LinkedIn Workshop panelists (L to R) Brian Darby, Juanita Darby, Wendy McClellan, Joaquin Perez.
GCC students participating in the LinkedIn Workshop.
Glendale, AZ – September 27, 2024 – Glendale Community College (GCC) hosted an impactful LinkedIn workshop on September 27, 2024, sponsored by the Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), a global professional organization for data center leaders. The event, organized and led by Andrea Schauer and Rachelle Hall, provided GCC students with invaluable networking and career development opportunities through direct engagement with industry professionals.
The workshop featured a dynamic panel of four distinguished industry leaders, who participated in a facilitated discussion followed by an interactive Q&A session with students. Panelists included:
- Bryan Darby, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, QST Data Centers
- Wendy McClellan, Career Coach and Owner, Structure 4 Success
- Juanita Darby, Soft Skills Master and Workforce Development Educator, South Mountain Community College
- Joaquin Perez, Director of Network Service Operations, Lumen Technologies
These experts shared insights into career development, networking strategies, and how to leverage LinkedIn effectively to stand out in competitive job markets. Students gained firsthand advice on building a professional digital presence and preparing for future career opportunities in data centers and related industries.
In addition to the engaging panel discussion, GCC's Digital Arts Department offered students the opportunity to have professional LinkedIn headshots taken, enhancing their online profiles and increasing their professional visibility.
A total of 38 students attended the event, demonstrating significant interest in both the data center industry and the importance of professional networking. The event also provided students with a unique chance to connect directly with experienced leaders, ask critical career questions, and learn more about the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in the modern workforce.
The success of this event highlights GCC’s commitment to providing students with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market. The iMasons' support of this workshop underscores the value of partnerships between educational institutions and industry organizations in developing the next generation of data center professionals.
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Schauer
Program Director – Cisco
Technology and Consumer Sciences
andrea.schauer@gccaz.edu
Rachelle Hall
Program Director – Cybersecurity
Department Chair – Business, IT & Cyber
rachelle.hall@gccaz.edu
About iMasons
iMasons is a professional organization that connects and empowers leaders in the digital infrastructure industry, including those in data centers, cloud, and the edge, fostering collaboration and innovation to build a sustainable digital future.