Alumni Highlight: Jarod Valvo
Jarod Valvo, ('21, B.S. Computational Science, minor in Communication Studies), is
USCB's Information Technology Strategist.
Jarod Valvo, a distinguished USCB alumnus (‘21, B.S. Computer Science, minor in Communication Studies), embodies success in the realms of technology and higher education. His evolution from outstanding student to the university's go-to information technology strategist is a testament to his skills and to USCB’s career-focused academic curriculum and student services.
In this profile, we explore Jarod’s journey, celebrate his success and applaud those who helped him along the way.
Q. How did your time at USCB help you choose your career?
A. USCB has ample career-building opportunities that helped me secure my current job and feel prepared. My time working at ITSS [Information Technology Support Services, a.k.a USCB’s help desk] as a student worker gave me hands-on experience with professionals who were eager to help me do my best. Several later served as references when I started applying for jobs. There were also many community and campus opportunities I took part in such as teaching HTML, CSS & JavaScript at the Beaufort Digital Corridor and managing a student chapter of ACM (Association of Computing Machinery) where I found passion in leading events and technology mixed with communication.
Q. How did your CSci courses at USCB prepare you for your career?
A. The computer science classes I took included many industry-relevant projects and research with phenomenal faculty. I was given resources to do a lot — from creating and implementing relational database designs for real situations at the university to making a personal website, putting together multiple research presentations, and creating a video game. I was even able to participate in the ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Competition) and place within the top ten in my division.
Q. What are your current job responsibilities and how did your time as a student at USCB prepare you for them?
A. A big part of my job is to support USCB’s Advancement department to make USCB.edu the best it can be. This means continuously analyzing and updating the site’s performance, user experience, functionality and security. I identify areas that require improvement or modernization based on industry best practices and user feedback. Another part of my work is to help determine software application implementation. I have begun managing university databases such as upgrades and backup monitoring, and I use my communication background to stay tuned in with what USCB’s departments and people want and need to inform what decisions get made technologically.
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