MITA at the freshers’ week: engaging minds, inspiring futures

Another year, another Freshers’ Week, and this year MITA was once again present at the University of Malta and MCAST to showcase our agency and present the various opportunities available for those students who wish to embark on a career in IT

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Education Minister Clifton Grima visiting the MITA stand at freshers' week
Prime Minister Robert Abela and Education Minister Clifton Grima visiting the MITA stand at freshers' week

Another year, another Freshers’ Week, and this year MITA was once again present at the University of Malta and MCAST Freshers` Week to showcase our Agency and present the various opportunities available for those students who wish to embark on a career in IT. 

Our stand aimed to give useful information on the various career paths available such as Technical Services Officer, Software Developer and Cyber Security Analyst. Apart from this, the students had the opportunity to surprise all students with something truly playful and mysterious.    

MITA’s stand was manned with various representatives from the main departments within the agency and the aim was to give a firsthand experience to those students interested in a career in IT. One of the employees who was on the stand is our Executive Officer, Anthea Carbone, who stated that “In addition to the mystery box, we collaborated with various departments and invited recent graduates to share their experiences and insights. It was a joy to see colleagues, who typically work behind desks, engaging enthusiastically with students, discussing opportunities in IT and beyond. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, with many freshers stopping by to chat, participate, and learn more about our agency. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited our stand and contributed to the success of the event.”

On the other hand, Sara Cassar, Senior Executive Officer said “During the Freshers` Week, I managed our agency's social media presence, showcasing our stand, merchandise and other team members whilst engaging students with the activities present on stand. Our stand saw a constant flow of enthusiastic students eager to participate and learn more about MITA’s work. The majority were curious about our agency and its functions, so I took the opportunity to introduce them to our dedicated team members from different departments present. It wasn’t just students who visited us, we also had the honour of welcoming dignitaries such as the Prime Minister Hon. Robert Abela, Opposition Leader Hon. Bernard Grech, along with other Ministers. Their presence highlighted the importance our agency plays within the Maltese Government where we are one of the key players.”    

Mita staff at freshers' week
Mita staff at freshers' week

This is what other staff members had to say in relation to their experience. Juliet Borg, Executive Officer stated that “Working on MITA's stand during Freshers' Week, both at the University and MCAST, gave me the opportunity to meet students from various academic backgrounds. Along with my colleagues, we provided valuable information about our agency and its services, particularly highlighting potential career opportunities. The experience was demanding, but the satisfaction of connecting with students, discussing the traineeship scheme, and enjoying the fun of the mystery box made it all worthwhile."

Carmen Ellul, Executive Officer within the Human Resources department said "For me, Freshers' Week is a must-attend event, especially given my role in managing the students' and apprentices' journey with MITA. Together with a team of experts, we guide students through their growth within different departments in the agency. We also help them balance their studies with on-the-job training. Freshers' Week is essential for building strong relationships with today's youth cohort. Since I’m their point of reference, attending such events allows me to stay connected, support their development, and encourage more students to join us."

Shawn David Vella, Associate Software Developer within the eGovernment Services Department stated that "I thoroughly enjoyed being part of Freshers' Week. It was amazing to see so many students eager to learn about the opportunities in the IT sector. As a software developer, I’ve noticed a growing interest in tech-related careers, especially given the increasing demand in this field. Engaging with students, answering their questions, and discussing the pathways they can pursue was a rewarding experience. Freshers' Week provided a platform to inspire students about the exciting future ahead in tech."

Finally, Lorraine Barbara, Solutions Architect within the Infrastructure Services Department said that "Attending Freshers' Week with MITA for the first time was an exciting and engaging experience. Most students who came on the stand were interested in learning about MITA’s responsibilities, core values, and culture, particularly those studying IT. As someone working in the Infrastructure Services Department, I was thrilled to discuss the various technologies we use and how they are implemented. I aimed to empower students to make informed decisions about their IT careers and inspire the next generation of tech professionals."

As we embark on another academic year filled with motivated young adults, we wish them the best of luck in their studies. Remember, perseverance is key to achieving your dreams—so don’t be discouraged! Here’s to a bright future ahead!