Sam Lawley spent 10 years as a Veterinary Technician. As much as he loved animals, the opportunity for career growth was poor. So, he decided to go back to school and enrolled at the Virginia Beach campus to study Cyber and Information Security Technology. Since then, Sam has been the model student. With graduation just a few months away, he currently maintains a 3.9 GPA and just obtained his Security+ professional certification.
Early this year, he contacted his campus career service department and began mapping out his job search strategy which included practicing mock interviews with his advisor. Then came the Coronavirus pandemic. “Suddenly, companies were scrambling to work remotely, and normal job interview etiquette seemed to change overnight,” says ECPI University Virginia Beach Campus Director of Career Services Kelly Fielder.
Sam’s perseverance and preparation, however, paid off. He was contacted by a recruiter and was able to do a phone interview for an opportunity with QED Systems, Inc. He was then invited for an in-person interview but not a traditional one. Sam sat on the opposite side of a long conference room table from his interviewer and was not able to shake hands upon introducing himself or leaving. It felt strange to not do these simple things that, before the outbreak, came so naturally. Nonetheless, he nailed the “social-distancing” interview and was offered a position as a Cyber Security Analyst which he started in early April.
“ECPI University has allowed me to pursue my career dream. They provided the right knowledge and hands-on experience to become comfortable in all the different aspects of computer information science. I know that from this entry-level job I can keep advancing my career with no limit. I will always have the room to expand my horizon and provide better for my family. My wife and I are extremely excited about all the opportunities that have opened up to us since this career change.”
– Sam Lawley, Virginia Beach Campus Cyber and Information Security Graduate
Sam has been able to report to the office since he is not working in a large group. He said other departments had to quickly adjust and telework due to the COVID19 distancing guidelines. For now, his team is working together, and they are busy. Surprising? Not really. While the Coronavirus has shut down some parts of the economy, IT continues to function as it always has. Moreover, the need for new talent to accommodate the many unfilled jobs goes on.
“We are still seeing hiring,” says ECPI University Director of Career Services Candice Sayre.
“In fact, we just established a great pipeline program with Woz U to help our students get a paid apprenticeship to work with InfoSys. Additionally, JT4 and Texas Instruments have conducted virtual sessions to try and actively recruit our Electronics grads. Other technology-based companies who have recently hired our graduates include: Apex Systems, Core Technologies, AERMOR, JSCM Group Network Security, NEG Nippon Electric Glass, DeCA, and Micron Technology.”
While beginning a career in this environment has its challenges, Sam says this situation only reaffirms his decision to pursue a Cybersecurity career path. While others are experiencing layoffs and furloughs, he knows he has chosen a profession that is less vulnerable to economic swings.
“ECPI University has allowed me to pursue my career dream,” says Sam. “They provided the right knowledge and hands-on experience to become comfortable in all the different aspects of computer information science. I know that from this entry-level job I can keep advancing my career with no limit. I will always have the room to expand my horizon and provide better for my family. My wife and I are extremely excited about all the opportunities that have opened up to us since this career change.”
Sam took a big step by switching career paths and is now embarking on an exciting journey. “He was very persistent with his job search, even through a pandemic which has caused many things to change as we navigate new social distancing,” says Ms. Fielder. “His commitment to working hard is a great example for all near-graduates coming out of the University during an uncertain time. Cybersecurity work is out there and companies need to fill these vital roles as they adjust during an uncertain time.”
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