By Krysten Brenlla
Harrison Perez loves three things – solving problems, sports, and his hometown. Growing up in Miami, he’s seen Florida International University’s transformational growth – including being ranked No. 29 in the nation by The Wall Street Journal and now offering 190 degree programs spread across four locations and FIU Online.
That’s why the Cuban-American decided that FIU’s computer science program, housed in the Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, was the best career choice for him. It’s how he learned how to create his very own sports betting algorithm, after all.
Now, a junior at FIU double majoring in computer science and economics, Perez is gearing up to tackle his first internship as a Software Engineer at World Kinect Corporation (formerly known as World Fuel Services) – and it’s all thanks to the opportunities available for students at FIU, such as the Tech Talent Academy (TTA), and the connections made possible by the Miami Tech Talent Coalition, a collaboration of employers, academia and community organizations on a mission to fuel Miami’s tech talent pipeline by creating new pathways into tech for students and residents.
“FIU’s TTA, which was actually launched this semester, consisted of meetups every Friday for three hours. During that time, we’d have a career advisor give us tips on the interview process, how to connect with recruiters, network, and how to present ourselves in the best way,” Perez said. “I was able to land my internship by using the skills and tips that I learned at the TTA at a career fair hosted by FIU.”
In addition to networking skills and career workshops, the TTA also showed students different open-source software, like Git. The programs prepared the students to stand out competitively among peers and employers, not only in Miami’s thriving tech scene, but also nationwide.
“FIU’s Tech Talent Academy focuses on developing technical and collaboration skills by creating open-source software. Experience with open-source software is highly valuable to employers, as much of the Internet’s infrastructure relies on it,” said Steven Luis, executive director for technology at FIU’s College of Engineering & Computing. “Our partnership with Miami Tech Works will allow us to reach hundreds of students, providing them with training and/or career preparation services. As co-lead of the TTA, I work alongside Ruth Pacheco, who heads FIU’s Career and Talent Development office.”
Headquartered in Doral, World Kinect is a global energy management company offering fulfillment services (and other related services) to more than 150,000 customers across the aviation, marine, and land-based transportation industries. Perez has already started his internship with the company this summer, and he’s mostly excited about applying what he’s learned in the classroom to real-world projects.
“I will be joining the applications development team, creating different applications for their clients in the logistics and fuel sectors,” Perez said. “After having a great connection with [World Kinect’s] recruiter at the career fair, he reached out soon after to interview, and the process went smoothly. I’m very excited to share this journey with my fellow interns.”
For other students looking to land their first internships or jobs, Perez says that having confidence is key.
“When you go up to somebody, or when somebody meets you for the first time, they know nothing about you; they just know what you present. Know your resume very well. Confidence and communication are the biggest things,” Perez said.
“Don’t give up on yourself, and if you have a passion, there’s no reason to stop,” he continued. :Connect with fellow students, work on passion projects on the side, and get involved outside of the classroom – it’s about you, as a person, that matters.”
Looking ahead, Perez is mostly excited for the potential career opportunities offered by World Kinect. He plans to further enhance his resume in software development and computer science, with hopes of landing a local job in Miami.
He’s optimistic about the growth our Miami Tech community is seeing, and hopes that he can continue to be a part of Miami as he finishes up his college career.
“Miami is family,” Perez said. “This where I grew up, and where I have my friends and community. It’s something that I value, and I can’t wait to see where life takes me.”
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For employers: How to get involved in the Miami Tech Talent Coalition
Your involvement can make a significant difference in shaping the future of Miami’s tech industry, creating a vibrant and sustainable tech talent ecosystem. Together, participants can continue to build Miami as an innovative hub and a desirable destination for businesses and tech talent.
- Join the Coalition here. Employers can also specify a work group they are interested in.
- Attend a meeting: The next in-person Miami Tech Coalition meeting is scheduled for June 13. Find out more and register here.
- Stay connected with the coalition’s progress and updates by signing up for their newsletter here, reviewing the website here, and following Miami Tech Works on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Refresh Miami is a proud partner of Miami Tech Works.
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