En route to earning a certificate in cyber security, student lands great job

Less than two years later, the Salem High School graduate holds a position as a systems analyst with a local firm.

“Most people start in a call center right out of school, but I leap-frogged and got really lucky with a great job. I’m learning a lot and the environment is great.”

DeBusk said he came to TCC for hands-on experience.

“I think community college is designed to offer more well-rounded and technical based instruction,” he said. “I’m just glad to finally be getting an adult paycheck.”

DeBusk is working toward his Career Studies Certificate in Cyber Security at TCC and plans to transfer to Old Dominion University to study information technology.

His dream job is to lead a network security team or to work for a U.S. government agency.

“My TCC experience has been all about devoted professors and great equipment, and has translated over to my job,” he said. 

He is certified in Security+ and working toward additional industry credentials.

TCC is the latest Virginia institution to be named a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the United States National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

This designation recognizes schools that excel in preparing students to become leaders in cyber security and establishes TCC as a national model in this growing field.

TCC cyber security classes are taught by well-qualified faculty members who hold master’s degrees in the field, are experienced, and possess relevant industry credentials.

For more information on TCC’s cybersecurity degree and certificates, visit www.tcc.edu/cybersecurity or email rguess@tcc.edu.