SDSU Student Business Organization Spotlight: Association of Information Technology Professionals
Harris Ness, President of the Association of Information Technology Professionals
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events, and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. During San Diego State University’s Fall 2020 semester, the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) has provided several virtual company tours, professional development workshops, and networking events. Harris Ness (Junior, Management Information Systems), President of AITP, describes how the organization has adapted to the virtual environment, shares why students should join, and how AITP has impacted his leadership experience. Ness also describes his career aspirations while offering advice to current SDSU students.
About the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP):
Goal/Objective of your student organization:
The goal of our organization is to provide students who have an interest in IT with the opportunity to gain quality experience and learn more about the industry through professionally-led events and workshops.
Q:What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
Some of the events we host include company tours, professional development workshops, networking events and speakers from the industry.
Q: What virtual events has your organization organized since the pandemic began?
Our organization has hosted multiple virtual meetings where professionals from ServiceNow and Accenture have spoken about their role within the company and what it's like to work in the industry.
All of the AITP members take a group photo for the spring 2020 semester.
Q: How does AITP connect with the community outside of SDSU?
We connect with our parent chapter, which is based in San Diego. In doing so, we are able to connect SDSU students with IT professionals who are members of the parent chapter. AITP-SD hosts lots of networking events where professionals connect with students and vice versa.
Q: Why should students join your AITP?
We have bi-weekly meetings where students can meet quality guest speakers with industry experience, get their “foot-in-the-door” with industry leaders and befriend like-minded SDSU students. We host professional and social events such as professional conferences and events with our parent chapter-AITP San Diego, company campus tours and bowling/pizza parties. Lastly, students have member benefits that include networking opportunities, resume and career building skills and lifelong, professional friends!
Q: How can a student get involved with AITP?
Go to our webpage https://sdaitp.org/, click membership and submit an application (10 seconds to finish).
Q & A with AITP President, Harris Ness
Name: Harris Ness
Major (and minor): Management Information Systems (Minor in Computer Science)
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I joined AITP because I was looking for other individuals who were in the same major as me and were also looking to further themselves professionally. My experience so far has been nothing short of incredible! I have made so many friends and professional connections that have helped me throughout college and I will be forever grateful for that.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
AITP officers having a laugh during their photoshoot for the chapter’s headshot photos.
Since joining, AITP has given me exposure to so many exciting opportunities that I never knew about. I was able to grow my network and meet professionals from big tech companies like Amazon and Qualcomm and gather valuable insight on what it's like to work in the industry.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell myself to be ready to learn and don’t be afraid to just jump right in.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
The best advice I received so far was to say yes to more opportunities that come your way because you never know which opportunity will open the right doors to success.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
After SDSU, I plan to run a startup company of my own and help improve others lives with technology.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Instagram
Q: Morning or Night? Morning
Q: Shopping - In store or online? In store
Q: Panchos or Trujillos? Panchossss
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? Curb Your Enthusiasm
Q: Hidden Talent? I can solve a rubik's cube.
*All images with groups of people were taken prior to COVID-19.
