Report on DAAS Recent Activities in Dominica
Overview of Lecture on Information Technology
On Friday April 11th, 2003, the Dominica State College first year students were presented a one-hour discussion on careers in Engineering, led by IT specialist, member of DAAS/USA, and owner of CaribbeanSupplies.Com, Avonelle Christian James. Dr. Alex Burton-James, the representative of DAAS/Dominica, attended the session and made the necessary introductions.
The discussion focused on the following facts:
- Less than 8% of graduating black college students (including West Indian students) focus on careers in engineering (including information technology).
- Less than 1% of black female college students major in the IT field
- The percentages are even smaller for West Indian graduates in engineering
- IT is a growing field, that is continuously expanding in advanced nations, and growing phenomenally in countries like India and China.
- There are many types of engineering disciplines related to Information Technology. Roles of systems, electrical, computer, mechanical, draftsmen, systems analysts, and many other engineering disciplines were discussed, and examples were used to demonstrate real life scenarios.
- Students must stay the course to succeed in the field. Too many students are discouraged by challenge, and end up changing their major due to the challenges in the field. It is crucial to stay the course.
- The engineering field, though dominated by men, should not be a deterrent to young women. More young women who are strong in Math and Science need to consider this field as an viable career choice.
- Engineering salaries tend to be much higher than average professional salaries, making the field a lucrative career choice.
- Information Technology expertise on the island will help lift Dominica out of economic distress, if sustained technology training and retention programs are adopted on the island. Dominica can take advantage of the massive outsourcing of IT projects, being undertaken by large companies currently investing in Asian countries.
Reported by: Liz Adrien, Public Relations Officer &
Chair, News and Information Sub-committee,
Dominica Academy of Arts and Sciences