Computer giant IBM recruits on Southeastern campus
Contact: Rene Abadie
Date: April 10, 2013
IBM RECRUITING – Michelle Szymzak, recruitment leader for IBM, talks to a group of Southeastern
Louisiana University computer science students Wednesday at special recruitment event
held on the campus. IBM is seeking to fill 800 positions over the next four years
to staff its planned $55 million technology center in Baton Rouge.
HAMMOND – IBM made Southeastern Louisiana University its first recruiting stop after announcing
plans to locate a technology center in neighboring Baton Rouge. Computer science students
had the first opportunity to learn about the 800+ jobs the computer giant plans to
hire during a recruitment fair on the Hammond campus on Wednesday (April 10).
IBM Recruitment Leader Michelle Szymzak said the company looks to hire about
800 individuals over the next four years to staff its recently announced $55 million
technology center in Baton Rouge.
"This project has been in the works for a while, and now that it has been announced
we are aggressively hiring," said Szymzak. "Southeastern is our first stop. We're
looking for people at all levels, some fresh out of college and others with experience."
Students milled around Szymzak and her assistant, asking questions about the
center, which will be built in downtown Baton Rouge near the river. IBM will move
into temporary quarters in the city while construction goes on.
Computer Science and Industrial Technology Department Head Sebastian van Delden
organized the mini-career fair after IBM contacted the university's Office of Career
Services.
"Dr. van Delden opened the doors for us in a very short period of time to help
organize this event," she said. "We'll be speaking later to the computer science students
as a group on what our plans are for the area and the job opportunities that are available."
"The students are so excited about this opportunity, because it means hundreds
of technological jobs for the region," van Delden said. "It's a major breakthrough
for the state and has considerable potential."
He said Southeastern currently has about 300 computer science students in various
programs that are all nationally accredited.
"IBM is a great company, and I am definitely going to apply for a position,"
said senior Andrew Williams of Ponchatoula, who will graduate in December. "The computer
science program at Southeastern has been a great experience with the relatively small
class sizes and the relationships we build with our professors and other students.
We gain the experience of working together in teams on projects."
"It's a fantastic opportunity and I am definitely excited," added senior computer
science major Chase Orion Dupré of Hammond. "It's big news for the state and I definitely
plan to apply."