing with Kollage Dance Troupe and Orchesis Contemporary Dance Company. He is a dancer and choreographer in the Tallahassee community. In the fall of 2014, Paul became an FITC Student Ambassador so he can help educate younger students about the great opportunities studying IT has provided him.

As a Student Ambassador, Paul has gained a plethora of related experience to the field in which he hopes to build a career. He raved about the skills he has acquired and the professional opportunities that have been provided while being a Student Ambassador. With FITC, he has been a presenter, teacher, designer, and team member on numerous projects. Paul especially noted the importance of being able to function as a valuable team member because, as he said, “working in a group is critical in the IT field.” When reflecting on his most rewarding experience as a Student Ambassador, Paul described when he comforted younger students about their concerns of attending college. During this event he was presenting on how Google Suite can help students become more efficient. He explained how his favorite part of the presentation was sharing his journey as a college student. “I was happy to have the opportunity to let them ask questions or express concerns about attending college,” he stated.

When it comes to future plans, Paul is not at a loss. He is motivated and determined to reach his goal of becoming an IT Health Consultant. After graduation, he is preparing a move to Denver, Colorado to start his career in the health informatics field. He also aspires to continue is education by getting a Master’s in Health Informatics with a concentration in Project Management. He also wants to help other students interested in IT when he’s in his career. Paul explained how he wants to “give them opportunities that I wish I had as a student.” He plans to do this by possibly starting an IT Health Internship program for IT students interested in going into healthcare. Needless to say, Paul is motivated and has the skills necessary to achieve his goals. As for anyone interested in the technology field, Paul advises, “don’t be scared; technology is awesome!” To learn more about Paul, connect with him on LinkedIn

FITC Student Ambassadors make up a team of dedicated and knowledgeable students both at FSU and FAMU. These students travel across the Florida Panhandle to promote information technology, computer science, and computer engineering to high schools. Ambassadors are responsible for activities such as running coding camps, assisting in technology clubs, or hosting college tours. For more information on FITC Ambassadors, visit the Ambassador page.

The Florida IT Career Alliance is an initiative funded by the Florida Board of Governors which aims to recruit, retain, and employ Florida's next generation technology workforce. FITC promotes information technology, computer science, and computer engineering to local high schools and college students across Florida. Connect with FITC on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.