Program Impact

Thanks to the OSINT Academy, I was able to successfully transition into a career in OSINT. I now work as an Intelligence Analyst at Irdeto, where I use open-source intelligence to investigate online piracy and intellectual property infringements. The connections I made through the course, along with the valuable skills I gained, played a key role in helping me break into the cybersecurity and intelligence field.

Participating in UWF’s CyberSkills2Work program has truly been life-changing. After spending nearly 30 years as a manager in the service industry, I was able to successfully transition into the cyber defense sector, thanks in large part to this program. My management experience, combined with the certifications I earned, laid a strong foundation, but it was the unwavering support of the Center for Cybersecurity staff and the valuable professional connections I made during the program that made all the difference. None of this would have been possible without their guidance and encouragement.

The wealth of knowledge I gained there, both technical and personal, has been a true game-changer for me. The professors, with their encouragement and insistence on hard work over excuses, have played a pivotal role in my growth. This experience has reinforced my commitment to furthering my education and strengthened my resolve in pursuing IT certifications.

As someone passionate about cybersecurity and cryptology, the program provided me with a unique platform to sharpen my technical skills, apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges, and collaborate with a network of like-minded individuals. Through hands-on training and mentorship, I gained proficiency in critical areas such as advanced cryptographic systems, network defense strategies, and vulnerability assessments. These experiences not only enhanced my technical expertise but also gave me the confidence to tackle complex problems in dynamic environments.

CyberSkills2Work works.The instructors are knowledgeable, professional, and willing to help you in any way that they can. I entered the program with minimal technical experience, and I have now secured my first role as an IT Service Technician for a government agency. This program has added immense value to my career.

I found the Cyber4Heroes program to be incredibly valuable. I made connections and gained knowledge that has increased my career prospects greatly. The certifications are a major value add to my resume and help me stand out from other applicants.

As a recently retired Army Master Sergeant, I was unclear on the path I wanted to take after the service. The FIU CyberSkills2Work program has been an amazing treasure in my journey into a career shift from the HR side to Cybersecurity. Before attending the courses offered by FIU I had very little knowledge of IT systems and the different fields of cybersecurity. The most valuable part of the courses was the hands-on training. I recommend the Cyberskills2Work program to every single Soldier I know, those who are separating, and those who just show an interest in Information Technology and just don't know where to start.

I had the incredible opportunity to apply for and be chosen to participate in the System Administrators Pathway program through the University of Western Florida, and it has been nothing short of transformative for my career aspirations. As someone entirely new to the IT and cybersecurity landscape, I embarked on this journey with a goal to secure a job in cybersecurity in the near future. The program provided me with the knowledge, skills, and certifications I needed to kickstart this exciting career transition.