Ultimate Software
Ultimate Software Expands Partnership, Prepares Students for Job Market
Before he even graduated, FIU alumnus Dionny Santiago ’11 had an experience he hopes many more students will soon have – his internship with Ultimate Software through the TechSTARS program helped him find his passion in life. As an added plus, his internship led to his current job as a software test architect with the same company.
“During school, I wasn’t sure which area of technology I wanted to pursue,” he said. “The internship showed me what my future could be.”
Ultimate Software recently expanded its partnership with FIU to give even more future graduates like Santiago the experience they need to succeed and find their inner fire.
The Weston-based company employs more than 2,700 professionals, who help design, build, deliver and support Ultimate’s award-winning human capital management solution, UltiPro®. Throughout its 25-year history, Ultimate has collaborated with educational institutions across the region to foster academic excellence and prepare the workforce contributing to South Florida’s thriving tech ecosystem. Ultimate first partnered with FIU in 2007 to create the TechSTARS internship program, in which Santiago participated. Through TechSTARS, Ultimate works in tandem with FIU’s School of Computing and Information Sciences to identify promising students and provide them with real-life experience as part of a growing tech company. To date, Ultimate has employed more than 100 TechSTARS from FIU as full-time engineers.
This year, Ultimate announced a $1 million, 10-year extension to its current technology-education partnership with FIU. The new commitment will help establish an endowment for the FIU College of Engineering & Computing’s School of Computing and Information Sciences, fund scholarships for students at the university, and support the development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education throughout high schools in the community.
“We’re working closely with FIU faculty and local high school teachers to help prepare the brightest students for successful careers in tech across the region. Our overall goal is to have a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring tech leaders,” said Adam Rogers, chief technology officer at Ultimate Software.
The partnership with Ultimate is part of a pivotal growth period and focus on STEM education at FIU. Ultimate’s commitment to FIU also expands the existing Ultimate Software Academy, which provides technology training for high school teachers who are helping students develop STEM-based skills.
“In continuing our partnership with FIU, together we can provide the necessary resources and opportunities to develop and retain local talent, and help ensure they have fulfilling careers right here in South Florida,” said Rogers.
Help FIU’s School of Computing and Information Sciences program become even better as FIU heads into its next 50 years forward. Learn more by visiting http://cis.fiu.edu. Or, give today at https://give.fiu.edu/give-now/college-of-engineering-and-computing/.