Now that he has graduated as part of the Class of 2020, Patel hopes to begin a full-time position in the cybersecurity and/or information security industries. This summer, he also worked with a friend to start a business, Iterics.io, which creates websites for small businesses.
to further reinforce their IT knowledge in the cyber domain.”
Regardless of his next step, Patel’s future is bright, said Chase Cotton, a professor in UD’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering who works closely with the dual degree program. Cotton taught Patel in several cybersecurity classes and said that it’s “really exciting” for the new dual degree program to have its first graduate.
“In today’s world, almost any technical, business or healthcare student needs to be introduced to those aspects of their future careers that will be impacted by cybersecurity needs and issues,” Cotton said. “Since a large fraction of the IT workforce enters the business via a MIS path, it is very useful to let them add needed cybersecurity knowledge and skills to their IT foundations.”
Cotton also said that the program has been running “quite smoothly” so far, adding that “because today’s world has an increased focus on cybersecurity, we find the Lerner BAIM students wanting
Students like Patel who have this unique and specialized qualification, Cotton said, are well prepared to join a number of fields and career paths.
Andrea Everard, Lerner College associate dean of undergraduate programs and professor of MIS, provided additional insight on this distinctive partnership
between colleges and the benefits it provides to students in providing core and advanced courses from both colleges. “Students get the best of both degrees, with a more in-depth coverage in cybersecurity,” Everard said. “Discussion with potential employers revealed a need for graduates not only equipped with training in cybersecurity but also able to understand the business environment where these skills would be applied. Controlling organizational risks and managing security threats requires not only the more technical aspects of cybersecurity (provided through the College of Engineering) but also, very importantly, an understanding of what is required for the successful implementation and management of IT in business.”
Over three Saturdays in October and November 50 students from around the country visited UD and ECE as part of Blue & Golden Saturdays.
These B&G days are the first in-person recruiting events since 2019. As part of the open house, students heard from Drs. Phillips and Martin about Electrical & Computer Engineering and potential job opportunities after graduation. Drs. Cotton and Novocin shared experiences in computer engineering, cybersecurity and Senior Design classes and projects. Dr. Mirotznik and Mr. Lum demonstrated equipment in the Maker Space showcasing capabilities in additive manufacturing. We’re looking forward to seeing these students as blue hens in September!
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering