Page 62 - Cyber Defense eMagazine September 2022

Students are already graduating from the program. Kelly Kramer graduated from the University of
Louisville in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and landed a job in law enforcement as a data
analyst and legal assistant. But he grew interested in cybersecurity, where his interests in psychology,
technology, and protecting people mixed.

“This program has taught me quite a bit about securing not only those essential entities like hospitals,
businesses, government agencies, but also ourselves,” said Kramer, who now plans to return for his
master’s degree in computer science. “It is a complex web of networks, nodes, servers, databases, and
much more. We need people to understand each of these if we are to effectively secure them. I do not
doubt that this program will open opportunities for myself and others.”

JT Corcoran graduated from UofL in 2014 with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer
engineering and computer science and returned for the program. He joined the U.S. Air Force and spent
seven years on active duty, working in data analytics, cyber incident response, and network architecture
planning. As Corcoran’s service ended, he started looking at new career opportunities.

Photo Cred: UofL Cybersecurity

“Since I had a prior background in cybersecurity, many of the topics were familiar but I haven't done some
of these things in a while,” said Corcoran, who now works as a healthcare security analyst. “The certificate
provided a nice refresher on doing things like writing security system rules, configuring network
infrastructure, integrating cloud services, and conducting forensics in a lab environment. The inclusion of
newer technology topics like blockchain and post-quantum cryptography was fantastic to help brainstorm
new ways of innovating in the security space.”

The cybersecurity industry is one of the fastest-growing fields in the world. As we rely on technology more
every day, educational innovators like this coalition of NCAE-C schools are here to prepare the next
generation of the cybersecurity workforce! If you are interested in breaking into the field of cybersecurity
and want the opportunity to gain knowledge across multiple domains, this might be the program for you.”

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2022 Edition 62
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