Daviess County CEO Welcomes IT Professionals Chad Smith and Cody Cummings
On May 2, the Daviess County CEO program was honored to host Chad Smith and Cody Cummings as guest speakers. Both professionals brought a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience from the world of Information Technology, sharing insights into their career journeys and the growing opportunities in the tech industry.
Chad Smith, a graduate of ITT Tech, and Cody Cummings, who earned his degree from Indiana State University (ISU), have each been immersed in IT since graduating from college. Their visit gave students a valuable glimpse into the variety of careers available in the tech world and what it takes to succeed in them.
The presentation highlighted several key topics, including:
Security is the #1 priority in IT: Both speakers stressed how critical cybersecurity has become in every aspect of business, from protecting client data to preventing breaches.
Be careful with spam: Businesses are frequent targets of spam and phishing attacks. Chad and Cody discussed common threats and the importance of employee awareness and digital hygiene.
Abundant career opportunities: IT is a constantly evolving field, offering a wide range of careers. In particular, cybersecurity was emphasized as a high-demand area with global opportunities.
The importance of work-life balance: Both professionals noted how important it is to "leave work at work" and maintain a healthy separation between personal and professional life to avoid burnout.
Valuable certifications and soft skills: They encouraged students to pursue certifications and to build strong problem-solving and communication skills.
Students appreciated hearing firsthand from local professionals who have built successful careers in tech. Smith and Cummings offered encouragement, practical advice, and a clear message: the world of IT is full of possibilities for those willing to learn and stay adaptable.
The Daviess County CEO program extends sincere thanks to Chad Smith and Cody Cummings for their time, expertise, and inspiring words.
