The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

The official newsletter of the BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders

Volume 1 Number 12 DECEMBER 2002

BDPA MISSIONBDPA is a global memberfocused organization thatpositions its members atthe forefront of the IT indus-try. BDPA is committed todelivering IT excellence toour members, strategicpartners, and community.

TheMonthly Newsletter

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THOUGHT LEADERS

Joseph Smialowski, Vice ChairmanFleetBoston Financial

Headquarters: Boston, MassachusettsJoseph Smialowski is Vice Chairman, forTechnology, Corporate Administrative Servicesand Bank Operations, of FleetBoston Financial ---the Platinum Sponsor of the 2003 BDPA AnnualConference.

In his role since 1998, Joe is responsible for pro-viding oversight leadership on information systems matters, bank oper-ations, real estate management, procurement and other administrativefunctions. He advises Fleet's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer(CEO), and serves as a liaison into the Office of the CEO for Fleet'sConnecticut-based leaders.

Prior to joining Fleet, Joe was Senior Vice President and ChiefInformation Officer at Sears, Roebuck and Co., where he was responsi-ble for information technology worldwide. His tenure at Sears was pre-ceded by a Partner role with Price Waterhouse in New York where he ledthe management consulting practice for the general merchandise retailindustry.

In recent years, Joe has been active in several industry groups, includingthe Banking Information Technology Secretariat. While at Sears, heserved as the Chairman of the National Retail Federation's InformationTechnology Council. He is nationally recognized as an innovative ITleader and was named as a "Top 25 People to Watch in IT" byComputerworld Magazine.

Joe holds a Master of Science degree from Rochester Institute ofTechnology, is a member of its President's Council, and received aDistinguished Alumni Award in 1997. He has a Bachelor of Arts fromMerrimack College.

Joe's was introduced to BDPA while at Sears. He was impressed by theenergy and commitment of the Chicago chapter and was motivated tofacilitate Sears' support of the organization. His enthusiasm for BDPAhas continued and he has now marshaled FleetBoston Financial to sup-port the BDPA mission. Joe sums up Fleet's community and employeecommitment, as well as BDPA's contribution to that commitment, thisway "It is essential for Fleet to maximize the potential of our IT staff,ensuring the delivery of excellence to our customers and our neighbors.Along with that, it is equally important that we reflect the diversity ofthe communities we serve. We are dedicated to partnering with organi-zations like BDPA to support professional development for our technol-ogy staff and to share technology with communities and students. I ampleased to have the opportunity to champion the BDPA 2003 Conferenceand to serve as an Honorary Chair. Fleet's support of the 2003 NationalConference, and local chapters in Rhode Island, Boston, New Jersey andAlbany, attests to our mutual commitment to important values," statesJoe. I foresee an exciting alliance between our two organizations."

2002 Year In ReviewEvery year-end since I have been privileged toserve as a BDPA Leader, I always kick up my feet,sit back, relax and reminisce on the good timesgone by. This has been a good year. We built a 1stclass leadership team to execute on our memberfocused strategic initiatives. We developed a solid

infrastructure that would support the phenomenal growth that we antic-ipated for 2002, 2003 and beyond. We created the CIO business area andimproved back-office systems like the membership database, e-com-merce conference registrations, and National Office support. I am proudto say that we accomplished quite a bit in 2002.

We focused on delivering programs and services to our members. Thishas led to substantial membership growth from 1,800 to 3,500! We con-tinue to focus on membership growth as we reach out to corporations,educational institutions, local chapters and community organizations torecruit new members in support of new and innovative programs andactivities.

We chartered almost 10 new chapters this year and firmly established astrategic initiative to fuel chapter growth. We delivered on this initiativeby conducting chapter assessments and by providing leadership trainingand coaching. National BDPA also provided financial assistance to helpchapters bring High School Computer Competition teams to the confer-ence.

We formed strategic alliances with over 25 organizations expanding ourreach nationally and globally. We introduced the BDPA MonthlyNewsletter, the Internet Radio Show and Tech TV, membership and cor-porate marketing brochures and other ways to get the word out onBDPA. We continued to expand our Community Outreach Programs likeHigh School Computer Competition, College Student Intern Program,Black Family Technology Awareness Week and CommunityTechnology Centers.

BDPA Annual National Conference. . . . . . . .2BITePRO and BDPA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Strategies for Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3PR-Mayo Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Why E-Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Job Search Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6101 JOB-HUNTING TIPS 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . .7BDPA Chapter Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . .7BDPA Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

INSIDE

2

Welcome to the BDPBDPAA Monthly

Newsletter

As a service to our members, theBDPA Monthly Newsletter is dis-tributed to provide pertinentinformation on National BDPAactivities.

The BDPA Monthly Newsletterwill entail such things as: Careerand Professional Developmentguidelines, “hot” technical skills,job opportunities, member pro-files, upcoming Professional andSocial events, vision and thoughtleadership articles from theNational Executive Committee aswell as other BDPA members.

Hopefully, you will find this publi-cation to be informative andinsightful. We welcome yourinput on the newsletter.

Comments, suggestions, andopinions can be sent to: editor@BDPA.org.

ENJOY!Reginald J. GardnerNational BDPA VicePresident, Member Services

Publication Committee:

Reggie Gardner (Sears, Roebuck & Co.)

Wayne Hicks (Hicks Enterprises)

Anita L.Vega (OCCI-NY)

The BDPA Monthly NewsletterMailed and electronically forwarded to over 15,000 of ourmembers, friends and supporters.

1-Page rate: $1500.00 1/2-Page rate: $1000.00

Two page limit on ad space each month. Act right away!

BDPA Internet Radio Show

$75 per 30-second ad$350 per 15-minute sponsorship$650 per 30-minute sponsorship$900 per 60-minute sponsorship

For information, contact BDPA National Office at :(800) 727-BDPA or info@BDPA.org

We continued to partner with the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and intro-duced more BDPA protégés into the mentorship program. In addition to filling the executive pipeline, BDPAoffered key programs for entrepreneurs to help them every step of the way from creating, financing and man-aging a successful business. And through the BDPA Entrepreneur Showcase, we created a forum where up andcoming entrepreneurs could network and learn from African American CEOs with multi-million dollar busi-nesses.

We had a very successful conference at the Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort that was supported byover 60 corporations, along with more than 1,000 registrants and career fair attendees. We offered over 35

workshops and seminars and gave over 250 HighSchool Computer Competition and Youth Conferencestudents a unique behind the scenes look at the tech-nology that runs Walt Disney World. As BDPA attractsand develops a diverse mix of talented individuals, it isno wonder that corporations continue to attend theNational Conference career to tap into our high techtalent pool. Corporations like our corporate sponsorsof the year, Allstate Insurance and Walt Disney World,encourage their employees to get involved in BDPA,not only because it gives them an opportunity toenhance their skill sets, but also because it gives thema way to exercise good corporate citizenship by givingback to the community.

We had a great year and all of this could not have beendone without the help of our dedicated and committedvolunteer members, our great corporate sponsors andsupporters and the tireless efforts of our BDPA leader-ship. Thanks for a productive year in 2002 as we stepup to meet the challenges we face in 2003 and contin-ue to focus on helping African Americans in IT.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the BDPA 200325th Annual National Conference to be held August13th through August 17th in Philadelphia, PA.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that FleetBostonFinancial has come on board as a Platinum LevelConference Partner and their Vice Chairman, JoeSmialowski, has joined the BDPA Conference Team asan Honorary Chair.

Should you want to find out more about BDPA, we encourage you to visit our website at www.bdpa.org orgive us a call at 800-727-BDPA.

Milt HaynesNational BDPA PresidentDecember 2002

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REMINDERRegister and pay for the

BDPA 2003 25th Annual National Conferenceby December 31, 2002 to take advantage of the

$200 discount Discount is based on the price of full registration after 6/30/03.

2002 ACCOMPLISHMENTS1. Built a 1st class leadership team.2. Developed a solid infrastructure.3. Created the CIO business area and

improved back-office systems. 4. Focused on delivering programs and

services to our members. 5. Chartered 10 new chapters this year. 6. Provided financial assistance to help

sponsor High School Computer Competition teams.

7. Formed strategic alliances with over 25 organizations.

8. Introduced the:-BDPA Monthly Newsletter-Internet Radio Show -Tech TV-Membership & corporate marketing brochures

9. Expanded our Community Outreachprograms.

10. Introduced more BDPA protégés into the ITSMF mentorship program.

11. Offered key programs for entrepreneurs.12. Hosted a successful 2002 national

conference. 13. Secured FleetBoston Financial as a

Platinum Level Conference Partner. 14. Secured FleetBoston Vice Chairman,

Joe Smialowski, as a conference Honorary Chair.

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Leading Canadian and American Black IT AssociationsFind Common Ground

"BITePRO and BDPA announce alliance"

[Greenbelt MD & Toronto ON [April 16, 2002] - The Black InformationTechnology eProfessionals (BITePRO), a non-profit, professional organ-ization geared at providing networking opportunities for Blacks workingin the information technology field is pleased to announce it's alliancewith BDPA Information Technology Thought Leaders (BDPA,www.bdpa.org) of the United States.

When asked to comment on the alliance, Wayne Hicks, president-elect ofBDPA commented, "BDPA is excited to be forming this strategic alliancewith the largest organization of Black information and technology pro-fessionals in Canada. Per our mission statement, 'BDPA is a global mem-

ber focused organizationthat positions its members atthe forefront of the IT indus-try'. Our relationship withBITePRO is a concreteexample of our intentions totruly be 'global' in our think-ing and actions. We lookforward to meetingBITePRO members at ournational conference(http://www.bdpa.org/con-ference.cfm) and during ourtravels north."

Leesa Barnes, foundingpresident of BITePRO, isvery enthusiastic about thealliance. Barnes said, "Thisalliance represents a hugeaccomplishment for bothgroups as it helps to increasethe awareness of Blacks inthe IT field across NorthAmerica. Not only do BlackIT professionals in bothAmerica and Canada benefitfrom this alliance, so do theBlack communities that bothgroups are targeting through

outreach programs."

The Black Information Technology eProfessionals (BITePRO,www.bitepro.com) mission is to advance and promote excellence ofBlack professionals within the Information Technology field. BDPA(www.bdpa.org) 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 in the US.

For more information about BDPA or BITePRO contact:

Ed "Dr. Vibe" Gough, Jr. Tel: (416) 684-4377 Email: events@bitepro.comwww.bitepro.com

Donna McKayTel: (800) 727-BDPAEmail: nbdpa@bdpa.orgwww.bdpa.org

Strategies for SuccessBDPA Taking Steps to Close the Digital Divide

Jovan Roberts, president of Detroit's BDPA chapter, walked away fromthe national conference in August with a mission. After attending a ple-nary session where she learned of BDPA's involvement with buildingcomputer labs in underprivileged areas, she knew she wanted to beinvolved. "The time is right - and its time for us to take things to the nextlevel," she said.

What sparked Roberts's interest is the Computer Technology Center(CTC) initiative; a three-pronged approach that places BDPA in a leadrole to help close the digital divide. To implement the CTC strategy,BDPA fosters relationships with two other organizations - a sponsoringand a recipient organization. The sponsoring organization provides thehardware and software for the CTC while the recipient organizationhosts and maintains the computer lab and offers the community accessto technology. Examples of recipient organizations include schools andcommunity centers.

Once the sponsoring and recipient organizations are identified, BDPAleads the partnership until a CTC is successfully built and operating. Theidea is to work together to create a progressive path from the "classroomto boardroom" by linking organizations and support processes over alifetime.

Roberts learned that BDPA has already been instrumental in buildingCTCs in the Chicago and Cleveland areas. The sponsoring organization,Allstate Insurance Company, assisted with building of CTCs atBontemps Elementary School of Chicago and John F. Kennedy HighSchool of Cleveland. Both are currently operational and piloting web-based tutorial software that will help teachers reinforce their lessonswith live, one-on-one tutoring via the web. Other chapters who are mak-ing efforts with the CTC initiative include Boston, Charlotte, Cincinnati,Dallas, Memphis, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia, Rhode Island,Richmond, Seattle, and Washington D.C.

Returning home to Detroit after the conference, Roberts began research-ing how the Detroit chapter could make the CTC initiative a reality.Immediately, Roberts recognized a need existed, so the CTC initiativeseemed like a natural fit. Children could gain assistance with theirhomework while the community could gain access to technology -learning about primary PC skills, standard software and the Internet.After identifying these needs, Roberts and the Detroit chapter begantheir next steps.

As part of Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's KIDS, COPS, CLEANinitiative, the city has already pledged to building eight computer labsthroughout the city, which are designed to provide after school activitiesand keep children off the street between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.Roberts also wants to introduce the web-based tutorial software compa-ny, LearningIDEAS, to be included as part of the computer labs. Robertsis a supporter of web-based tutorial learning because she feels that it'san excellent way to help children with their homework while becomingproficient with technology. "If kids can't read and write - IT becomesnull and void," she said. "We literally can change lives with this, "Roberts said speaking of the web-based tutorials. "This can give ourchildren what they need to survive," she continued.

Roberts and the Detroit chapter are currently in the process of drafting aproposal to begin using web-based tutorial software as a pilot in one ofthe city's eight computer labs. If the pilot is considered, Roberts is hope-ful that the web-based software will ultimately be used in all eight of the

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city's computer labs. She feels strongly that the tutorials will help toimprove the children's test scores and grades.

To date, the city of Detroit has expressed a strong interest. The Detroitchapter is also in the process of securing corporate sponsorship.

Contact Jovan Roberts at bdpadetpres@yahoo.com for more informationon the progress of the CTC initiative in Detroit.

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Why E-Learning?By Ajia Computer Training

Microsoft Press Release "Within 2-3 years 75% of all computer training worldwide will be con-ducted through e-Learning. . ."

E-learning (Electronic Learning) refers to the use of Internet technolo-gies to deliver a broad array of solutions that enhance knowledge andperformance. E-learning is networked, which makes it capable ofinstant updating, storage/retrieval, distribution and sharing of instruc-tion or information. Training is delivered to the end-user via a comput-er using standard Internet technology.

Despite outward appearances, e-learning is often the most cost-effec-tive way to deliver instruction (training) or information. It cuts travelexpenses, reduces the time it takes to train people, and eliminates orsignificantly reduces the need for a classroom/instructor.

E-Learning is easy and engaging. Individuals can take courses, and allthey need is a standard browser, like Internet Explorer or NetscapeNavigator, and there is no installation or CDs. It's all done over theInternet.

IDC source: "One in Ten homes will acquire an E-Learning package within the next2-3 years."

Online courses are interactive. A hyper linked index lets you zero inon a specific topic or subject, and get the information you need, whenyou need it. E-Learning can help you master a new topic or help youfind the answer to a question when time is of the essence.

Learning is 24/7 and people can access E-Learning anywhere and anytime. It's "just in time - any time" approach makes an individual'slearning tools truly global.

E-Learning will evolve and expand, but it will not go away. Now is thetime to improve on your IT technology skills.

John Chamber, CEO Cisco Systems"E - Learning will be bigger than e-mail."

MEDIA ADVISORYFOR FURTHER INFORMATION:Contact Twanda Bradley, PR Department Director (800) 727-BDPA Email: info@bdpa.org http://www.bdpa.org

MAYO CLINIC RENEWS SPONSORSHIP WITH BDPAMayo 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,Minnesota, is a Gold-Level Corporate Sponsor. Mayo Clinic was alsoa conference partner at the BDPA 2002 24th Annual NationalConference held at Disney's Contemporary® Resort in Lake BuenaVista, FL earlier this year. This sponsorship is part of outreach effortsby BDPA and Mayo Clinic to improve the employment and advance-ment opportunities for people of color in the still-growing high-technol-ogy field.

"Mayo Clinic continues to be a great and respected corporate sponsor ofBDPA," says Renee McClure, Immediate Past President of NationalBDPA. Ms. McClure continued, "Mayo's strong support on both thelocal and national level is to be commended. This support is helping tobridge the digital divide in communities in which the Mayo/BDPAalliance provides an important and valuable service."

Mayo Clinic is part of the Mayo Foundation. Its mission is to providethe best care to every patient every day through integrated clinical prac-tice, education and research. Principal entities of Mayo Foundationinclude 3 clinics with an over two thousand physician group practice, 4hospitals, 245-unit retirement community, and a world-class health sys-tem - a network of clinics and hospitals in 60 communities in southernMinnesota, northern Iowa, and western Wisconsin. Mayo Clinic hasbeen a major supporter of programs and services in the SouthernMinnesota chapter since the chapter's charter in the late 1990s. The cor-poration provided support for the 2002 Awards Banquet held in thatchapter earlier this year. It is worth noting that Southern Minnesota was1st runner-up as '2001 BDPA Chapter of the Year'.

BDPA's activities are both broad and targeted. They provide skill-basedand corporate jobs databases, sponsor educational and executive pro-grams, and provide online resources to members. BDPA also focusesefforts on training high school and college students and to attract theminto the technology field with such programs as internships, seminars,computer camps, and high school competitions. Each year, BDPA hon-ors the students, parents and volunteers at an annual conference(http://www.bdpa.org/conference.cfm).

Some other BDPA corporate sponsors include ABN AMARO, AllstateInsurance, Compuware, Computer Associates, Hewitt Associates,Household International, Kraft Foods, Procter & Gamble, Verizon andWachovia Bank.

Learn more about BDPA and their corporate sponsorship program bysending e-mail (info@bdpa.org) or visit the website(http://www.bdpa.org/corpsponsors.cfm). BDPA national headquartersis located in Greenbelt, Maryland. Earl Pace and the late DavidWimberly founded the organization in 1975. BDPA has over 3,000members in over 40 chapters throughout the US and Canada. Contact800-727-BDPA or http://www.bdpa.org for additional information.

PRESS RELEASE

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THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

BDPA congratulates Allstate senior vice president and CIO Frank W. Pollard on hisretirement from Allstate.

We appreciate the strong partnership Frankhas sponsored between Allstate and BDPA and look for-ward to our continuing work with him on closing the digitaldivide.

Frank - congratulations on an impressive 35 years withAllstate and best wishes on your future endeavors.

Small, Effective PRby Wayne Hicks, National BDPA President-Elect

Within BDPA we often complain that we are the 'best-kept secret in America. We have tremendous programs andservices 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 ourPublic Relations Department Director, to create press releases that are shared to over 700 subscribers to ourBDPA-Press-Release eGroup and often shared with a majority of the 16,000 subscribers to BDPA-relatedeGroups. Recently I heard from a public relations professional who said we had it all wrong. "Don't tell peopleto send their release to thousands of media. Tell them to find one media, figure out what the editor needs, thenget 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 manythousands 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, youtheducation or economic development. Read their publications. Watch and listen to their shows. Look for topicsthat 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. Callthe 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 towrite a press release may be found at the following website:www.searchengines.com/marketing_cost_press_release.html

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Greetings fellow Job Seekers! I have been pounding the pavement(and my keyboard) for the past 15 months in search of a career oppor-tunity. I am primarily a Technical Writer but also have skills and expe-rience as a Business Analyst, Change Management Coordinator,Software Trainer, and Help Desk Analyst. During my search for anopportunity in these areas, I amassed/acquired/developed severalstrategies for managing the search. With so many of us looking forwork, I am delighted to share my tips and advice for managing the jobsearch project!

Subscribe to Job Search Email GroupsFor starters, subscribe to "BDPA Jobs" athttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/BDPA-Jobs/, the "BDPA ChicagoJobs" groups at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BDPA-Chicago-Jobs/), or your local chapter's "Jobs" group on Yahoo. You can postyour resume for FREE and you can view (and apply for) the manyposition announcements posted there by employers and recruiters!

Join organizations in your field (like BDPA)! There are hundreds!The membership fee can be pricey, so choose wisely. Take advan-tage of any FREE info/meetings/newsletters/listservs, messageboards, etc. they may have. Give priority to those that offer medicalbenefits at a discounted rate! COBRA doesn't last forever! In somefields, it lasts only 30 days from your end date!

Organize and Manage Your EmailCreate a separate email account for Personal SearchAgent (PSA), Job Alert, and other job search-relatedIncoming messages. Check every day - including week-ends, several times a day. Keep it clean! If you've delet-ed messages during a session, remember to empty trashbefore logging out of the account. Immediately unsub-scribe from and block non-job search messages.

Instead of creating folders within your email account tostore messages, create those folders on your hard drive.This conserves storage space for incoming email mes-sages. (For a suggested directory and file setup, see thefull article at "BDPA-Jobs, Files, Job Seeker Advice".)

Do NOT save a copy of the emails that you attach yourresume to!!! This quickly uses up your limited storagespace by keeping multiple copies of your resume in theSent Items folder. (For complete instructions, see the fullarticle at "BDPA-Jobs, Files, Job Seeker Advice".)

Identify Potential Job LeadsFor your "target companies", don't forget the ones you already dobusiness with or patronize. Most if not all have IT jobs and a web-site to post your resume.

Read the Business section of your favorite newspaper regularly.Often you'll see articles about how a company is doing, if they'replanning to hire or lay off, expand or downsize, AND sometimes thearticle mentions who is in charge of what at the company whichgives you a contact name.

If your former job involved working with external clients/vendorsand you had a good relationship with them, let them know you'relooking and keep them in your 'Keep in Touch" network.

(For potential leads, AND more ways to identify potential job leads,see the full article at "BDPA-Jobs, Files, Job Seeker Advice".)

Market YourselfCarry your business cards and/or copies of your resume or profileEVERYWHERE you go! You never know who you'll run into thatyou didn't anticipate!

Remember that EVERY contact is a potential JOB contact! Example:I had some issues dealing with my local IDES office, that were notgetting resolved/addressed. Out of frustration, I found out the nameand address of the Director of the IDES (Gertrude Jordan) and wrotea letter explaining the issues. In closing, I segued into a summary ofwhat type of work I was looking for, offered my services, andattached my resume to the letter. I DID get a response in writing fromMs. Jordan, my issues were resolved, and I got a job lead out of thedeal. I didn't get the job (overqualified) but at least I got some actionand satisfaction - AND resumption of my benefits!

Preserve Your Sanity! Continue doing the (free/inexpensive) things you enjoyed when youhad a job (hobbies, reading, exercising, etc.). Or pursue another activ-ity that you always wanted to do but didn't have time for when youwere working. This could be through volunteering or something onyour own. (I found an affinity for "city gardening".) Whatever it is,you need to do or find something to connect with your 'normal life',or to at least provide a short distraction from the grueling task of find-ing your next career. After all, when you had a regular job, you were

allowed to take personal days/time off, right? In those daysyou were still paid (in dollars) for your time off. In thisnew "job", you may only be paid in sanity. But that's worthsomething too!

Evaluate Your Salary Requirements versusExpectations

Employers want a lot more (skills, talent, dedication,loyalty, hours, experience, certification, and education) fora LOT less money! Figure out the minimum salary youneed to cover your bills/basic expenses. I'm not advocatinglowering your salary standards up front. But consider this:What if you were offered your IDEAL job, but at half (orless) your current salary? Would you take it? Could youafford to take it? Just something to consider. And remem-ber, getting a foot in the door counts for something. The'gravy train' days of being offered a salary for what youare REALLY worth appear to be over, at least for the time

being. Desperate times, for both employers and potential employees,call for desperate measures. But you can't appear to be desperate! Norcan the employer! Play the game; play it to your advantage. You'realready unemployed - what do you have to lose?

Searching for your next career is, in itself, a full-time job that involves alot of overtime! It requires at least as much, if not more, of the energy,enthusiasm and commitment you had at your previous job. But you haveto try everything, and keep trying it. It is definitely an employer's mar-ket. All we can do is continue the search as proactively and creatively aswe possibly can!

In closing, I am happy to say that I was recently offered a full-time posi-tion and I have accepted it! There is light at the end of this job-searchtunnel!

Search and you shall find!DMB

Job Search Advice: Practical Tips for Managing Your Job SearchBy: Deena M. Bogan, BDPA Chicago Chapter

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AROUND & ABOUT BDPA

If you are interested in contributing an article tobe published in the BDPA Monthly Newsletter,

please contact:editor@bdpa.org

DECEMBER 200211th Annual AnniversaryNorthwest Indiana Chapter

13th Annual AnniversaryBDPA Cincinnati Chapter

14th Annual AnniversaryBDPA Ft. Wayne Chapter

16th Annual AnniversaryBDPA Phoenix Chapter

CAREER FAIR & TECHNOLOGY EXPOFriday and Saturday, August 15th and 16th

LEADING EDGE SEMINAR TRACKS:I. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYII. LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENTIII. ENTREPRENEURS & SMALL BUSINESSIV. CAREER DEVELOPMENTV. ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENTVI. COLLEGE STUDENT TRACK

IT SENIOR MANAGEMENT FORUM (ITSMF)Network with CIOs and Senior Management Professionals

HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER COMPETITION (HSCC)Experience the excitement as high school students from over 25urban communities display their skills and expertise in program-ming and technical presentations.

YOUTH CONFERENCEHands-on training and workshops in technology, PCBuildingRace and IT Knowledge Quiz Bowl, and IT Showcase

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIESMeet IT Professionals from over 40 BDPA chapters across thenation.· CIO ROUNDTABLE· ENTREPRENEUR SHOWCASE· COLLEGE &

HBCU ROUNDTABLE· TOWN HALL MEETING· AWARDS BANQUET · BDPA IT GOLF CLASSIC· PRAYER BREAKFAST

REGISTER NOW! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DISCOUNT RATES!!

TO CONTACT BDPA:PHONE: (800) 727-BDPA, (301) 220-2180 FAX: (301) 220-2185

WEBSITE: WWW.BDPA.ORG6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450 , Greenbelt, MD 20770

MEMBER / NON MEMBER CONFERENCE PRICINGRegister By Member Non-Member

ADULT-FULL12/31/02 $350 $50006/30/03 $450 $600after 6/30/03 $550 $700

COLLEGE STUDENT12/31/02 $150 $200after 01/01/03 $200 $250

HSCC/YOUTH$150 $150

BDPA 200325th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

"Information Technology: From the Classroom to theBoardroom"

August 13-17, 2003PHILADELPHIA MARRIOTT

1201 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19107PHONE: 215-625-2900 FAX: 215-625-6097

101 JOB-HUNTING TIPS 2002By: Aundrae M. Romeo

1. Contact the hiring manager / decision-maker .2. Use contacts - networking 3. Find-out / Research who is the decision-maker4. Sell yourself well5. Practice the 2-minute sell yourself speech 6. Talk about your background 7. Learn the business; customers 8. Know / Understand the competition 9. Figure how you could contribute to the company's

bottom-line.10. Study how to create ROI for the company.11. Demonstrate that you can work well with others.12. Highlight your communication skills especially with others13. Speak clearly and precisely 14. Ensure that your resume truthfully matches everything on

the job description 15. Recast your resume to fit the job description 16. Tell others about your job-search and your skill-set - you

never know who knows whom 17. Get to know the technology landscape 18. Be flexible with respect to location, travel, pay 19. Keep current with your skills 20. Upgrade skills 21. Leverage relationships 22. Use new skills as opportunities 23. Think about learning another (foreign) language 24. Have resume professionally prepared 25. Look for IT resume writers - may be costly 26. Research companies 27. Get back to mailing resumes with cover-letters 28. Work for free - to pick-up experience 29. Volunteer / assist small-businesses or non-profits 30. Apply for and work with small or medium-sized business

or organizations to bridge the gaps in your resume. 31. Rehearse interviews with friends or relatives 32. Use criticisms as steps to improvement 33. Dress professionally - conservative in tough times

To read part-2 and part-3 as well as other related tips &articles, visit: http://www.allUSAcareers.com

BDPA CHAPTER ANNIVERSARIES

BDPA Information Technology Thought LeadersNational Headquarters6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 450Greenbelt, MD 20770

PRE-SORTEDFIRST CLASS

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDPERMIT NO. 24460MERRIFIELD, VA

The The BDPA Monthly Newsletter

The newsletter designed to keep our members informedof news, events and perspectives important to our

community.

We welcome your comments: editor@BDPA.org

Read our Online Journal for breaking news, informationand updates: www.BDPAjournal.org

Information Technology Thought Leaders

DECEMBER 2002 ISSUE

DECEMBER 2002 / JANUARY 2003Every Thursday @ 10:30am ET - BDPA Internet Radio Showhttp://www.tbwt.com

DECEMBER6 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

BDPA Washington DC Chapter13 Annual Kwanzaa Celebration

BDPA Washington DC Chapter7 5th Annual Scholarship & Awards Luncheon

BDPA Greater Columbia (SC) Chapter14 Annual Holiday Giving and Social

BDPA Greater Columbia Chapter19 Annual Awards Banquet

BDPA Charlotte ChapterJANUARY

8 NEC Conference Call

10-12 1Q03 Conference Leadership Team Mtg(Philadelphia)

Chapters may send their information on upcoming events to:info@bdpa.org.

BDPA 200325th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

“Information Technology: From the Classroom to the Boardroom”

August 13-17, 2003

Philadelphia Marriott Hotel - Philadelphia, PAPlatinum Level Conference Partner:

FleetBoston Financial

www.bdpa.org

UPCOMING EVENTS