This past Spring, nine College of Communication and Information students gained industry insights and career guidance during visits to major tech companies in Florida’s growing tech hub of Tampa. Led by CCI Associate Dean Ebe Randeree, the trip provided students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.

“We take student leaders to connect them to opportunities with other student leaders, companies, and alumni,” said Randeree, who coordinated company visits and alumni gatherings throughout the trip.

Joining the trip were Owen Van Lenten, Tanya Raphael (AITP VP), Khylle Valle (CGS VP), Javin Vance, Bella Bozied (Stars VP), Julie Sveen (Think AI VP), Ashari Penerton (CGS President), Vedant Satwik (AITP President), and Maggie Martin McKinnie (Women Wednesday President).

On this trip, the students toured Reliaquest, Citibank, and A-Lign; all three have strong relationships with the College and have been involved in class visits, employer panels, and have hired various CCI grads over the years. At each location, the students met with recruiters, experienced each company’s culture firsthand, and connected with CCI alumni working at these organizations.

“With these trips, we have the opportunity to explore different tech fields and meet with tech giants to see where we could envision ourselves,” pre-Information Technology (IT) student Tanya Raphael said. “The best part is how close to home it really hit with all the opportunities at each company, allowing us to see spaces we can easily explore and navigate. I really appreciated it.”

For the third year in a row, the group also attended Synapse Summit, a major regional technology conference where they learned about the IT industry in Tampa, engaged with speakers from different sectors, and connected with various companies. The conference showcased innovations from entrepreneurs, startup companies, and local industry leaders.

“Taking our students there allowed them to see what was available in the entire Tampa market, and also got their name and face out there within the tech community,” Randeree explained.

A key component of the trip was connecting students with FSU alumni working in the Tampa technology sector. The group had dinner with several alumni including Rhiannon Jacobsen (General Motors), Carter Rineberg (Citi), Zach Patterson (Citi), Kara Knack (UI/UX designer), and Emily LaFortune (Xaxis).

At Citi, the students met with CCI alumni Zach Patterson, Carter Rineberg, Rachel Hester, Catalina Smith, Andrew Stone, and other employees to learn about the direct intertwining of soft and hard skills in all their different roles at Citi. Students also learned about the importance of being hungry to learn and having a growth-oriented mindset.

At A-Lign, the students met with CCI alumni Luke Weaver, Will Dunham, Joe Sperling, Jarred Crowley, and Derek Labios. After an office tour, the alumni discussed their starting and current roles in the company and the importance of project management assets, the need to lead through public speaking, and confidence in your position.

At ReliaQuest, the students met with alumni Brandon Tirado and other employees in different sectors of the company to discuss company values such as outcome-driven innovation and attitude x effort = energy. Students learned about the importance of continuously learning and holding an open mindset when entering new roles.

“It was exciting to have the opportunity to not just ask different employees about their roles and career journeys, but to get to directly take in each company’s culture,” Strategic Communication Master’s student Bella Bozied explained. “Whether they just graduated college, have moved in different roles, or have been with their company for 30 years, everyone is always willing to pass along advice, and I value the mentorship.”

The trip represents one of the ways FSU’s College of Communication and Information prepares students for successful careers in the technology industry by combining classroom education with real-world professional experiences.

“This was my first networking trip and it showed me what is really possible in this field,” IT student Javin Vance said. “Visiting the companies and hearing directly from FSU alumni who made it gave me a new level of motivation – realizing that I am capable of getting there too. The trip pushed me out of my comfort zone, helped me build real connections, and gave me the confidence to take my goals seriously. I left feeling inspired, driven, and proud to be part of CCI.”