Emeris Waterfall head of school of computer science Handsome Mpofu and several computer science students attended this year’s AWS Summit Johannesburg at the Gallagher Convention Centre on August 19.

The summit brought together thousands of industry experts, business leaders and innovators to focus on the future of cloud innovation and accelerating artificial intelligence.

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Attending an AWS Summit offered incredible value for students looking to jumpstart their careers in technology, cloud computing and AI. Because these events are free to attend, they serve as a unique bridge between academic learning and the professional tech industry.

Third-year Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development student Tshegofatso Tau said the summit was an informative and exciting experience.

“I was able to learn about the latest developments in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity and many more. I particularly enjoyed visiting the different company stands and seeing demonstrations of how these technologies are being used in real-world environments,” said Tau, who has been attending the AWS Summit since her first year of studies.

“The event also provided a good opportunity to interact with professionals and other people who are interested in technology. Attending the AWS Summit has allowed me to connect what I learn academically with what is happening in the real technology industry.

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“Since my first year, the summit has helped me gain knowledge about different technologies, software development, AI and cybersecurity.

It has also allowed me to network with industry professionals and to learn about potential career opportunities. Attending every year has helped me grow my understanding of technology and has motivated me to continue developing my technical skills.”

While Emeris equips students with a good theoretical base and the essential practical skills that are most sought after in the industry, the AWS Summits adds value and shows how cloud technologies, DevOps, and AI/Machine Learning (ML) are used to solve massive, real-world business challenges.

“This year I was particularly interested in companies such as Deloitte, Synthesis and Accenture.

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Speaking to professionals from these companies gave me a better understanding of the different career paths available within cybersecurity, cloud computing and the kind of graduate programmes they offer,” Tau added.

To ensure that the Emeris Waterfall school of computer science students stay up-to-date, Mpofu constantly engages with the information technology (IT) industry to gauge what is trending as well as the usage and adoption of evolving IT technologies.

Many computer science students reported increased motivation and confidence to engage with challenging concepts in the lecture room when exposed to emerging industry trends and able to relate their real-world experiences to academic learning.

This connection ultimately contributes to the development of confident graduates who are better prepared for the demands of the workplace.

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