Computer Science Students Attract Attention from Silicon Valley
January 11, 2006 for immediate release
A leading Silicon Valley computing company is visiting Prince George
later this week to strengthen ties with UNBC and its Computer Science
program.
Opsware Inc was created in 1999 by Netscape founder Marc Andreessen and has harnessed the growth of the Internet through its Information Technology automation and utility software applications. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Opsware also has operations in Washington and North Carolina. Six of the company’s 325 employees are graduates of UNBC’s Computer Science program.
“Our graduates have been described by Opsware executives as exceptional performers at the company,” says UNBC Computer Science professor Jernej Polajnar (pronounced YER-nay po-LY-nar). “California has top universities and can attract talent from around the world. Praise from senior executives at a company such as Opsware is among the best references that a young computing professional can hope for, and it speaks volumes about the quality of our top Computer Science graduates.”
Based on its experience with UNBC to date, two officials from Opsware – Vice-President and General Manager (Customer Support) Scott Kupor and Human Resources Director Shannon Rucobo – are visiting UNBC this week. As part of the visit, Mr. Kupor will speak on "Major Technology Trends in the Computing Industry and Implications for Hiring." His presentation is open to the public and will begin at 1pm on Friday, January 13, in Room 7-238 (near the Bookstore).
In a 2004 survey of alumni from BC universities, UNBC Computer Science grads demonstrate high rates of satisfaction and employment compared to other Computer Science graduates in the province:
Opsware Inc was created in 1999 by Netscape founder Marc Andreessen and has harnessed the growth of the Internet through its Information Technology automation and utility software applications. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Opsware also has operations in Washington and North Carolina. Six of the company’s 325 employees are graduates of UNBC’s Computer Science program.
“Our graduates have been described by Opsware executives as exceptional performers at the company,” says UNBC Computer Science professor Jernej Polajnar (pronounced YER-nay po-LY-nar). “California has top universities and can attract talent from around the world. Praise from senior executives at a company such as Opsware is among the best references that a young computing professional can hope for, and it speaks volumes about the quality of our top Computer Science graduates.”
Based on its experience with UNBC to date, two officials from Opsware – Vice-President and General Manager (Customer Support) Scott Kupor and Human Resources Director Shannon Rucobo – are visiting UNBC this week. As part of the visit, Mr. Kupor will speak on "Major Technology Trends in the Computing Industry and Implications for Hiring." His presentation is open to the public and will begin at 1pm on Friday, January 13, in Room 7-238 (near the Bookstore).
In a 2004 survey of alumni from BC universities, UNBC Computer Science grads demonstrate high rates of satisfaction and employment compared to other Computer Science graduates in the province:
|
Category |
BC Average | UNBC |
| Would Take the Same Program Again | 85% | 100% |
|
Employment Rate | 91% | 93% |
|
Average Annual Income |
$49,810 | $57,083 |
Contact:
Jernej Polajnar, Computer Science program - 250.960.6624
Rob van Adrichem, Directoor of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622
