Computer Science Academy Students with Ian Anderson from OG&E

Gaining Real-World Experience in the Computer Science Academy

“Interacting with the Francis Tuttle team and students, I get a different perspective. It causes me to challenge some of my own assumptions, and therefore to go and challenge some of my team's assumptions.” - Ian Anderson, Senior Manager of Enterprise Security and Monitoring for OG&E

Through a partnership between Francis Tuttle Technology Center and OG&E, high school seniors in the Computer Science Academy (CSA) Capstone class gain industry connections and experience working in groups on a project for the company.

This year, students will build a tool employees can use to analyze data from one of OG&E’s systems. Past projects have included developing an HR app to automate a paperwork process and pitching a security program for the company.

Students have been getting up to speed on the general technologies they will need for the project before using what they learn to develop it. They have also worked on their presentation and interpersonal skills by speaking on a chosen technical topic and receiving feedback from Ian Anderson, Senior Manager of Enterprise Security and Monitoring for OG&E.

The process is designed to replicate a workplace experience. In December, Anderson shared more details and the requirements for the project. The students will then work on a requirements document to present to Anderson before designing and building the tool in the spring.

Throughout all the steps in this process, students receive feedback from OG&E and implement any changes, working with the company to incorporate feedback and make sure the final software tool matches its needs.

“Students get experience with the ambiguity of real-world, complex projects,” said Andy Harbert, Computer Science Academy instructor. “In school, we instructors often go out of our way to make really clear requirements for projects, but with this project, they get experience dealing with real people in industry while trying to understand and meet their requirements.”

Luis Blake and Lai Sengvilay are CSA seniors who attend Deer Creek High School. Blake said he is looking forward to gaining real-world experience with the project.

“I have some experience making my own software because of the Technology Student Association, but nothing like this where the guidelines I’m given would be the ones given in a regular job,” Blake explained. “That will help me learn what to expect of future jobs.”

Sengvilay echoed that, saying “getting this opportunity to work with a big company like OG&E is really going to set us up for success and put us further forward in the market.”

Over the last three years, OG&E has hired seven interns from Francis Tuttle and is holding at least one spot for an intern from this year’s class. These competitive internship positions are usually awarded to college students, and some Francis Tuttle students have continued to work for OG&E part-time while in college.

“That’s an over-the-top opportunity for those students because if they can graduate college with not only a degree in this field but also some actual experience, they can write their ticket anywhere,” Harbert said. “OG&E really does want to invest in young people and help with their career experience. They’re unselfish because they want to invest in a student and mentor them, even if it means they get hired by another company.”

Anderson shared that OG&E felt it was a worthwhile endeavor to partner with Francis Tuttle to help ensure students are learning not just technical skills but also soft skills and people skills that are vital in the workforce. This partnership is one way OG&E invests in the community and the future. 

“These students are incredibly eager, friendly, professional, and just so smart,” Anderson said. “I always walk out of my sessions with the Francis Tuttle students feeling a little bit better about what is to come. I think for all of us, our charge is to prepare the future for them because if we do a good job, the future will be in great hands.” 

by Chelsey Koppari - December 19, 2024