BUILDING CAREER PATHWAYS AT BSC

BSC CAREER PATHWAYS

PAVING THE WAY FOR ABUNDANT POSSIBILITIES

By Kim Singer

Introducing Nicholas Everitt, a cybersecurity

student making connections while in college. Nicholas Everitt had his first experience as a Bismarck State College student while in high school when he took a dual credit class at Bismarck High School.

Originally from Bismarck, attending BSC was an easy choice for Everitt after graduating from high school.

“I absolutely love that I can get my Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and Information Technology at BSC. Before the four-year program started, I was only going to get my two-year and call that good, but still being in town, it was too good not to do.”

In addition to BSC being inexpensive and close to home, Everitt says it’s a high-quality program that challenges him.

“It is a great place to learn,” he says. “You have a lot of similar-minded people coming together, which makes collaboration fun. The teachers are very nice, and the classes are just the right amount of difficult to keep things interesting.”

One way BSC’s cybersecurity program is expanding their offerings is through industry recognized certificates. These certificates in networking, computing, security, programming and hacking were designed to provide skills that can immediately be applied at the workplace for working adults already in an IT career or looking for career growth.

“There is a severe shortage of technology/ cybersecurity professionals,” says Matt Frohlich, BSC associate professor of cybersecurity. “These certification offerings help students get skills quicker and expose them to certain technologies. We hope these certificates spark their interest in the field and that they ultimately decide to earn the associate of applied science or bachelor of applied science degree. There are many opportunities out there for a good career and salary in this field.” Another way BSC connects students to opportunities is through internships. In one of his classes, Everitt learned of an internship with High Point Networks, a Bismarck-based technology company. He applied, got the position and has been working there as a physical security intern for a year and a half.

Nicolas Everitt has interned under the professional guidance of supervisor Jason Herner of High Point Networks for a year and a half.

cybersecurity program at our Bismarck High Point Networks office. They excel at every task and opportunity we give them,” says Jason Herner, High Point Networks account manager and Everitt’s supervisor. “We look forward to helping BSC’s cyber programs continue to develop and evolve to ensure the current and future students are best prepared to protect our cyber infrastructures.”

Everitt hopes to join High Point Networks as a full-time employee if there’s a position open when he graduates in May. His hands-on experience there has consisted of installing switches, access points, UPSs and cameras as well as running cable. He has also done a little programming to make some processes easier.

“One thing I have enjoyed the most [while working at High Point Networks] is being able to see all the behind-thescenes areas of the business where we have installed equipment or run cable.”

Frohlich says giving students the opportunity in the classroom to practice the skills they are learning is a major aspect of the program. “Students complete labs on real equipment or virtual equipment to reinforce the concepts taught in class.”

In addition to providing Everitt with this connection to a potential future employer, BSC has also laid the groundwork for him to continue his education. He plans to pursue a master’s degree through the University of Maryland.

Education accessibility is a BSC polytechnic goal. It is a priority to make it convenient for students to enter college, take courses, complete their program, and easily return to enhance their skills or advance their career.

It’s also a priority to meet students’ educational needs for their chosen career path. The education offerings match workforce needs so graduates have success finding jobs.

CYBERSECURITY PATHWAY AND

CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

Students may focus on certain aspects of cybersecurity or information technology by completing courses for college credit in any number of these specific areas to earn certifications: • Security and Hacking

• Computer Networking

• Offensive and Defensive Security

• Modern Computing Technologies

• Secure Programming

For more information about cybersecurity career pathways at BSC, visit bismarckstate.edu/cyber

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

There are also opportunities, outside of college credit:

• Palo Alto Networks certified cybersecurity entry-level technician

• Palo Alto Networks certified network security administrator

For more information about BSC’s cybersecurity curriculum developed and authorized by Palo Alto Networks, visit bismarckstate.edu/ CybersecurityCertifications