Career Program: Cybersecurity Specialist
Originally From: Menasha
Current Residence: Neenah
Attended FVTC: Fall 2021-Spring 2023

Why did you choose the Cybersecurity Specialist career program?

The last few years have been eventful, to say the least. I had been working in Industrial Maintenance for several years until the pandemic hit and I was laid off. Shortly after that I hurt my back and had to have surgery that prevented me from returning to my former line of work. My daughter was also born at the beginning of the pandemic as well. I wanted to set a good example for my daughter, and since returning to maintenance work wasn't an option, I decided to return to school. I have always enjoyed computers and technology in general so I decided to return to FVTC and apply for an IT program.

What are you learning about your career field that you find interesting or rewarding? 

Everything! When trying to study and learn about a field as big as information technology one of the most challenging parts can be figuring out what to study and learn. The program format is well-planned and the knowledge and experience I'm gaining not only makes the learning fun and achievable but is also giving me the confidence to know I will be well prepared for my career after graduation.

Why did you choose Fox Valley Technical College? 

FVTC is close to home, and the convenience of having some virtual learning courses was appealing since I have a young daughter. But I also took quite a few courses several years ago in Electro-mechanical Technology and Energy & Environmental Technology. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at FVTC in the past and knew it would be a great experience to return there again. The courses are challenging and informative and the instructors are great!

How has Fox Valley Technical College helped you change your life? 

FVTC has provided me with the education and training that will allow me to successfully return to the workforce in a new and exciting career!

What type of job do you expect to find after graduation? 

We’ll have to see how the economy is doing in the next year or so, but I am hopeful I can find a position as Junior System or Network Administrator or possibly as a System Support Specialist.

In one sentence, what's your best advice for someone who's not sure they're ready for college? 

Talk to an advisor and get a tour. FVTC has a huge amount of resources and people available who want to help you succeed!

 

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Lightning Round!

Best on-campus place to study: Anywhere really. The campus is very conducive to learning and there are plenty of comfortable chairs and couches around to study in.

One class you surprisingly enjoyed: College Success: On Course. Since I'm a little older, many of these concepts were ideas I had learned or at least heard of before. But I have never seen them laid out in such an easy-to-digest and apply format. Truly great material for not only success in school but also in life.

One class that challenged you: Risk Assessment. Normally this course would have involved going to a business and performing an on-site Risk Assessment. Due to restrictions with the pandemic the entire course had to be done virtually and without visiting a business site. It forced me outside of what I thought was my comfort zone and showed me I could succeed regardless of the challenges.

One thing every FVTC student must experience on campus before graduating: Join a club! I wish I had done it in my first year instead of waiting. But due to concerns about the pandemic last year I was hesitant.

Pro-tip for newcomers trying to find their way around campus: Campus and building maps are your friend.