This 'BDPA Monthly Newsletter' was issued in December 2002.

1. BDPA MISSION
The
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THOUGHT LEADERS BDPA is a global member
focused organization that
positions its members at
the forefront of the IT indus-
try. BDPA is committed to
Monthly Newsletter
delivering IT excellence to
our members, strategic
partners, and community.
The official newsletter of the BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders
Volume 1 Number 12 DECEMBER 2002
Joseph Smialowski, Vice Chairman PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
FleetBoston Financial
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts 2002 Year In Review
Joseph Smialowski is Vice Chairman, for Every year-end since I have been privileged to
Technology, Corporate Administrative Services serve as a BDPA Leader, I always kick up my feet,
and Bank Operations, of FleetBoston Financial --- sit back, relax and reminisce on the good times
the Platinum Sponsor of the 2003 BDPA Annual gone by. This has been a good year. We built a 1st
Conference. class leadership team to execute on our member
focused strategic initiatives. We developed a solid
In his role since 1998, Joe is responsible for pro-
infrastructure that would support the phenomenal growth that we antic-
viding oversight leadership on information systems matters, bank oper-
ipated for 2002, 2003 and beyond. We created the CIO business area and
ations, real estate management, procurement and other administrative
improved back-office systems like the membership database, e-com-
functions. He advises Fleet's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
merce conference registrations, and National Office support. I am proud
(CEO), and serves as a liaison into the Office of the CEO for Fleet's
to say that we accomplished quite a bit in 2002.
Connecticut-based leaders.
Prior to joining Fleet, Joe was Senior Vice President and Chief We focused on delivering programs and services to our members. This
Information Officer at Sears, Roebuck and Co., where he was responsi- has led to substantial membership growth from 1,800 to 3,500! We con-
ble for information technology worldwide. His tenure at Sears was pre- tinue to focus on membership growth as we reach out to corporations,
ceded by a Partner role with Price Waterhouse in New York where he led educational institutions, local chapters and community organizations to
the management consulting practice for the general merchandise retail recruit new members in support of new and innovative programs and
industry. activities.
In recent years, Joe has been active in several industry groups, including
We chartered almost 10 new chapters this year and firmly established a
the Banking Information Technology Secretariat. While at Sears, he
strategic initiative to fuel chapter growth. We delivered on this initiative
served as the Chairman of the National Retail Federation's Information
by conducting chapter assessments and by providing leadership training
Technology Council. He is nationally recognized as an innovative IT
and coaching. National BDPA also provided financial assistance to help
leader and was named as a "Top 25 People to Watch in IT" by
chapters bring High School Computer Competition teams to the confer-
Computerworld Magazine.
ence.
Joe holds a Master of Science degree from Rochester Institute of
Technology, is a member of its President's Council, and received a We formed strategic alliances with over 25 organizations expanding our
Distinguished Alumni Award in 1997. He has a Bachelor of Arts from reach nationally and globally. We introduced the BDPA Monthly
Merrimack College. Newsletter, the Internet Radio Show and Tech TV, membership and cor-
porate marketing brochures and other ways to get the word out on
Joe's was introduced to BDPA while at Sears. He was impressed by the BDPA. We continued to expand our Community Outreach Programs like
energy and commitment of the Chicago chapter and was motivated to High School Computer Competition, College Student Intern Program,
facilitate Sears' support of the organization. His enthusiasm for BDPA Black Family Technology Awareness Week and Community
has continued and he has now marshaled FleetBoston Financial to sup- Technology Centers.
port the BDPA mission. Joe sums up Fleet's community and employee continued on page 2
commitment, as well as BDPA's contribution to that commitment, this
way "It is essential for Fleet to maximize the potential of our IT staff,
INSIDE
ensuring the delivery of excellence to our customers and our neighbors.
BDPA Annual National Conference. . . . . . . .2
Along with that, it is equally important that we reflect the diversity of
the communities we serve. We are dedicated to partnering with organi-
BITePRO and BDPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
zations like BDPA to support professional development for our technol- Strategies for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
ogy staff and to share technology with communities and students. I am PR-Mayo Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
pleased to have the opportunity to champion the BDPA 2003 Conference Why E-Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
and to serve as an Honorary Chair. Fleet's support of the 2003 National Job Search Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Conference, and local chapters in Rhode Island, Boston, New Jersey and 101 JOB-HUNTING TIPS 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Albany, attests to our mutual commitment to important values," states BDPA Chapter Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Joe. I foresee an exciting alliance between our two organizations." BDPA Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

2. continued from page 1
We continued to partner with the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and intro-
Welcome to the duced more BDPA protégés into the mentorship program. In addition to filling the executive pipeline, BDPA
offered key programs for entrepreneurs to help them every step of the way from creating, financing and man-
BDPA Monthly aging a successful business. And through the BDPA Entrepreneur Showcase, we created a forum where up and
Newsletter coming entrepreneurs could network and learn from African American CEOs with multi-million dollar busi-
nesses.
As a service to our members, the
We had a very successful conference at the Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort that was supported by
BDPA Monthly Newsletter is dis-
over 60 corporations, along with more than 1,000 registrants and career fair attendees. We offered over 35
tributed to provide pertinent
workshops and seminars and gave over 250 High
information on National BDPA 2002 ACCOMPLISHMENTS School Computer Competition and Youth Conference
activities.
1. Built a 1st class leadership team. students a unique behind the scenes look at the tech-
2. Developed a solid infrastructure. nology that runs Walt Disney World. As BDPA attracts
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter
3. Created the CIO business area and and develops a diverse mix of talented individuals, it is
will entail such things as: Career
improved back-office systems. no wonder that corporations continue to attend the
and Professional Development
4. Focused on delivering programs and National Conference career to tap into our high tech
guidelines, “hot” technical skills,
services to our members. talent pool. Corporations like our corporate sponsors
job opportunities, member pro-
5. Chartered 10 new chapters this year. of the year, Allstate Insurance and Walt Disney World,
files, upcoming Professional and
6. Provided financial assistance to help encourage their employees to get involved in BDPA,
Social events, vision and thought
sponsor High School Computer not only because it gives them an opportunity to
leadership articles from the
Competition teams. enhance their skill sets, but also because it gives them
National Executive Committee as
7. Formed strategic alliances with over 25 a way to exercise good corporate citizenship by giving
well as other BDPA members.
organizations. back to the community.
8. Introduced the:
Hopefully, you will find this publi-
-BDPA Monthly Newsletter We had a great year and all of this could not have been
cation to be informative and
-Internet Radio Show done without the help of our dedicated and committed
insightful. We welcome your
-Tech TV volunteer members, our great corporate sponsors and
input on the newsletter.
-Membership & corporate marketing supporters and the tireless efforts of our BDPA leader-
brochures ship. Thanks for a productive year in 2002 as we step
Comments, suggestions, and
9. Expanded our Community Outreach up to meet the challenges we face in 2003 and contin-
opinions can be sent to:
programs. ue to focus on helping African Americans in IT.
editor@BDPA.org.
10. Introduced more BDPA protégés into the
ITSMF mentorship program. Don't forget to mark your calendars for the BDPA 2003
ENJOY! 25th Annual National Conference to be held August
11. Offered key programs for entrepreneurs.
Reginald J. Gardner 13th through August 17th in Philadelphia, PA.
12. Hosted a successful 2002 national
National BDPA Vice conference.
President, Member Services 13. Secured FleetBoston Financial as a Finally, I am pleased to announce that FleetBoston
Platinum Level Conference Partner. Financial has come on board as a Platinum Level
Publication Committee: 14. Secured FleetBoston Vice Chairman, Conference Partner and their Vice Chairman, Joe
Joe Smialowski, as a conference Honorary Smialowski, has joined the BDPA Conference Team as
Reggie Gardner Chair. an Honorary Chair.
(Sears, Roebuck & Co.)
Should you want to find out more about BDPA, we encourage you to visit our website at www.bdpa.org or
Wayne Hicks give us a call at 800-727-BDPA.
(Hicks Enterprises)
Milt Haynes
Anita L.Vega National BDPA President
(OCCI-NY) December 2002
REMINDER
Register and pay for the
BDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conference
by December 31, 2002 to take advantage of the
$200 discount
Discount is based on the price of full registration after 6/30/03.
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter BDPA Internet Radio Show
Mailed and electronically forwarded to over 15,000 of our
$75 per 30-second ad
members, friends and supporters.
$350 per 15-minute sponsorship
1-Page rate: $1500.00
$650 per 30-minute sponsorship
1/2-Page rate: $1000.00
$900 per 60-minute sponsorship
Two page limit on ad space each month. Act right away!
For information, contact BDPA National Office at :(800) 727-BDPA or info@BDPA.org
2

3. Volume 1 Number 12
Leading Canadian and American Black IT Associations Strategies for Success
Find Common Ground BDPA Taking Steps to Close the Digital Divide
"BITePRO and BDPA announce alliance"
Jovan Roberts, president of Detroit's BDPA chapter, walked away from
the national conference in August with a mission. After attending a ple-
[Greenbelt MD & Toronto ON [April 16, 2002] - The Black Information
nary session where she learned of BDPA's involvement with building
Technology eProfessionals (BITePRO), a non-profit, professional organ-
computer labs in underprivileged areas, she knew she wanted to be
ization geared at providing networking opportunities for Blacks working
involved. "The time is right - and its time for us to take things to the next
in the information technology field is pleased to announce it's alliance
level," she said.
with BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders (BDPA,
www.bdpa.org) of the United States.
What sparked Roberts's interest is the Computer Technology Center
(CTC) initiative; a three-pronged approach that places BDPA in a lead
When asked to comment on the alliance, Wayne Hicks, president-elect of
role to help close the digital divide. To implement the CTC strategy,
BDPA commented, "BDPA is excited to be forming this strategic alliance
BDPA fosters relationships with two other organizations - a sponsoring
with the largest organization of Black information and technology pro-
and a recipient organization. The sponsoring organization provides the
fessionals in Canada. Per our mission statement, 'BDPA is a global mem-
hardware and software for the CTC while the recipient organization
ber focused organization
hosts and maintains the computer lab and offers the community access
that positions its members at
to technology. Examples of recipient organizations include schools and
the forefront of the IT indus-
community centers.
try'. Our relationship with
BITePRO is a concrete
Once the sponsoring and recipient organizations are identified, BDPA
example of our intentions to
leads the partnership until a CTC is successfully built and operating. The
truly be 'global' in our think-
idea is to work together to create a progressive path from the "classroom
ing and actions. We look
to boardroom" by linking organizations and support processes over a
forward to meeting
lifetime.
BITePRO members at our
national conference
Roberts learned that BDPA has already been instrumental in building
(http://www.bdpa.org/con-
CTCs in the Chicago and Cleveland areas. The sponsoring organization,
ference.cfm) and during our
Allstate Insurance Company, assisted with building of CTCs at
travels north."
Bontemps Elementary School of Chicago and John F. Kennedy High
School of Cleveland. Both are currently operational and piloting web-
Leesa Barnes, founding
based tutorial software that will help teachers reinforce their lessons
president of BITePRO, is
with live, one-on-one tutoring via the web. Other chapters who are mak-
very enthusiastic about the
ing efforts with the CTC initiative include Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati,
alliance. Barnes said, "This
Dallas, Memphis, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, Rhode Island,
alliance represents a huge
Richmond, Seattle, and Washington D.C.
accomplishment for both
groups as it helps to increase
Returning home to Detroit after the conference, Roberts began research-
the awareness of Blacks in
ing how the Detroit chapter could make the CTC initiative a reality.
the IT field across North
Immediately, Roberts recognized a need existed, so the CTC initiative
America. Not only do Black
seemed like a natural fit. Children could gain assistance with their
IT professionals in both
homework while the community could gain access to technology -
America and Canada benefit
learning about primary PC skills, standard software and the Internet.
from this alliance, so do the
After identifying these needs, Roberts and the Detroit chapter began
Black communities that both
their next steps.
groups are targeting through
outreach programs."
As part of Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's KIDS, COPS, CLEAN
DECEMBER 2002
initiative, the city has already pledged to building eight computer labs
The Black Information Technology eProfessionals (BITePRO,
throughout the city, which are designed to provide after school activities
www.bitepro.com) mission is to advance and promote excellence of
and keep children off the street between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Black professionals within the Information Technology field. BDPA
Roberts also wants to introduce the web-based tutorial software compa-
(www.bdpa.org) national headquarters is located in Greenbelt, Maryland.
ny, LearningIDEAS, to be included as part of the computer labs. Roberts
Earl Pace and the late David Wimberly founded the organization in 1975.
is a supporter of web-based tutorial learning because she feels that it's
BDPA has over 3,000 members in over 40 chapters in the US.
an excellent way to help children with their homework while becoming
proficient with technology. "If kids can't read and write - IT becomes
For more information about BDPA or BITePRO contact:
null and void," she said. "We literally can change lives with this, "
Roberts said speaking of the web-based tutorials. "This can give our
Ed "Dr. Vibe" Gough, Jr.
children what they need to survive," she continued.
Tel: (416) 684-4377 Email: events@bitepro.com
www.bitepro.com
Roberts and the Detroit chapter are currently in the process of drafting a
proposal to begin using web-based tutorial software as a pilot in one of
Donna McKay
the city's eight computer labs. If the pilot is considered, Roberts is hope-
Tel: (800) 727-BDPA
ful that the web-based software will ultimately be used in all eight of the
Email: nbdpa@bdpa.org
www.bdpa.org
continued on page 4
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 3

4. continued from page 3 PRESS RELEASE
city's computer labs. She feels strongly that the tutorials will help to
improve the children's test scores and grades. MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
To date, the city of Detroit has expressed a strong interest. The Detroit Contact Twanda Bradley, PR Department Director
chapter is also in the process of securing corporate sponsorship. (800) 727-BDPA Email: info@bdpa.org http://www.bdpa.org
Contact Jovan Roberts at bdpadetpres@yahoo.com for more information MAYO CLINIC RENEWS SPONSORSHIP WITH BDPA
on the progress of the CTC initiative in Detroit. Mayo Clinic joins growing roster of corporate sponsors for the
high-tech recruitment, and training organization
BDPA (http://www.bdpa.org) announces that Mayo Clinic (www.may-
oclinic.edu) a charitable, not-for-profit organization based in Rochester,
Why E-Learning? Minnesota, is a Gold-Level Corporate Sponsor. Mayo Clinic was also
By Ajia Computer Training a conference partner at the BDPA 2002 24th Annual National
Conference held at Disney's Contemporary® Resort in Lake Buena
Microsoft Press Release Vista, FL earlier this year. This sponsorship is part of outreach efforts
"Within 2-3 years 75% of all computer training worldwide will be con- by BDPA and Mayo Clinic to improve the employment and advance-
ducted through e-Learning. . ." ment opportunities for people of color in the still-growing high-technol-
ogy field.
E-learning (Electronic Learning) refers to the use of Internet technolo-
gies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge and "Mayo Clinic continues to be a great and respected corporate sponsor of
performance. E-learning is networked, which makes it capable of BDPA," says Renee McClure, Immediate Past President of National
instant updating, storage/retrieval, distribution and sharing of instruc- BDPA. Ms. McClure continued, "Mayo's strong support on both the
tion or information. Training is delivered to the end-user via a comput- local and national level is to be commended. This support is helping to
er using standard Internet technology. bridge the digital divide in communities in which the Mayo/BDPA
alliance provides an important and valuable service."
Despite outward appearances, e-learning is often the most cost-effec-
tive way to deliver instruction (training) or information. It cuts travel Mayo Clinic is part of the Mayo Foundation. Its mission is to provide
expenses, reduces the time it takes to train people, and eliminates or the best care to every patient every day through integrated clinical prac-
significantly reduces the need for a classroom/instructor. tice, education and research. Principal entities of Mayo Foundation
include 3 clinics with an over two thousand physician group practice, 4
E-Learning is easy and engaging. Individuals can take courses, and all hospitals, 245-unit retirement community, and a world-class health sys-
they need is a standard browser, like Internet Explorer or Netscape tem - a network of clinics and hospitals in 60 communities in southern
Navigator, and there is no installation or CDs. It's all done over the Minnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Mayo Clinic has
Internet. been a major supporter of programs and services in the Southern
Minnesota chapter since the chapter's charter in the late 1990s. The cor-
IDC source: poration provided support for the 2002 Awards Banquet held in that
"One in Ten homes will acquire an E-Learning package within the next chapter earlier this year. It is worth noting that Southern Minnesota was
2-3 years." 1st runner-up as '2001 BDPA Chapter of the Year'.
Online courses are interactive. A hyper linked index lets you zero in BDPA's activities are both broad and targeted. They provide skill-based
on a specific topic or subject, and get the information you need, when and corporate jobs databases, sponsor educational and executive pro-
you need it. E-Learning can help you master a new topic or help you grams, and provide online resources to members. BDPA also focuses
find the answer to a question when time is of the essence. efforts on training high school and college students and to attract them
into the technology field with such programs as internships, seminars,
Learning is 24/7 and people can access E-Learning anywhere and any computer camps, and high school competitions. Each year, BDPA hon-
time. It's "just in time - any time" approach makes an individual's ors the students, parents and volunteers at an annual conference
learning tools truly global. (http://www.bdpa.org/conference.cfm).
E-Learning will evolve and expand, but it will not go away. Now is the Some other BDPA corporate sponsors include ABN AMARO, Allstate
time to improve on your IT technology skills. Insurance, Compuware, Computer Associates, Hewitt Associates,
Household International, Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, Verizon and
John Chamber, CEO Cisco Systems Wachovia Bank.
"E - Learning will be bigger than e-mail."
Learn more about BDPA and their corporate sponsorship program by
sending e-mail (info@bdpa.org) or visit the website
(http://www.bdpa.org/corpsponsors.cfm). BDPA national headquarters
is located in Greenbelt, Maryland. Earl Pace and the late David
Wimberly founded the organization in 1975. BDPA has over 3,000
members in over 40 chapters throughout the US and Canada. Contact
800-727-BDPA or http://www.bdpa.org for additional information.
4 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

5. Volume 1 Number 12
THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
BDPA congratulates Allstate senior vice
president and CIO Frank W. Pollard on his
retirement from Allstate.
We appreciate the strong partnership Frank
has sponsored between Allstate and BDPA and look for-
ward to our continuing work with him on closing the digital
divide.
Frank - congratulations on an impressive 35 years with
Allstate and best wishes on your future endeavors.
Small, Effective PR
by Wayne Hicks, National BDPA President-Elect
Within BDPA we often complain that we are the 'best-kept secret in America. We have tremendous programs and
services that are offered in all of our communities, yet we don't receive coverage from our local media.
Nationally, we have worked under the leadership of Twanda Bradley (Greater Tampa Bay), who serves as our
Public Relations Department Director, to create press releases that are shared to over 700 subscribers to our
BDPA-Press-Release eGroup and often shared with a majority of the 16,000 subscribers to BDPA-related
eGroups. Recently I heard from a public relations professional who said we had it all wrong. "Don't tell people
to send their release to thousands of media. Tell them to find one media, figure out what the editor needs, then
DECEMBER 2002
get that information to the editor. You'll get a lot more media coverage that way."
No question, he's right. Your chapter won't be able to reach media nationwide that way (unless you spend many
thousands to hire a publicity agency), but your chapter can get covered by a limited number of media.
Take time to study the media in your city...especially the media that is focused on information technology, youth
education or economic development. Read their publications. Watch and listen to their shows. Look for topics
that keep coming up. Try to figure out who their audience is and what kind of information their audience likes.
Now look for ways you can tailor information about your chapter to match what the editor is looking for. Call
the editor or send a personal email. Briefly lay out your story, getting to the meaty, juicy parts first.
Follow up with a press release and company bio. Fax it, mail it, or email it. An excellent article about how to
write a press release may be found at the following website:
www.searchengines.com/marketing_cost_press_release.html
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 5

6. Job Search Advice: Practical Tips for Managing Your Job Search
By: Deena M. Bogan, BDPA Chicago Chapter
Greetings fellow Job Seekers! I have been pounding the pavement Market Yourself
(and my keyboard) for the past 15 months in search of a career oppor- Carry your business cards and/or copies of your resume or profile
tunity. I am primarily a Technical Writer but also have skills and expe- EVERYWHERE you go! You never know who you'll run into that
rience as a Business Analyst, Change Management Coordinator, you didn't anticipate!
Software Trainer, and Help Desk Analyst. During my search for an
opportunity in these areas, I amassed/acquired/developed several Remember that EVERY contact is a potential JOB contact! Example:
strategies for managing the search. With so many of us looking for I had some issues dealing with my local IDES office, that were not
work, I am delighted to share my tips and advice for managing the job getting resolved/addressed. Out of frustration, I found out the name
search project! and address of the Director of the IDES (Gertrude Jordan) and wrote
a letter explaining the issues. In closing, I segued into a summary of
Subscribe to Job Search Email Groups what type of work I was looking for, offered my services, and
For starters, subscribe to "BDPA Jobs" at attached my resume to the letter. I DID get a response in writing from
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BDPA-Jobs/, the "BDPA Chicago Ms. Jordan, my issues were resolved, and I got a job lead out of the
Jobs" groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BDPA-Chicago- deal. I didn't get the job (overqualified) but at least I got some action
Jobs/), or your local chapter's "Jobs" group on Yahoo. You can post and satisfaction - AND resumption of my benefits!
your resume for FREE and you can view (and apply for) the many
position announcements posted there by employers and recruiters! Preserve Your Sanity!
Continue doing the (free/inexpensive) things you enjoyed when you
Join organizations in your field (like BDPA)! There are hundreds! had a job (hobbies, reading, exercising, etc.). Or pursue another activ-
The membership fee can be pricey, so choose wisely. Take advan- ity that you always wanted to do but didn't have time for when you
tage of any FREE info/meetings/newsletters/listservs, message were working. This could be through volunteering or something on
boards, etc. they may have. Give priority to those that offer medical your own. (I found an affinity for "city gardening".) Whatever it is,
benefits at a discounted rate! COBRA doesn't last forever! In some you need to do or find something to connect with your 'normal life',
fields, it lasts only 30 days from your end date! or to at least provide a short distraction from the grueling task of find-
Organize and Manage Your Email ing your next career. After all, when you had a regular job, you were
Create a separate email account for Personal Search allowed to take personal days/time off, right? In those days
Agent (PSA), Job Alert, and other job search-related you were still paid (in dollars) for your time off. In this
Incoming messages. Check every day - including week- new "job", you may only be paid in sanity. But that's worth
ends, several times a day. Keep it clean! If you've delet- something too!
ed messages during a session, remember to empty trash Evaluate Your Salary Requirements versus
before logging out of the account. Immediately unsub- Expectations
scribe from and block non-job search messages. Employers want a lot more (skills, talent, dedication,
Instead of creating folders within your email account to loyalty, hours, experience, certification, and education) for
store messages, create those folders on your hard drive. a LOT less money! Figure out the minimum salary you
This conserves storage space for incoming email mes- need to cover your bills/basic expenses. I'm not advocating
sages. (For a suggested directory and file setup, see the lowering your salary standards up front. But consider this:
full article at "BDPA-Jobs, Files, Job Seeker Advice".) What if you were offered your IDEAL job, but at half (or
less) your current salary? Would you take it? Could you
Do NOT save a copy of the emails that you attach your afford to take it? Just something to consider. And remem-
resume to!!! This quickly uses up your limited storage ber, getting a foot in the door counts for something. The
space by keeping multiple copies of your resume in the 'gravy train' days of being offered a salary for what you
Sent Items folder. (For complete instructions, see the full are REALLY worth appear to be over, at least for the time
article at "BDPA-Jobs, Files, Job Seeker Advice".) being. Desperate times, for both employers and potential employees,
call for desperate measures. But you can't appear to be desperate! Nor
Identify Potential Job Leads can the employer! Play the game; play it to your advantage. You're
For your "target companies", don't forget the ones you already do already unemployed - what do you have to lose?
business with or patronize. Most if not all have IT jobs and a web- Searching for your next career is, in itself, a full-time job that involves a
site to post your resume. lot of overtime! It requires at least as much, if not more, of the energy,
Read the Business section of your favorite newspaper regularly. enthusiasm and commitment you had at your previous job. But you have
Often you'll see articles about how a company is doing, if they're to try everything, and keep trying it. It is definitely an employer's mar-
planning to hire or lay off, expand or downsize, AND sometimes the ket. All we can do is continue the search as proactively and creatively as
article mentions who is in charge of what at the company which we possibly can!
gives you a contact name. In closing, I am happy to say that I was recently offered a full-time posi-
If your former job involved working with external clients/vendors tion and I have accepted it! There is light at the end of this job-search
and you had a good relationship with them, let them know you're tunnel!
looking and keep them in your 'Keep in Touch" network.
Search and you shall find!
(For potential leads, AND more ways to identify potential job leads, DMB
see the full article at "BDPA-Jobs, Files, Job Seeker Advice".)
6 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

7. Volume 1 Number 12
AROUND & ABOUT BDPA
101 JOB-HUNTING TIPS 2002
By: Aundrae M. Romeo BDPA 2003
25th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
1. Contact the hiring manager / decision-maker . "Information Technology: From the Classroom to the
2. Use contacts - networking Boardroom"
3. Find-out / Research who is the decision-maker August 13-17, 2003
4. Sell yourself well
5. Practice the 2-minute sell yourself speech PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT
6. Talk about your background 1201 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107
PHONE: 215-625-2900 FAX: 215-625-6097
7. Learn the business; customers
8. Know / Understand the competition
9. Figure how you could contribute to the company's CAREER FAIR & TECHNOLOGY EXPO
bottom-line. Friday and Saturday, August 15th and 16th
10. Study how to create ROI for the company.
11. Demonstrate that you can work well with others. LEADING EDGE SEMINAR TRACKS:
12. Highlight your communication skills especially with others I. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
13. Speak clearly and precisely II. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
14. Ensure that your resume truthfully matches everything on III. ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESS
the job description IV. CAREER DEVELOPMENT
15. Recast your resume to fit the job description V. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT
16. Tell others about your job-search and your skill-set - you VI. COLLEGE STUDENT TRACK
never know who knows whom
IT SENIOR MANAGEMENT FORUM (ITSMF)
17. Get to know the technology landscape
Network with CIOs and Senior Management Professionals
18. Be flexible with respect to location, travel, pay
19. Keep current with your skills HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER COMPETITION (HSCC)
20. Upgrade skills Experience the excitement as high school students from over 25
21. Leverage relationships urban communities display their skills and expertise in program-
22. Use new skills as opportunities ming and technical presentations.
23. Think about learning another (foreign) language
24. Have resume professionally prepared YOUTH CONFERENCE
25. Look for IT resume writers - may be costly Hands-on training and workshops in technology, PCBuilding
26. Research companies Race and IT Knowledge Quiz Bowl, and IT Showcase
27. Get back to mailing resumes with cover-letters
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
28. Work for free - to pick-up experience
Meet IT Professionals from over 40 BDPA chapters across the
29. Volunteer / assist small-businesses or non-profits
nation.
30. Apply for and work with small or medium-sized business
· CIO ROUNDTABLE
or organizations to bridge the gaps in your resume.
· ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE
31. Rehearse interviews with friends or relatives · COLLEGE &
32. Use criticisms as steps to improvement HBCU ROUNDTABLE
33. Dress professionally - conservative in tough times · TOWN HALL MEETING
· AWARDS BANQUET
To read part-2 and part-3 as well as other related tips & · BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC
articles, visit: http://www.allUSAcareers.com · PRAYER BREAKFAST
MEMBER / NON MEMBER CONFERENCE PRICING
DECEMBER 2002
If you are interested in contributing an article to Register By Member Non-Member
be published in the BDPA Monthly Newsletter, ADULT-FULL
please contact: 12/31/02 $350 $500
06/30/03 $450 $600
editor@bdpa.org after 6/30/03 $550 $700
COLLEGE STUDENT
BDPA CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES 12/31/02 $150 $200
after 01/01/03 $200 $250
DECEMBER 2002
HSCC/YOUTH
11th Annual Anniversary
$150 $150
Northwest Indiana Chapter
13th Annual Anniversary
BDPA Cincinnati Chapter REGISTER NOW! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DISCOUNT RATES!!
14th Annual Anniversary TO CONTACT BDPA:
BDPA Ft. Wayne Chapter PHONE: (800) 727-BDPA, (301) 220-2180 FAX: (301) 220-2185
16th Annual Anniversary WEBSITE: WWW.BDPA.ORG
BDPA Phoenix Chapter 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450 , Greenbelt, MD 20770
The BDPA Monthly Newsletter 7

8. UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER 2002 ISSUE
Information Technology Thought Leaders
DECEMBER 2002 / JANUARY 2003 The BDPA Monthly Newsletter
Every Thursday @ 10:30am ET - BDPA Internet Radio Show
http://www.tbwt.com
The newsletter designed to keep our members informed
DECEMBER of news, events and perspectives important to our
6 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration community.
BDPA Washington DC Chapter
13 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration
BDPA Washington DC Chapter We welcome your comments: editor@BDPA.org
7 5th Annual Scholarship & Awards Luncheon
BDPA Greater Columbia (SC) Chapter Read our Online Journal for breaking news, information
14 Annual Holiday Giving and Social
and updates: www.BDPAjournal.org
BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter
19 Annual Awards Banquet
BDPA Charlotte Chapter
JANUARY
BDPA 2003
8 NEC Conference Call 25th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
“Information Technology:
10-12 1Q03 Conference Leadership Team Mtg
(Philadelphia) From the Classroom to the Boardroom”
August 13-17, 2003
Chapters may send their information on upcoming events to:
info@bdpa.org. Philadelphia Marriott Hotel - Philadelphia, PA
Platinum Level Conference Partner:
FleetBoston Financial
PRE-SORTED
BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders FIRST CLASS
National Headquarters U.S. POSTAGE PAID
6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450 PERMIT NO. 24460
Greenbelt, MD 20770 MERRIFIELD, VA
www.bdpa.org