USF launches new cybersecurity program
TAMPA (FOX 13) - USF’s College Of Business and Tampa-based cybersecurity company ReliaQuest, kicked off a partnership that could launch students into a well-paid career.
On Friday, they held a virtual ribbon cutting for a program to train students to go into the exploding industry of cybersecurity, where starting salaries can range between $55,000 and $75,000 a year.
Desiree Dixon is one of 35 people in the first class.
“I jumped right on it,” she said. “I just had to be one of those students.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, “ College of Business Dean Moez Limayem told FOX 13. “Not only do they get a scholarship, they have hands-on training on the latest techniques and know-how and infrastructure in one of the most sought-after areas of cybersecurity.”
ReliaQuest invested $1 million to get the month-long program going. It will be taught by USF professors along with staffers from ReliaQuest.
Even though it is a project of the business school, students from any discipline can get involved.
“What we look for are the basics," said ReliaQuest founder and CEO, Brian Murphy. “Attitude, energy and effort.”
Many of the students hope to get internships and then jobs at ReliaQuest upon graduation.