Tech Career Accelerator: Strategies for Students
STUDENT TRACK / AUDIENCE-DRIVEN PANEL
APR. 8 / 9:45 AM
About this session
Engage with a diverse panel of technology leaders and young professionals as they share their personal journeys and insights on:
- Securing impactful internships: Learn what skills, background, and professionalism you need to land your dream internship.
- Navigating your internship experience: Get tips on how to make the most of your time as an intern and leave a lasting impression.
- Strategies for full-time employment: Uncover the secrets to transitioning from an intern to a valued full-time employee.
Speaker
Jeremy Kauten
CIO & SVP of IT
VGM Group
Jeremy Kauten has spent his entire career in the cyber world. He currently focuses on protecting computers, networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access, change, or destruction. In addition, he coordinates the optimization of technology throughout VGM’s business units. Jeremy’s involvement at VGM started in 1997, when he committed himself to growing VGM Forbin and positioning the organization as a leader in healthcare web development and online security. He is a regular contributor to the trade press and is a frequent technology speaker at industry events.
Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business management from Upper Iowa University with additional credits from the computer information systems program at the University of Northern Iowa. He also holds an A.A.S. in law enforcement and an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa Executive Master of Business Administration Program.
Panelists
Steven Davis
CEO
Bio::Neos
Mr. Davis has been involved in software engineering; consulting; and technology architecture, entrepreneurship, and community building for over 20 years. Through founding Bio::Neos, Inc. in 2004, he has gained experience related to both small business development and growth, and professional software architecture and consulting geared towards research scientists and healthcare professionals. Through his leadership at Bio::Neos, Mr. Davis has been involved in projects that tackle difficult scientific challenges including computational performance for analysis of large datasets and effective data management and visualization of biological data and has contributed to engineering professional software solutions to solve these challenges. As CEO of the organization, Mr. Davis has been involved in every aspect of building a successful growing team, including managing and influencing recruiting and hiring decisions and initiatives. He often gives back to the community by working with K-12, and high education professionals to advise them in the best ways they can prepare their students for their future careers.
Gram Fowler
Information Security Analyst
Velera
Gram Fowler is an Information Security Analyst who started his professional cybersecurity journey as an intern with Velera in May 2024. After graduating from DMACC with a degree in CyberSecurity, he was offered his current full-time job as an Information Security Analyst where he enjoys the challenges of investigating incidents and also being able to learn about new tools in the Cyber field. When not working, Gram enjoys traveling and seeing/trying new experiences.
Jessica McKee
Insights Analyst
Cssey's
Jessica McKee is an Insights Analyst on the Data & Analytics team at Casey’s. She specializes in developing data models & reporting in Power BI and performing technical analysis using SQL. Jessica graduated from the University of Iowa in 2022 in Business Analytics and Economics.
Josie Stegman
Talent Acquisition Consultant
Holmes Murphy
Josie Stegman is a Talent Acquisition Consultant at Holmes Murphy specializing in Early Talent. Josie brings 4 ½ years of experience in Talent Acquisition and Recruiting and has been part of building and facilitating programs for both interns and new employees. Josie is a proud alumna of Iowa State University where she double majored in Marketing and Management. Outside of work, Josie enjoys doing hot yoga, reading, watching the latest trending tv series, and volunteering with Youth Justice Initiative!
Moderator
Kennady Gales
Sales Executive
We Write Code
Kennady Gales McGannon is a technical problem solver known for driving growth and cultivating strong relationships. With nearly a decade of experience in strategic partnership management, B2B sales, and business development, she excels in delivering business value. Her career spans the software industry, operational technology (OT) industry, smart buildings (IoT), and construction. She has contributed to multiple industry publications, and her recent insights have been featured by organizations such as the Linux Foundation and Automated Buildings. Outside of work, she enjoys Kansas City sports, hiking, and mentoring future industry movers and shakers.
Stay Connected
Stay in-the-know on all things TAI including updates and announcements regarding the Iowa Technology Summit 2025.
Follow us on LinkedIn and X
Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?
Amplify your brand and marketing efforts and reach new audiences.
Join us as a sponsor.
Sign Up For TAI News
Join our monthly newsletter covering new, events and ways to connect and engage with Iowa's vibrant technology community