Approximately 50 members of the Mackay IT Network were among the first in Australia to preview some of Microsoft’s upcoming products and learn more about CQU’s brand new Information Technology Co-op Degree.

The group of local Information and Communication Technology professionals heard from Microsoft’s Charles “Chuck” Sterling, one of the software giant’s product evangelists, and Ashley Holmes, Sub-dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Communication at CQU Mackay, last Friday.

Ashley spoke with Network members about the features and benefits of the CQU Bachelor of Information Technology (Co-op) Degree, which places final-year students in IT-related jobs for a period of 6-months to learn from working professionals and gain practical work experience.

The CQU Information Technology Co-op, professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, is part of a suite of degrees available at CQU designed to respond to the changing needs of business. The IT Co-op also provides Co-op partners access to highly-skilled, motivated local students who are eager to work with existing staff, providing IT solutions and technical support.

.

“I was happy with the interest shown by the MITN members in our new degree program,” said Ashley. CQU is seeking partnerships with business that want to employ a CQU It student.

Sterling, a self-confessed geek, has over 13 years experience with Microsoft and was a product manager in their USA headquarters before moving to Australia two years ago.

The Mackay IT Network meet regularly to share ideas and talk about the latest technology. To find out more about CQU’s Information Technology Co-op please contact Troy Dobinson on 4930 9459.

Photo above: Ashley Holmes, Sub-Dean with the Faculty of Informatics & Communication at CQU, spoke briefly at the MITN dinner about the new Information Technology Co-op degrees available at CQU.

Photo left: Microsoft's Charles 'Chuck' Sterling was an entertaining speaker and spoke about the software giant's plans for the future.