Hard launching a new era of cybersecurity professionals

The first cohort of students recently completed SAIT’s Cyber Security Analyst career-integrated post-diploma certificate offered through the School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT).

Created to support mid-career professionals — looking to increase job prospects or advance current competencies — the program teaches skills to assess and mitigate information security threats and risks in the global business context of incident response, risk and compliance and operations functions.

Mohammad Rahman is among the graduates. He looked into multiple programs across Canada before applying to SAIT.

“SAIT’s program was more in-depth than the rest. I was really excited to enrol and begin a new stepping stone to help develop my career and my future,” he says. “During my studies, the curriculum was really intense and fast paced — the year flew by. Now, I’m going through certification exams and I feel totally prepared.”

Delivered through an apprenticeship-style training model with a blend of coursework and workplace learning and mentorship over 18 months, the program is offered part-time to allow currently employed individuals an opportunity to work and access training in the evolving field of cybersecurity.

SAIT works collaboratively with industry to support both students and mentors throughout the program.

Rahman notes this was just the start of his journey and he’s looking forward to continuing his education.

“The industry is at a point where we need more skilled people in this area. Every month I was learning something new and taking those concepts back to my work,” he says. “Now I’m identifying areas of opportunity to senior management and we’re developing plans to minimize cybersecurity risks to the company.

“This program gave me a lot of confidence and will help me in the future if I want to make a career change or if I want to improve in a particular area.” he says. “We need more programs like this.”