SAIT students reveal the secret that levelled up their cybersecurity skills

Discover the keys that helped two cybersecurity students elevate their skills and launch successful cybersecurity careers.

In a world where our online safety could be threatened at any click, a brave league of cybersecurity professionals has risen to protect us from dark forces. These modern-day heroes are armed with the expertise needed to protect data and equipped with real-world applications of defensive and offensive security technologies.

Also known as SAIT Information Systems Security students, these digital guardians protect individuals and organizations from cyber-attacks. Two students have emerged to share their experiences.

For Grant Fulford, a SAIT Information Systems Security graduate, and Lesi Nwielaghi, a current student in the program, a career in cybersecurity was a chance to help create real solutions to real problems.

 “We all depend on technology in our everyday lives, and I wanted to enable people with the skills and abilities to protect themselves from constantly evolving cyber threats,” says Fulford.

Engaging in work that helps safeguard individuals and organizations from cyber-attacks was also what attracted Nwielaghi to the field.  

 “Cybersecurity is relevant across so many industries, and I wanted to contribute and make a meaningful impact in the IT space,” she says.

With their sights set on making a difference in the digital realm, Fulford and Nwielaghi credit their co-op experience at SAIT with helping to elevate their applied cybersecurity skills and advance in their careers .

 “The co-op program has been a pivotal part of my cybersecurity education,” says Nwielaghi. “It has allowed me to apply my knowledge in real-world settings, gain valuable experience, and build industry connections even before graduating!”  

 “Through the co-op program, SAIT introduced me to concepts and experiences that I would have otherwise never known about,” says Fulford. “I’m grateful to SAIT for opening the door to my new career.”

Bridging classroom learning with industry

Co-op is an optional course that allows students to gain paid industry experience while bringing their classroom learning to life in the workplace. Co-op job placements can be 4, 8, 12 or 16 months long.

Fulford completed a 16-month co-op term as an Information Systems Security student at Enbridge.

“My experience showed me the variety of career paths within cybersecurity that I could explore, whether it’s incident response, threat intelligence, or governance and risk management,” says Fulford.

 “I also got the chance to apply everything I was learning at SAIT to real-world scenarios and personal growth and networking opportunities.”

Nwielaghi is enrolled in a 16-month co-op term and has currently completed 7 months as a Cybersecurity Analyst at SAIT.

 "Working with the Cybersecurity team at SAIT has been incredibly rewarding. It has allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world situations, opened my eyes to the many different areas in cybersecurity, and helped me develop new skills by building a Governance, Risk, and Compliance program," says Nwielaghi. "This involved creating processes, procedures, and metrics to manage risks across SAIT.”

Practical learning opportunities like the co-op proram equip students with the skills to navigate real-world challenges and gain invaluable hands-on experience. Co-ops make it easier for students to successfully enter the world of work by providing them with exposure to industry practices and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

 “After my work term, I realized my motivation in the Cybersecurity field is to secure critical infrastructure and ensure the systems we rely on every day continue to operate securely without disruption,” says Fulford.

 “The SAIT Cybersecurity team has been instrumental in shaping my goals and reinforcing my commitment to cybersecurity,” says Nwielaghi. “Co-op is helping me find my footing in the cybersecurity field. I’m gaining valuable skills, building confidence and discovering a clear career path.

Interested in learning more?

Explore SAIT’s work-integrated learning and co-op opportunities to build your skills, connect with industry professionals, and kickstart your journey in cybersecurity. Learn more about how co-op can be a stepping stone to your future success.