Building a future in Cybersecurity

From a young age, Erik Ryan knew he wanted to pursue a career in technology. As he prepares to earn his associate degree in Cybersecurity next year, from South Texas College, Ryan hopes to turn his passion into a successful profession.

At just 12 years old, Ryan’s interest in technology began when he first learned how to program computers. What started as a curiosity, quickly turned into something more, as he discovered a natural ability and a strong interest in the field.

“It came easy to me,” said Ryan. “Once I started learning, I realized this was something I really enjoyed and wanted to keep doing.”

As he learned more and grew his skills, Ryan developed an interest in cybersecurity, specifically in areas such as penetration testing and protecting systems from potential threats.

Ryan’s motivation comes from the opportunity to make a difference. He hopes to use his knowledge to protect individuals and organizations from cyberattacks, data breaches and other cyber risks that continue to happen in today’s digital world.

At STC, Ryan is appreciative of the supportive environment that has helped him continue to grow his skills. With the dedication of faculty members and the hands-on experience provided, it has allowed him to grow in ways he is most excited about.

“They’re very helpful and understanding,” Ryan said. “They give us different ways to learn, which really makes a difference.”

Ryan encourages students to stay focused and take advantage of the opportunities available to them. He believes success comes from consistency and putting in the effort to stay on track.

“Everything adds up,” he said. “Just stay focused and keep up with your assignments.”

Ryan hopes his journey shows students that with dedication and passion, turning an interest into a career is possible.