Jeremy Damours started our Bachelor’s of Information Technology with Emphasis in Cyber Security program in June 2021 and has maintained straight A’s (4.0 GPA) throughout his education so far. Below he shares more about his journey and some very practical advice for being successful.
Hi, Christian-
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share a little bit about myself!
What has been your secret to success in your education so far?
I believe the secret to success is time management, not necessarily getting ahead but sticking to a sensible schedule. Most of us are really busy and have few, if any, precious hours to devote to schoolwork every day. Instead of trying to do it all in advance or hurrying to do it all at the last minute, spread out your work based on deadlines. In addition, don’t rely solely on classroom textbooks and lab simulations to grow your knowledge. Take charge of your learning by utilizing outside resources to enhance your academic experience. For example, read For Dummies books & online IT/cybersecurity publications, listen to podcasts, build your own PC from scratch, buy a raspberry pi and project kit, or start studying for an entry level certification such as the comptia a+. Furthermore, set aside a little bit of time every day to do something that makes you happy.
What motivated you to start your Bachelor’s in IT?
I have been unhappy for years in my current profession. I wanted to do something different with guaranteed job security and better earning potential. I knew my full time work schedule couldn’t accommodate in-person learning on campus every day so flexibility was key. I also wanted to ensure that my new career could support remote work in case of another pandemic. IT checked all the boxes for me.
What is your goal for your career?
When I initially started the IT/Cybersecurity program at FTC I didn’t really know what my career goal was. I just figured I’d graduate directly into a cybersecurity role with some big company somewhere. The truth is, most people don’t just graduate and land jobs in cybersecurity. They often start out as help desk technicians, field or in-house support technicians, or land internships in IT/cybersecurity. This is why it’s crucial to learn all you can about everything IT and not just focus on cybersecurity alone. My ultimate dream right now is to get smart enough to work in cybersecurity forensics (I don’t know if that’s even a legitimate title yet). I want to help law enforcement solve cybercrimes and make the digital world a safer place.
What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome during your time in school?
Forcing myself to be slow and steady and resisting the urge to be fast and furious in an incredibly challenging accelerated program of study.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a new student just getting started?
While the goal is always to make it to the finish line, don’t focus on the finish line until you’re almost at the finish line. Focus on enjoying the journey. Take it one lab, one test, one paper, one class at a time. Don’t let circumstances dictate your schedule, YOU dictate your own schedule. Become a sponge and soak up everything you can while you’re in college. Most importantly, don’t forget to live your life.
What is your favorite thing you have learned so far?
How packets of data (information) travel across networks and all of the different variables affecting how information gets from point A to point B. I am also incredibly fascinated with intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) and how hackers hack into systems and the solutions organizations implement to protect their systems from breach.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to share a little bit about myself!
Respectfully,
Jeremy Damours
