U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy attended the Vermont 3.0 Tech Jam recently to commend Champlain College students for a project designed to help reduce violence against women around the world.
In the packed presentation room at Main Street Landing earlier this month, Sen. Leahy congratulated Champlain students and faculty from the Emergent Media Center for their completion of the online soccer game Breakaway. The game is part of an international project funded by the United Nations Population Fund and in partnership with the Population Media Center of Shelburne, Vt.
"The Breakaway project is a shining example of what an education should be today," said Sen. Leahy. "As a student you have become an engaged global peer, you have studied innovative concepts, and tackled the root of a generationally embedded social issue. All of you who have taken part in this venture - you should walk away confident in your abilities as a well-trained professional and leader in your field." Watch Sen. Leahy's presentation on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV4-QeWle8I.
The free game was unveiled during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and distributed locally in Africa during the month-long competition to young soccer players attending camps. Audience members at the Tech Jam were given CD demos of the soccer game, which is now available on P.C. To try the game and learn more online, http://www.breakawaygame.com/
The presentation was part of the two-day tech job fair sponsored by Dealer.Com, Seven Days newspaper and Champlain College on Oct. 15-16. More than 1,200 people from Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Montreal, Quebec attended. Many of them displayed green stickers on their name tags to indicate they were looking for jobs. Businesses that were hiring also used green stickers to spark attendee's interest and to get people talking.
The Breakaway game is a perfect example of how college students can better prepare themselves for their professional careers, many people said. The three-floor event gave attendees a clear idea that today's employer is looking for, someone with real life experience.
Grace Spain, a Champlain College senior who interns at the Community and Economic Development Office (CEDO) stood at her booth and talked with people from a variety of professions. "Since internships are a big part of Champlain College this job fair is a great way to network," said Spain, "being here is a step in the right direction, it's really fantastic."
In today's competitive job market businesses are looking for applicants that can set themselves apart from others. "I look for people who understand social responsibility and have a passion for what they are doing," explained Tara Pfeiffer-Norrell, intern program manager for Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR). "Independent learners with entrepreneurial mindsets are most important in this day and age," she added.
The Tech Jam atmosphere reinforced the importance of networking. Owen Milne, the development manager at VBSR felt that it was essential get out there and make connections. As Milne noted, "it is 90 percent who you know and 10 percent what you know."
Recent Champlain College graduate Corey Grenier '10 networked and did many recent graduates could not - she got a job in her field right after graduation. Grenier works for Brandthropology, a marketing firm based in Burlington. Brandthroplogy takes on a lot of interns, but Grenier stuck out of the crowd. Her communication, social networking and account management skills made her the best candidate for the job.
"I think many people trust Champlain students because we have a lot of hands-on experience," said Grenier, "Teachers like Prof. Elaine Young reach out into the community to understand what students need to be learning to be prepared."
Dealer.Com's Vermont 3.0 Tech Jam demonstrated not only that Vermont is fully immersed in the tech world, but that Champlain College and its students are one step ahead. They recognize that employers seek self directed and motivated candidates that can adapt to the ever changing technology field. For more information at the event, visit http://www.vermont3.com/

ABOUT CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE
Since 1878, Champlain College has provided career-focused education to students from its hilltop campus in Burlington, VT. Champlain's distinctive educational approach embodies the notion that true learning only occurs when information and experience come together to create knowledge. Champlain offers study abroad programs in Montreal, Quebec and Dublin, Ireland. The College was named a "Top-Up-and-Coming School" by U.S. News & World Report's America's Best Colleges. It is also ranked in the top tier of Regional Collleges in the North. By U.S. News & World Report. Champlain is ranked third nationwide among colleges and universities offering online programs. To learn more about Champlain College, www.champlain.edu