Gov. Mike Foster addressed the students of Louisiana in a letter this summer with a plea: stay here and work.

The open letter encouraged college students to stay in a state that promises, among other opportunities, careers in the field of technology. Foster and the Department of Economic Development wanted students to hear their assurances about the state's "emerging technological infrastructure" and the potential for an exciting career in Louisiana.

Have the tech students listened? Not yet.

College students graduating with degrees in computer science from Louisiana schools ore emigrating from the state to pursue information technology careers throughout the South; notably in neighboring Texas.

"Many of our (computer science) students normally do not stay in Louisiana," said S. Sitharama Iyengar, chairman of the computer science department at LSU. "Louisiana does have some opportunities, but not a lot."

Iyengar explained that students want to work primarily in the chemical industries, where companies are now consolidating their IT power and looking for new talent. He said the large private companies, such as Chevron and Exxon, that appeal to students are in Houston and Dallas.

LSU computer science senior Brian Craig agrees, saying that Texas is the place to be for most tech students.

"Students look for jobs in Texas because the petroleum industry is consolidating into Houston and concentrating more on IT."

Craig currently works with fellow students Adam Swann and Chris Suire in LSU's Louisiana Business & Technology Center, where they run Universitytools.com an online college registration company started by Swann, Craig and Suire two years go. Despite the thriving business from their site, Craig is willing to leave the state after graduation to pursue another tech career.

"I may be looking at jobs (when I graduate). I'm wide open about whether or not to stay in Louisiana."

Craig's associate Swann, who founded the Web site, is one student who wants to stay with the business he has made here.

"Most of the people I've talked to have expressed interest in Texas But I'm trying to stay in the state."

Though Swann said he has seen many opportunities outside Louisiana, he feels there are a few students who want to stay where they were born and raised after graduation, and who are willing to work hard to kick-start their career in Louisiana.

One such graduate is Leif Remo, currently a contingent worker in the computer science graduate program at LSU.

"The only advantage I see (for a tech student to stay in Louisiana) is if they were raised here, live here and are comfortable staying," he said.

Remo, 25, graduated with a major in physics and a minor in computer science at LSU. He is looking for a career in Baton Rouge in software development, but has found a shortage of opportunities in the technology field.

"At this point I hope to stay in the state," said Remo. "but it's amazing how little there is in the state."

LSU computer science senior Will Aymond agreed, saying that his struggle to find an IT career with one of the state's oil and gas companies is proving more difficult than landing a career outside the state. He is focusing his efforts, however, on getting a job in Louisiana.

"I'd like to stay in the state because I've been here my entire life," said Aymond.

Students like Swann, Remo and Aymond who hope to pursue a tech career in-state are in the minority, said LSU computer science professor Kathryn R. Traxler, who oversees undergraduates in the department.

In the last three semesters, Traxler reports, only three out of 20 graduates of the program were able to secure jobs in-state. For the three who stayed, it took almost a year to land a Louisiana job.

In addition to the plea from the governor and DED, colleges are taking part in the initiative to encourage tech students to stay in Louisiana, starting with their career centers.

University career centers realize that one reason students are not considering technology jobs in Louisiana is a lack of publicity. There are some opportunities here, and now colleges are helping to make students aware of that fact.

The LSU Career Services Center, for example, is working with the Baton Rouge Technology Council to advertise available opportunities in Louisiana.

"Students usually feel that they can earn competitive salaries out-of-state," said Mary Feduccia, director of the LSU center. "We are making a very strong effort to bring qualified candidates to in-state companies. We want to do what we can to prevent the brain drain."

At Southern University's Career Services Center, the focus is also on Louisiana careers and how to pursue them. AI B. Barron, director of the center, said that the responsibility to encourage students to stay in Louisiana is a job not only for the government, but for anyone working in education.

"This state has invested much in TOPS and other educational programs," said Barron. "Now it's time to recycle our investments."

Barron said that SU's Career Services Center has tried to keep students' interests piqued regarding in-state employment. In addition to traditional career fairs, SU Career Services hosts "Louisiana Career Day," which allows only state businesses to participate.

In terms of technology opportunities with Louisiana, Barron has found that the opportunities are greatest in New Orleans, which is where career services mainly encourages computer science students to work. For example, the city is currently offering tech careers through a government program sponsored by the U.S. Navy.

Barron noted that, though economic growth and employment are no longer at their past levels, there are still opportunities in Louisiana that simply need to be advertised.

Barron supports the government's recent initiative, but feels there is more work to be done.

"I think the governor's trying to let students know about the opportunities," he said, "but we need to do more as a state to publicize the fact that the opportunity is here."

COPYRIGHT 2001 Louisiana Business, Inc.
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