B.I.T.S. News for Students

Official Newsletter for Students of Purdue University Global’s

School of Business and Information Technology

July 2023 Issue

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The Diversity & Belonging Action Committee (DBAC) in the School of Business and Information Technology was formed early this year. The committee consists of 19 members including faculty, staff, and students. The four student DBAC members are also members of the SBIT Student Advisory Board and include Stefani Moore, Shanell Johnson, Bambi Cranford, and Cathy Rollins.

MISSION (DBAC)

The mission of the Diversity & Belonging Action Committee (DBAC) in the School of Business and Information Technology is to ensure that all forms of diversity are valued and respected to foster and encourage a community of inclusion and belonging that supports opportunities for increased faculty, staff, and student engagement.

We look forward to keeping you up to date with our DEI initiatives.

Dr. Bea Bourne

bbourne@purdueglobal.edu

Professor and Senior Lead for DEI in the School of Business and IT

Cultural Intelligence Center (www.culturalq.com): The Cultural Intelligence Center offers a variety of resources on cultural intelligence, including assessments, training programs, and research-based insights. They provide the Cultural Intelligence Quotient (CQ) assessment, which measures an individual's level of cultural intelligence across four dimensions: Drive, Knowledge, Strategy, and Action.

CulturalCo (https://culturalco.com/services/cultural-intelligence-cq-assessments/): This website provides an online Cultural Intelligence Assessment that individuals can take to assess their cultural intelligence level. The assessment measures various aspects of cultural intelligence and provides a detailed report with personalized feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Hofstede Insights (www.hofstede-insights.com): Hofstede Insights is a renowned resource for cultural intelligence and intercultural management. While they don't offer a specific Cultural Intelligence Quotient analysis, their website provides valuable cultural insights, country comparison tools, and resources to enhance cultural intelligence.

Global Dexterity (Book: https://www.amazon.com/Global-Dexterity-Behavior-Cultures-Yourself/dp/1422187276): Global Dexterity, authored by Andy Molinsky, offers practical tools and strategies for developing cultural intelligence. The book provides insights into adapting behavior across different cultures and includes case studies and exercises to enhance cultural competence.

Cultural Intelligence: People Skills for Global Business (Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Intelligence-People-Skills-Business/dp/1576752569/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EHYZVI68P0X2&keywords=Cultural+Intelligence%3A+People+Skills+for+Global+Business&qid=1687540835&s=books&sprefix=cultural+intelligence+people+skills+for+global+business+%2Cstripbooks%2C145&sr=1-1): Written by David C. Thomas and Kerr C. Inkson, this book explores the concept of cultural intelligence and provides practical advice and strategies for working effectively in multicultural environments. It covers topics such as cultural adaptation, communication styles, and building cultural intelligence.

Cultural Intelligence: A Guide to Working with People from Other Cultures (Book: https://www.amazon.com/Cultural-Intelligence-Working-People-Cultures-ebook/dp/B07FWM7291/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IMBA185JYFM8&keywords=Cultural+Intelligence%3A+A+Guide+to+Working+with+People+from+Other+Cultures&qid=1687540868&s=books&sprefix=cultural+intelligence+a+guide+to+working+with+people+from+other+cultures+%2Cstripbooks%2C96&sr=1-1): Authored by Brooks Peterson, this book offers a comprehensive guide to understanding and improving cultural intelligence. It provides insights into cultural values, communication styles, and strategies for developing cultural competence in personal and professional settings.

Harvard Business Review - Cultural Intelligence (https://hbr.org/2004/10/cultural-intelligence): The resource from Harvard Business Review (HBR) titled "Cultural Intelligence" is an article published in October 2004. It explores the concept of cultural intelligence (CQ) and its significance in today's global business environment. The article discusses the importance of understanding cultural differences, adapting to different cultural contexts, and effectively navigating cross-cultural interactions. It provides insights into developing cultural intelligence and offers practical strategies for improving intercultural effectiveness. The article is authored by P. Christopher Earley and Elaine Mosakowski and can provide valuable insights into the topic of cultural intelligence.

Country Navigator (https://www.countrynavigator.com/cultural-intelligence-quiz/): The resource from Country Navigator is a Cultural Intelligence Quiz available on their website. This quiz is designed to assess an individual's cultural intelligence (CQ) level. By answering a series of questions related to cultural awareness, sensitivity, adaptability, and communication, individuals can gain insights into their CQ strengths and areas for improvement. The quiz provides a personalized analysis and feedback, allowing individuals to understand their cultural intelligence level and potentially identify areas they can focus on to enhance their intercultural competence. It can be useful for individuals seeking to develop their cultural intelligence and improve their effectiveness in cross-cultural interactions.

Article: Using a Cultural Intelligence Assessment to Teach Global Leadership (https://journalofleadershiped.org/jole_articles/using-a-cultural-intelligence-assessment-to-teach-global-leadership/): The resource from the Journal of Leadership Education discusses the use of a Cultural Intelligence Assessment as a tool for teaching global leadership. The article highlights the importance of cultural intelligence (CQ) in developing effective global leaders who can navigate diverse cultural contexts. It explores the application of a specific cultural intelligence assessment in an educational setting to enhance students' understanding and development of their cultural intelligence. The assessment aims to measure students' knowledge, motivation, and behavior related to cultural intelligence, providing valuable insights for educators and students alike. The article discusses the benefits of incorporating this assessment into leadership education programs, emphasizing its role in fostering intercultural competence and preparing future leaders for global challenges.

We are Purdue!

At Purdue University in West Lafayette:

Ninety-six percent of Purdue's students are undergraduates between the ages of 17-25, and approximately 41.9% identify as female.

At Purdue University Global

A little over 60% of students identify as female, and 73% of students are between 20 and 39 years of age.

Purdue University Global

School of Business & Information Technology

Student Spotlight:

Brenda Newman

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration ‘21

Current Role: Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

While working full-time, Brenda decided she wanted to return to school to achieve her long term goal of becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA). Brenda knew that she would need something flexible so that she could continue working while getting her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Although she researched several online universities, she decided on Purdue Global after speaking with the admissions department. Brenda needed a bachelor’s degree to reach her career goal, and she was happy to find that Purdue Global offered valuable tools to help her reach it. One of those tools was a Portfolio class that allowed her to use work experience for class credit. Brenda said, “Having the ability to use my work experience for class credit was instrumental in obtaining my degree in a timely and efficient manner”. After graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program in 2021, she was able to apply for an Administrator in Training program which allowed her to sit for the nursing home licensure boards. In January 2022, she passed her boards and achieved her dream of becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

For Brenda, Purdue Global provided her with valuable classes and an excellent experience with faculty and staff. Brenda said that her Student Advisor Thuy Domingues had a huge impact on her success at Purdue Global, “Thuy was kind, patient and kept in touch with me during my first couple classes, this was a definite positive for me.” She went on to say, “I would encourage this for all future students, because it is something that I felt kept me going in the process of enrollment and staying enrolled”. The support from the entire Purdue Global community is why Brenda recommends Purdue Global to others. She admits it will not be an easy road and shared that there will be difficulties along the journey. “However, if you commit yourself and lean on all the help Purdue Global offers, your goals can be achieved.”

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Submit to the Spotlight

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SBIT Concentration of the Month:

Project Management Certificate Program

The field of project management has gained significant momentum in recent years, as organizations across various industries have recognized the value and necessity of effective project planning, organizing, and executing. Consequently, the pursuit of studying project management has emerged as a viable and advantageous academic endeavor.

Reports indicate this is a rapidly growing field as well.

The 2017 Project Management Institute (PMI) projections reveal a substantial growth trajectory for the project management labor force within seven project-oriented sectors. It is anticipated that this labor force will expand by approximately 33 percent, resulting in the creation of nearly 22 million new employment opportunities by the year 2027. These projections underscore the increasing recognition and demand for skilled project management professionals across a diverse range of industries.

According to the 2021 Talent Gap report, a significant disparity exists between the demand and supply of project professionals on a global scale. The report highlights that the global economy necessitates the addition of approximately 25 million new project professionals by the year 2030. To adequately address this talent gap, it is estimated that an annual influx of 2.3 million individuals into project management-oriented employment (PMOE) is required to meet the growing demand. This figure encompasses not only project managers but also all individuals who contribute to driving change and initiating transformative endeavors. The findings underscore the pressing need to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of fulfilling the intricate demands and complexities associated with contemporary project management practices.

As a result, in order to meet the needs of both business employers and our students, Purdue Global (PG) partnered with Google to create a project management certificate program which consists of four separate courses. These include:

MT245 – Project Fundamentals and Project Initiation

MT246 – Project Planning and Project Execution

MT247 – Agile and Scrum Methodologies

BU311-314 – Project Management in Action

The course number along with the number of credit hours associated with the fourth course, BU311-314 – Project Management in Action, is dependent upon the size of the project being undertaken. It is only one course. For instance, BU311 is only one credit hour. BU312 is for two credit hours, etc.

Students who successfully complete the Purdue Global project management certificate requirements will earn a project management certificate. But, guess what! It doesn’t stop there. Students who complete all of the graded/required items in the certificate program (Qwiklabs) with an 80% or better will also earn a Google Career Certificate. And there’s more. Successful completion also leads to a Credly badge which carries an ACE credit recommendation automatically being issued as well. This ACE credit recommendation represents college-level equivalencies based on an appraisal of workforce training, military experience, and other avenues of learning outside the typical college classroom, such as national exams and certifications. Indeed, PG is strategically positioned to afford students with aspirations in project management a promising pathway towards accomplishment.

From a student perspective, there are a multitude of reasons to explore the project management certificate program. They too recognize the impact such a program can have on their lives. They absolutely want to be able to find a job after completing their education. Who doesn’t? It isn’t just about finding a job, but they also want to be able to make a good wage. They want to be able to support their families above and beyond what an unskilled worker is able to do. But, it goes beyond the typical reasons for anyone to pursue a college education. The possibilities for applying all they are learning in the project management arena seem limitless. It even applies to one’s personal life. Let’s face it. Isn’t life like one big project? It is a temporary endeavor. There is a defined beginning, and there is a defined end. What we do in the middle is up to us. Frequently, this is comprised of a number of potential projects. Whether we are arranging a graduation party, planning a wedding, or constructing a backyard shed, they are all projects. What a better way to apply all that we know so that we can truly reach a successful outcome! The field of project management continues to grow, and our students want to grow with us.

The enthusiasm can be contagious. Might you join us on this journey? The project management certificate program will provide you with the skills you need to begin a career in one of today’s most in-demand professions.

Note: Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

SBIT - Tech News!

Looking for a new career path in Pentesting? Take the new course, IN207 Penetration Testing Fundamentals in the coming terms to get started!

A penetration tester, commonly known as a pentester, is a cybersecurity professional who specializes in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. Their main objective is to simulate real-world attacks and help organizations identify and address security weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them. Most pentesters start by acquiring a strong foundation in computer science, information technology, or a related field. They often pursue degrees such as computer science, information security, or cybersecurity. This educational background provides them with the necessary knowledge of networking, operating systems, programming languages, and security concepts.

Entry-Level Positions include roles such as security analyst, network administrator, or system administrator. These positions allow them to gain hands-on experience with security technologies, tools, and practices. It is helpful to earn related industry-recognized certifications to enhance their skills and credibility.

The new IN207 Penetration Testing Fundamentals aligns with the The CompTIA PenTest+ certification, which is a vendor-neutral certification that focuses on penetration testing and vulnerability management. It validates the skills and knowledge required to plan, conduct, and manage penetration tests on various network environments. The course description is below.

IN207: Penetration Testing Fundamentals

This course covers standard methodologies in penetration testing techniques to plan, scope, develop, and execute a penetration testing plan given several scenarios. Topics covered include ethics, customer documents, laws and compliance, planning and scoping, tools for hands-on penetration techniques, remediation techniques, reporting, communications, and post-penetration testing activities. This course is designed to give you the fundamental knowledge necessary to continue your study for the CompTIA PenTest+ certification exam. While the course may provide you with the knowledge necessary to sit for the examination, the University cannot guarantee your eligibility either to take this exam or become certified.

If you are interested in the course, please check with your advisor about the upcoming terms it will be available to you.

___________________________________________

Ready to put your Cyber skills to the test? Sign up for IN209: Cyber Practice I course!

Participating in cyber competitions can offer significant value to IT and cyber students in many ways. Cyber competitions provide students with practical, hands-on experience in a controlled and competitive environment. They have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios, solve complex challenges, and gain practical insights into cybersecurity tools, techniques, and methodologies. Skills in technical areas such as network security, system administration, cryptography, forensics, and more, as well as enhancing problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management skills are all part of the experience.

The competitions are also an opportunity for networking and collaboration with like-minded individuals, including peers, mentors, and industry professionals. Networking with experts in the field can lead to valuable relationships, mentorship opportunities, internships, and potential job prospects. Excelling in cyber competitions can enhance students' credibility and recognition within the cybersecurity community. Achievements and awards earned through competitions can be highlighted on resumes, portfolios, or LinkedIn profiles, attracting the attention of potential employers and demonstrating their dedication and expertise.

The National Cyber League (NCL) Competition is a great first time cybersecurity competition. It is a biannual virtual competition that simulates real-world cybersecurity scenarios, allowing participants to demonstrate their technical skills in areas such as password cracking, network scanning, log analysis, web application security, and more. Our new course described below aligns with this competition and allows students to be granted an annual Cyber Skyline Professional license to participate in the NCL competitions and access the “gym” practice area all year. This license is provided to all students who enroll in the course. This link describes the value of the competition and annual license (retail cost $150).

https://cyberskyline.com/events/ncl

IN209: Cyber Practice I

This course will help prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals with outside class exposure to online content and quizzes via individual and team competitions. Materials in this course will include cyber research documents, labs, and tests that reflect content from certifications such as CompTIA's Security+ and EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacking. Topics from these two certifications have been used in National Cyber League (NCL) where students can compete individually as well as within team settings while at the same time preparing for valid and high-paying certifications. These topics include cryptography, open-source intelligence, scanning, forensics, web application exploitation, log analysis, password cracking, network traffic analysis, and enumeration and exploitation.

If you are interested in the course, please check with your advisor about the upcoming terms it will be available to you.

____________________________________________________

New Cybersecurity Non-Credit Courses - Sign up and earn your badge!

The Purdue Global School of Business & Information Technology recently launched two non-credit courses. These free courses are available through the Purdue Global Alternative Credit Center (ACC). If you have not registered for courses on the ACC before, you must create an account to register for a course.

Cybersecurity Awareness Micro-credential You will be introduced to computing, networking, and internet concepts; discuss cybersecurity concepts and threats; and identify protection best practices. Understanding these concepts will help you to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and your organization(s).

Personal Cybersecurity Best Practices Micro-credential You will be introduced to defensive strategies for cybersecurity threats like viruses, ransomware, social engineering attacks, and identify theft. Applying these best practices will help you to protect yourself, your family, your friends, and your organization(s). This course is intended for learners that have taken the cybersecurity awareness micro-credential or have foundational cybersecurity knowledge.

Two additional non-credit courses are expected to launch in July 2023:

● Securing Your Home Network Micro-credential

● A Career in Cybersecurity Micro-credential.

*Some of this information was prepared using ChatGPT and has been edited for publication here.

Join DATA

PG Success Coaching

Coaching for Student Success

Success coaching is a strengths-based approach for supporting students. In this model, success coaches form relationships with students, and guide them through their educational journey. Success coaches help students set and achieve academic goals, identify and overcome barriers, and ultimately support the day-to-day challenges associated with being a student.

How To Paraphrase

When

Tue, July 25, 9pm – 10pm

Where

https://purdueglobal.zoom.us/j/97917602874 (Copy and paste link in browser, or click on active link in description below.) (map)

Description

Come learn this key research writing skill. Paraphrasing is a way to use source material in your writing by expressing the meaning in your own words and maintaining your unique voice. Please click here to enter the webinar room. The Academic Success Center presents this webinar.

Technical Tools For Writing: Turnitin, ChatGPT, and Grammarly

When

Tue, July 18, 8pm – 9pm

Where

https://purdueglobal.zoom.us/j/99620770526 (Copy and paste link in browser, or click on active link in description below.) (map)

Description

Attend this webinar for a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of Grammarly, TurnItIn, and ChatGPT as writing aids. Please click here to enter the webinar room. The Academic Success Center presents this webinar.

Fall 2023 Graduation

Link to: Graduation Center

October 21, 2023

West Lafayette, IN

Registration opens August 1.

Venue: Elliott Hall of Music at Purdue University

Eligible graduates must have completed online registration by August 18, 2023, to participate.

See Notes and Conditions section below for important information.

Graduation Week

Oct. 16: Virtual Photo Booth
Oct. 17: Last Lecture & Virtual Toast
Oct. 18: Virtual Bingo
Oct. 19: Shout Out Board
Oct. 20: Onsite Events:
- Black & Gold Celebration
  (5:00–6:30 pm ET)
- Military Appreciation Dinner
  (7:00–8:30 pm ET)
Oct. 20: Special Message
(check your inbox)

View the Winter Graduation!

Link to Student Life

Clubs

Student clubs are open for undergraduate or graduate students of Purdue University Global.

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups are open for all undergraduate and graduate students of Purdue University Global who are interested in supporting specific identity groups.

Associations

Associations are open for undergraduate or graduate students of Purdue University Global who align with the specific requirements.

Honor Societies

Student Organization this July:

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

SHRM Events:

Speaker Event July 25, 2023

Do you know?

Differences between National SHRM membership and PG SHRM Membership!

Click Links to see more!

No new trips planned at this time

Click above for more information.

Boilermaker Sports

See what's happening with the Purdue Boilermakers

Hints for using the PG Library!
Librarians are here to help!

Contact us by email, chat, or make a video appointment. Librarians can help you research your topic, find the best resources, locate a specific citation, and reduce your search time. One of the staff has an M.B.A., so we know what you’re going through with your research. Click the “Ask Us” tab on most pages of our website and guides, or navigate to the Ask a Librarian page of our website.

Podcasts From Professionals

WISDOM & EXPERIENCE SPEAKS…

Partnering to build a world where all students can learn from everyone around them.

The goal of PGIPods is not only to entertain and inform but also to provide a training ground for students in business and information technology. Each term, students work as interns, honing their skills by becoming on-air personalities, advertising salespeople, technicians, and program or website developers.

Listen to educational, business, technology, and entrepreneurial podcasts by students, teachers, and professionals.

PGIPods is student and alumni-run and features podcasts as well as programming by students, staff, and faculty on a variety of topics, including books, current affairs, self-help, travel, business, University events, and messages from station personalities and listeners.

https://www.pgipods.com/

The Gauge

Purdue Global Literary Journal

MISSION:

To create a literary journal that encourages and celebrates creativity in the diverse Purdue University Global Community; each publication will showcase written and visual narratives. Publication selections are based on the quality and insight of the narrative, rather than on genre or style requirements.

PG Students and Digital Badges.mp4

Digital Badging!

Digital badges are visual representations of an accomplishment or credential you have earned that has been issued and endorsed by an organization in a digital, shareable format. As a student at Purdue Global, you may earn a digital badge for several accomplishments, including making the Dean's or Chancellor's List or earning a micro-credential. Micro-credentials are smaller groupings of courses that can “stack” into or fulfill the requirements of other degree programs (such as a bachelor's degree). With these accomplishments represented by a digital badge, they can be easily shared with and verified by others. PG issues digital badges through Credly, our digital badge platform. To learn more, visit this page. If you have questions about digital badges, you can send an email to digitalcred@purdueglobal.edu.

Your Career and PG Career Services

Career Network

Employer Target!

IT Internships Available!

Did you know that if you are a student in any IT-related program that you have an option to do an internship as you near the end of your program? If you just started or are moving quickly towards graduation, you will have an option to take an internship course vs. a capstone course to finalize your degree program. Before making a decision, we encourage you to check out the external internship options that are ever-increasingly available, often with remote work. However, we also provide an internal option for all students and it is all remote, just like your academic program.

The Purdue Global Internship Program (PGIP) gives students hands-on, work-based tasks and projects to further develop their education in their degree program. Students work in teams along with faculty and alumni mentors. PGIP seeks to be a quality-based service organization providing exceptional results to nonprofit organizations, as well as internal services to Purdue University Global. The virtual company has a robust infrastructure for student interns to manage and explore. PGIP has both Azure and AWS servers, and access to a wide variety of vendor tools and labs such as Try Hack Me, Cloud Academy, Pluralsight, ACI Learning, etc. platforms. Depending on the student’s individual skills and goals, tools and resources are made available for anyone who is seeking to add a new certification, acquire new skills, or take on a leadership role; all of which enhance their career readiness. If you are interested in learning more about PGIP please visit their website: https://www.pgip-tech.com/

If you are interested in signing up for an internship in an upcoming term, please complete this form and your advisor will be notified to schedule you accordingly: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSflpjLreBCM6gl6xGbtR9OrYPEiti7rrIZIuM-tnOKjSO_xEQ/viewform

SAS - Student Accessibility Services

Who are they? SAS was once known as The Center for Disability Services (CDS). The department name was recently changed to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) to create a more inclusive environment that provides accessibility to all. Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at Purdue Global is the primary office responsible for the coordination of services for students with disabilities. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Purdue Global will provide reasonable accommodations for students who have met the eligibility and verification requirements of SAS.

What do they do? SAS works directly with the student to provide accommodations that aid the student in being successful in their classes. SAS works as a liaison between the student and their instructors and notifies instructors of the student's approved accommodations each term. Students with temporary medical conditions can also request accommodations on a temporary basis.

How do you request an accommodation? Students with disabilities are responsible for requesting an accommodation. If you are a potential Purdue Global student, or already enrolled at Purdue Global, and are seeking accommodation(s) due to a diagnosed disability, you may request to be referred to Student Accessibility Services (SAS) through your university representative and/or contact SAS directly by telephone, or email. Actively enrolled students may also submit a self-referral to SAS through their student portal. SAS will then send an email to the student with information about requesting accommodations and will provide the required accommodation request forms attached to the email.