Lone Star Bytes

Boost Your Tech Career: Lessons from AITP Lone Star’s February Chapter Meeting

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:36:49 GMT

Brian reminded us: the job search is like a big ocean full of fish.

Hey everyone!

Imagine joining a live tech meeting while sitting in sunny Puerto Rico on a family vacation. That’s exactly how Mike Rochelle kicked off our February chapter gathering for AITP Lone Star. Even from thousands of miles away, Mike made us all feel connected.

This year marks our 75th anniversary, and the energy is electric. Whether you’re a student just starting out, a mid-career pro, or someone looking for that next big opportunity, our chapter is here to help you grow.

The night started with friendly hellos from members across North Texas—Grapevine, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Richardson, and Southlake. Everyone shared quick weather updates and laughs. Then Mike handed the mic to Brian Howard, a longtime friend of the chapter and an expert in sales and job searching.

Brian Howard’s Practical Career Advice

Brian has over 20 years in tech sales and has been through three job searches after age 40. He turned his toughest search (during the 2020 pandemic) into a system he now teaches through his course, Job Seeker Pro. His message was clear and encouraging: You can stand out—even in a sea of applicants.

Here are the big ideas he shared:

Save work samples every month

Before you lose access to your work computer, email yourself examples of projects, customer thank-you notes, training decks, or spreadsheets you built. Anonymize anything sensitive. These “proof points” make your résumé come alive in interviews.

Build impact stories at your current job

Spot a problem you’ve seen three times or more? Fix it. Document the results with numbers (“cut call-handling time by 21%” or “finished the project four weeks early”). These stories show employers you’re proactive and results-driven.

Make your LinkedIn profile visible

Brian walked us through simple steps: turn on public visibility, add a professional photo (AI tools can even dress up a basic phone selfie), write a strong headline, and fill out the “About” section with a short story, bullet strengths, and keywords. He also suggested a custom background photo—easy to create in Canva in about 15 minutes.

Post regularly to attract opportunities

You don’t need to be a writer. Share short tips, inspirational quotes, helpful resources, or tag someone who taught you something. Brian’s own posts during the pandemic led to two CEOs reaching out with job offers. Consistent, positive posting reminds your network you’re active and thoughtful.

Go to Jobseeker.pro/aitp to receive most of the free advice, and more, that he shared. Contact him at brian@jobseeker.pro for more professional assistance adopting his amazing process.

Brian reminded us: the job search is like a big ocean full of fish. A little light (a strong profile, good stories, regular posts) makes you easy to spot.

His full 90-minute training is free for AITP Lone Star members at jobseeker.pro/aitp—definitely worth checking out.

Why Join AITP Lone Star? Our chapter is more than meetings. It’s a supportive community that:

Connects you with mentors and peers
Gives you free career tools (like Brian’s training)
Offers hands-on learning through Work Ready Academy
Hosts events that blend students and experienced pros
Helps you build the network that opens doors

In a fast-changing tech world, having a group that cheers for you and shares real strategies makes all the difference.

Whether you want to sharpen your LinkedIn profile, learn AI tools, or simply meet friendly professionals, AITP Lone Star has a place for you. Ready to take the next step? Visit www.aitplonestar.org and join today. Students: only $30. Professionals: $99. We can’t wait to meet you—online or in person—at our next gathering on March 12 in Southlake.

AITP Lone Star Celebrates 75 Years of Innovation in Technology Networking Across Dallas–Fort Worth

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 20:07:50 GMT

For 75 years, AITP Lone Star has played a vital role in connecting people, education, and opportunity within the Dallas–Fort Worth technology community. As we launch our 75th anniversary year, we are not only honoring a strong legacy but also setting a renewed vision for what technology networking in Dallas–Fort Worth can and should be in 2026 and beyond.

North Texas continues to grow as a major technology hub, and the need for trusted communities that support learning, leadership, and career advancement has never been greater. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , technology-related occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all jobs over the next decade, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and professional connection.

DFW Technology Networking That Drives Innovation

AITP Lone Star was built on the belief that meaningful technology networking goes beyond exchanging business cards. It is about creating access to knowledge, mentorship, and real-world insight that helps professionals and students move forward with confidence.

Building Bridges Between Education and Industry

One of the ways AITP Lone Star stands apart is our commitment to education at scale. Members receive access to more than 8,000 on-demand courses covering cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, leadership, DevOps, and emerging technologies.

Research from Deloitte shows that organizations that prioritize continuous learning are more likely to innovate and retain top talent, a reality we see reflected in our member community year after year.

This depth of education allows members to grow skills on their own schedule while staying aligned with real industry demands — something traditional networking groups simply cannot offer.

AITP Lone Star: 75 Years Strong- Empowering the People Who Power Technology

As we enter 2026, our Board of Directors has been focused on strengthening our foundation and expanding opportunities for members across every career stage. Our renewed vision centers on three priorities: advancing professional growth, supporting students and early-career talent, and fostering ethical, forward-thinking leadership.

A Year of Purposeful Programming

Our annual structure is designed to provide consistent value and engagement. AITP Lone Star hosts monthly online meetings focused on timely technology and leadership topics, quarterly in-person meetups to deepen connections, and is preparing for several larger initiatives that will bring new energy and visibility to our community.

According to CompTIA workforce research , networking and continuous education are among the most important drivers of career mobility in technology roles. By combining both, AITP Lone Star creates a space where careers can truly accelerate.

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

This 75th anniversary year represents more than a milestone. It reflects the collective work of dedicated board members, volunteers, partners, and sponsors who believe in strengthening the North Texas technology ecosystem. We are proud of where we have been, energized by where we are going, and committed to serving as a trusted home for technology professionals, students, and organizations.

AITP Lone Star remains focused on building a community where learning never stops, leadership is cultivated, and opportunity is shared.

If you are looking to grow your skills, expand your network, or become part of a forward-thinking technology community, we invite you to join us. Learn more about membership and upcoming programs at: https://www.aitplonestar.org/

Author Bio

Emily Bell-Wootten is the CMO, Board Member, and Gold Sponsor of AITP Lone Star , North Texas’s premier technology networking and education hub. She is also the CEO of EBW Consulting , a Dallas-based firm focused on marketing strategy, AI innovation, and cybersecurity awareness.

The Power of IT Mentorship: Building Stronger Careers with AITP Lone Star

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 23:04:07 GMT

The Power of IT Mentorship: Building Stronger Careers with AITP Lone Star

In the fast-moving world of technology, career success often comes down to who guides you along the way. That’s where IT mentorship makes all the difference. Learning directly from experienced professionals not only accelerates your career development in IT, but also builds leadership skills, confidence, and community.

At AITP Lone Star, we believe strong mentorship creates strong leaders. Through our members-only training and leadership portal, we provide exclusive access to mentorship programs, professional development resources, and networking opportunities that help IT professionals reach their full potential.

Why IT Mentorship Matters

Mentorship is more than advice—it’s a growth engine for your career. Here’s how it helps you thrive in the IT field:

Accelerated Learning: Mentors share real-world experience and practical insights, helping you navigate complex technologies and avoid common mistakes.
Career Growth and Goal Setting: A mentor can help identify your strengths, set measurable goals, and guide you toward meaningful career advancement.
Networking and Opportunities: Mentors open doors to professional networks that can lead to new projects, collaborations, and job opportunities.
Constructive Feedback: Honest, actionable feedback from mentors helps refine your skills and boost performance over time.

How to Find the Right IT Mentor

Finding a mentor doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by getting involved in professional circles and associations—like AITP Lone Star—where experienced leaders are eager to help others grow. Once you connect, keep communication consistent and set shared goals to make the most of the relationship.

Remember: mentorship is a two-way street. The more you invest in learning and collaboration, the more you’ll gain in knowledge, confidence, and long-term success.

Join AITP Lone Star and Grow Your IT Career

At AITP Lone Star, we’re passionate about developing the next generation of IT leaders through mentorship and professional development. Our exclusive training portal gives members access to leadership resources, learning tools, and a community of peers and mentors dedicated to your success.

Ready to take your IT career to the next level?

�� Join AITP Lone Star today and start building your future with the support of experienced mentors. AITP Lone Star Membership – Grow Your IT Career

About the Author

Emily Bell-Wootten — Brand Builder, Tech Strategist & AI Visionary: Emily Bell-Wootten is a marketing leader who has shaped more than 60 brands across 17 industries, driving over $1B in growth. A former CEO, CMO, and Innovation Ambassador for Fortune 100 companies, she now leads EBW Consulting, serves as CMO at Marketing Assistant, and is a Partner and Board Member for AITP Lone Star. She also authored the Plano Chamber’s Cybersecurity Guide for Small Businesses. info@emilybellwootten.com