The College of Applied Science and Technology (CAST) is taking a deep dive into its registered student organizations (RSOs) through the CAST-in-Action series. It’s an opportunity to peer into the extracurricular activities that are shaping the campus life of students through the narrative of student leaders.
This episode features a conversation with Information Technology Students of America (ITSA) Club President Neer Jain.
What is the role of ITSA at Illinois State University?
ITSA is an RSO in the School of Information Technology (IT) that aims to connect students with professionals in the field of IT, helping them build valuable networks that lead to internships and job opportunities. We also focus on spreading knowledge about concepts not typically covered in school, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI).
Can you share your personal journey to becoming ITSA’s president?
I was born in the United States but moved to India at age 6, and in the following years, I faced academic struggles and family medical challenges. My life changed when my father asked if I wanted to study in the U.S. for my undergraduate degree. I seized the opportunity, joined ITSA, and eventually became its president.
It’s amazing to see how I have grown personally and how ITSA has also grown. For instance, we expanded from a small group of seven members to 30-40 active members. This is largely due to our success at the spring festival and collaborative efforts with other RSOs such as Women in Technology, which has boosted our recognition and membership.
Recently, I was invited to attend the inaugural National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot Annual Meeting.
What are some of ITSA’s key highlights in the past academic year?
We hosted four AI-focused events this past academic year, including workshops and a movie screening. We also organized a social event to help students de-stress before exams.
Our social events include games, food, and networking opportunities to help students make new friends. These gatherings are great because they help foster a sense of community and collaboration among our members.
What are some of the benefits of being a member of ITSA?
ITSA has also helped students secure professional opportunities. Many of our members have gained internships and projects through their involvement with ITSA. Personally, I secured a State Farm internship, and our vice president became an IBM ambassador.
The more engaged students are with ITSA, the more opportunities they receive.
What are some of the biggest challenges in running an RSO like ITSA?
Managing the increased workload and sudden membership surge has been challenging. To deal with these, we are implementing shadow roles for leadership positions, such as shadow president and vice president, to ensure continuity and to also distribute responsibilities more effectively.
How often does ITSA meet?
We meet every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Internship Prep event hosted by ITSA
The Reinforcement learning event hosted by ITSA
The Neural Network for Beginners hosted by ITSA
What can students look forward to in the next portion of the academic year?
Students can look forward to participating in a data camp learning community, practicing resume building, and joining a close-knit community.
Additionally, under the leadership of our faculty advisor, Dr. Elahe Javadi, ITSA members will get to participate in a number of AI-related events and workshops where they can learn about AI concepts they wouldn’t typically learn about in their classes.
We highly encourage students to get involved in ITSA activities, which allows them to showcase projects on their resumes and improve their chances of securing internships.
Any final thoughts?
I cannot overemphasize the importance of prioritizing my mental and physical health, especially for student leaders. If you are interested in taking up any leadership position or excelling in your endeavors as a student, I believe that maintaining your well-being is crucial for success.
Interested in becoming a member of the Information Technology Student Association (ITSA)? Learn more about ITSA.