Humana IT4U Empowers Waggener Students with Real-World Tech Experience
On September 20, four ambitious seniors from Waggener High School stepped into the world of professional IT at Humana's state-of-the-art IT4U help desk. This immersive experience is part of Humana's ongoing commitment to the Academies of Louisville, providing students with invaluable real-world exposure to potential career paths.
A Partnership Built on Success
The collaboration between Humana and Waggener High School has been a resounding success, particularly for students in the IT and Law Academy's Web Development/Administration pathway. Spearheading this initiative is Justin Morris, Senior IT Project Manager, who works in tandem with Waggener's Academy Coach, Chesney Kirchner. Together, they orchestrate student shadow days at Humana's downtown office, offering this opportunity to an impressive 40-50 students annually.
Tech, Perks, and More: Nurturing Tomorrow's Talent
The morning kicked off at the IT4U Help Desk, where Desktop Support Technician Talon Richardson set the stage for an eye-opening tour. Students were introduced to:
The Hub: Humana's innovative flexible meeting spaces
Cutting-edge technology connecting Humana's global workforce
Employee perks that make Humana an employer of choice:
Free coffee machine;
On-site fitness center with meditation rooms and group fitness classes,
Arcade for unwinding;
Outdoor balcony for fresh air breaks; and a
Theater that sometimes showcases new movie releases
Throughout the tour, Richardson highlighted additional benefits that make Humana an attractive workplace, including tuition reimbursement, on-site cafeteria access, and numerous employee resources.
Hands-On IT: Students Rise to Real-World Challenges
The highlight of the day came when students returned to the IT4U Help Desk for a hands-on challenge. Richardson presented them with a malfunctioning laptop and a simple directive: "Fix it."
The issues they faced included a broken screen, missing keys, non-functional camera, and power issues (only worked when plugged in).
Undaunted, the students sprang into action. Armed with Richardson's tools, they delved into the laptop's inner workings. Richardson stood by, offering guidance when asked but primarily observing as the students tackled this real-world IT scenario.
By the end of the session, the students had successfully:
Replaced the keyboard
Installed a new screen
Swapped out the battery
Solved the "broken" camera issue by simply sliding open the built-in privacy cover
This practical challenge provided students with a unique opportunity to problem-solve and ask pertinent questions, helping to guide their post-high school career decisions.
Cultivating Future IT Professionals
Experiences like these are crucial in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By exposing students to the day-to-day realities of IT work, Humana is not just showcasing potential career paths—it's actively nurturing the next generation of IT professionals.
As the partnership between Humana and Waggener High School continues to flourish, more students will benefit from these invaluable experiences, paving the way for a bright future in the ever-evolving world of information technology.
