Gateway Community College will host April 14 the first Computer Science Career Fair in the state from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the community room, N100. The event, which a unique opportunity to connect talent to growing companies, will bring together more than 20 companies, 200 computer developers and other IT professionals. It also will include a panel discussion of computer science career opportunities and the specific skills companies look for in new hires.
 
According to event organizer Mike Roer, there is a shortage of computer programmers and technicians to staff new and growing ventures in the Nutmeg state and it's retarding economic growth. “There just aren’t enough computer science grads to meet the demand,” Roer explained.
 
In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) estimates that the number of computer jobs is outpacing qualified graduates 3 to 1, and that the shortages are expected to continue for at least the next five years. This shortage is good news for students pursuing a computer science career, however: Computer science majors have one of the highest job-offer rates. Graduates with the right CS skills can start at up to $20 an hour and command six figures with a few years experience.

The day’s agenda is:
1:00 pm --  H1B VISA REGULATIONS Demystified (for employers)
2:00 pm --  CEO/CIO PANEL (for students and programmers)
2:45 pm --  ELEVATOR PITCHES BY HIRING COMPANIES
3:00 pm --  CAREER FAIR: COMPANY EXHIBITS OPEN
5:30 pm --  ADJOURN
 
Gateway offers the Connecticut Computer Science Career Fair as a public service which is free to exhibiting companies and attendees. Participating companies will receive a six-foot exhibit table, easel-back sign identifying the company, and a listing in a printed directory. In addition, 20 companies will be given an opportunity to pitch their available positions to the assembled IT professionals.
 
Skill-sets of job seekers include web design, mobile apps, software development, networking and social media integration. Individual attendees may indicate their contact information, availability, and computer skills when they register. This information will be forwarded to the hiring companies.
 
Interested companies, students, and freelance developers will find a detailed agenda, directions, and registration links at www.CTtalent.org. For more information email Mike Roer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (203) 540 5903.