(ROSENBERG, Texas) – Out of work because of the pandemic’s impact on the oil industry, Syed Masood stumbled across an ad for programs at Texas State Technical College while browsing the internet late one night. It made something inside him click. After further research, the Richmond, Texas, resident enrolled in TSTC’s online Cybersecurity program.
It also satisfied a long-standing goal for Masood.
“Since I never finished college, I saw this as an opportunity to finish what I started,” he said.
Why Cybersecurity? How did you become interested in this field?
I realized that most of all devices that we use in our day-to-day life are connected to some sort of network and thus the need for securing it to safeguard our privacy.
What made you enroll in the Cybersecurity program at TSTC?
My background has always been in computers and networking, and thus Cybersecurity was the perfect fit.
How has your experience been in the program so far?
So far, I have been very impressed with the amount of knowledge that the instructors possess and their excellent ability to impart this to us as students in an online environment.
My experience with TSTC faculty and administration has been great at so many levels that I can’t put into words. The administration is there to help with any and all needs a student could or would require, from counseling to helping out with tuition issues or concerns. Faculty are crucial for students. They serve as instructors and mentors. They connect students with a network that will help them succeed and get good jobs in the future.
What have been your favorite memories while in this program?
I believe that the course created a real sense of camaraderie among us students, and we came together to help each other not just with issues regarding the classes, but in real life. I made great friends in each class that I took.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I am still currently unemployed and thus actively looking to be hired. After graduating, I should have more doors open regarding opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
Would you recommend the Cybersecurity program to prospective students?
Yes, definitely. If you have a curious mind and like computers and networking, you will have a blast. As someone once said, there is nothing better than doing what you love and getting paid for it.
The future for cybersecurity professionals is bright. Digital forensics analysts and information security engineers can make an average salary of $89,750 in Texas, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Onetonline.org projects that both positions will grow by 20% in Texas over the next seven years.
For more information about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.
