Quantum Information Technology Convention

Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan's College of Computer Studies Student Council organized the 6th Quantum Information Technology Convention held in Chali Beach, Cagayan de Oro City last February 9-11, 2013 with the theme "Technopreneurship: Ideas of Technology, Future of Business" and they invited our very own CEO John to speak at the event.

John's talk was titled "Tech Trends and What They Mean For You." And it was about, well, tech trends but as he saw the opportunity to help mold young minds, he focused on everybody's favorite things: computers and the internet.

He spoke about these as being the great equalizer -- meaning, whatever your status is in life, computers and the internet continue to be accessible to all, giving everybody equal shots at everything; an equal footing that levels the playing field.

A lot don't realize it, but a veritable wealth of information is just within reach; a finger stroke away, to be sure, but IF it will make a difference will be measured by HOW you use it. John says that today's students shouldn't have to wait for graduation before acquiring skills that would give them an edge over the rest of the work force; they should start NOW.

There are tons of FREE reference materials that one can study to learn the ropes in the technology industry. And even if you did not study entrepreneurship, you can wing it at first and test the waters. Start small by offering your services (no matter how simple they may be) to others and build from there. Surely there is a market for almost anything under the sun. Most technopreneurs started small anyway, but they progressed onto bigger things by virtue of a courageous combination of risk-taking, hard work, and an unflappable confidence in the product (yourself).

The trick there is to always continue to aim for improvement. Do not rest on your laurels. Do more to achieve more. Your education does not stop when you leave the four walls of your classroom (or the computer lab!). Continue to challenge yourself to learn, to acquire knowledge that will give you a leg up on the competition. This is especially crucial to the technology industry where innovations come fast and furious, and if you don't keep up, you will be deemed obsolete.

It is not as hard as you think. After all, clicking a mouse button only takes just one finger -- the world is literally at your fingertips! Use it and use it well.

In the immortal words of the late Steve Jobs: "STAY HUNGRY, STAY FOOLISH."