Get Hands On Cybersecurity Skills with Walsh's Master's Program

Walsh College

20 Mar 202401:27

Summary

TLDRThe speaker discusses the challenges of transitioning from theoretical education to practical application in academia, particularly in cybersecurity programs. They emphasize the importance of hands-on experience, noting that graduates from other institutions often lack this crucial skill set. The speaker highlights the unique approach of their institution, Walsh, in providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring that students are employable upon graduation with the necessary competencies to excel in the field.

Takeaways

🎯 The speaker transitioned from a theoretical approach to academia with a goal to revamp a program.
🚀 The program aims to meet the needs of hiring supervisors and fulfill the requirements of organizations.
🌟 The vision is to build graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical competencies that make them immediately employable.
📚 The program emphasizes teaching theory alongside significant hands-on experience.
🙅‍♂️ The speaker refrains from naming specific institutions to maintain a respectful comparison.
🎓 Students from other institutions, despite having cybersecurity bachelor's degrees, seek further education for practical skills.
🛠️ Walsh College stands out by providing the hands-on skills that are often lacking in other programs.
🏆 Walsh College is considered the best by some due to its comprehensive approach to education, combining theory with practical skills.
📈 The emphasis on hands-on learning is a key factor in students' ability to secure jobs in the field.
💼 The ultimate goal is to prepare students with the necessary skills to perform effectively in their jobs right from the start.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience with academia?
-The speaker initially had a theoretical approach to academia, lacking hands-on experience.
What did the speaker aim to change in the program they were involved with?
-The speaker aimed to revamp the program to ensure it met the needs of hiring supervisors and organizations by producing graduates with the necessary skills and competencies.
What was the guiding principle or strategy behind the program's revamp?
-The guiding principle was to build a program that would graduate students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that employers are looking for.
How does the speaker describe the process of integrating hands-on learning into the curriculum?
-The speaker emphasizes that while theory is taught, a significant focus is placed on hands-on learning to prepare students for the workforce.
What issue did some students face with their previous cyber security education?
-Some students who had completed cyber security bachelor's degrees from other institutions felt they did not receive any hands-on experience.
Why do students choose to attend Walsh for their master's degree after getting a bachelor's elsewhere?
-Students choose to attend Walsh for their master's to gain the practical, hands-on skills that they believe are necessary to land a job in the field.
What makes Walsh different according to the speaker?
-Walsh is different because it not only provides theoretical education but also backs it up with practical, hands-on skills training.
What is the speaker's perspective on the importance of hands-on skills in education?
-The speaker believes that hands-on skills are crucial for students to be job-ready and competitive in the job market.
How does the speaker address the challenge of delivering a curriculum that balances theory and hands-on practice?
-The speaker acknowledges that while the goal is straightforward, the process of delivering such a curriculum is not easy and requires a deliberate focus on practical skills.
What is the speaker's advice to those looking to pursue a degree in cyber security?
-The speaker advises prospective students to seek out programs, like the one at Walsh, that offer a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience.
What is the ultimate goal of the program as described by the speaker?
-The ultimate goal of the program is to produce graduates who are equipped with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to excel in their cyber security careers.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Revamping the Academic Program for Practical Skills

The speaker discusses their transition from theoretical academia to a more hands-on approach. They emphasize the importance of aligning the program with the needs of hiring supervisors and organizations, aiming to produce graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The speaker highlights the difference their institution, Walsh, makes by providing hands-on training that some students did not receive in their previous cybersecurity bachelor's programs. The goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to perform effectively in the workforce.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Academia

Academia refers to the community of scholars and the study, research, and teaching activities that take place within universities and other educational institutions. In the context of the video, the speaker has moved into academia to revamp a program, indicating a shift from a possibly more theoretical or hands-off role to one of direct involvement in education and skill development.

💡Revamp

To revamp means to make significant changes or improvements to something, often with the intention of modernizing or updating it to meet current standards or needs. In the video, the speaker talks about revamping a program to ensure it delivers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which are essential for the job market.

💡Guiding Light

The term 'Guiding Light' is often used metaphorically to describe a source of guidance, inspiration, or direction. In the video, it is used to describe the vision or strategy that underpins the educational program, which aims to produce graduates who are employable and具备 the necessary skills for the cybersecurity field.

💡Skills and Competencies

Skills and competencies are the abilities and knowledge that a person needs to perform a job effectively. In the context of the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not only teaching theoretical aspects but also providing hands-on training to develop the practical skills and competencies required by employers in the cybersecurity field.

💡Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and sensitive information from digital attacks. It is a field that requires a deep understanding of various technologies, as well as the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to security threats. In the video, the speaker discusses students who have obtained bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity but lack practical hands-on experience, which they seek to gain at Walsh.

💡Hands-On

Hands-on refers to practical, direct experience or involvement in a task or activity. In the context of the video, the emphasis is on providing students with hands-on training in cybersecurity to complement their theoretical knowledge and prepare them for the workforce.

💡Hiring Supervisors

Hiring supervisors are individuals or managers responsible for recruiting, interviewing, and selecting new employees within an organization. In the video, the speaker mentions the needs of hiring supervisors as a key consideration in revamping the educational program, indicating that the curriculum is designed to meet the expectations and requirements of industry professionals.

💡Strategy

A strategy is a well-thought-out plan of action designed to achieve a particular goal or objective. In the video, the speaker talks about the strategy behind building a program that not only teaches theory but also provides practical, hands-on skills, which is a strategic approach to align education with the demands of the cybersecurity industry.

💡Bachelor's Degrees

A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities after completion of a specified program of study, typically lasting four years in many countries. In the video, the speaker mentions students who have obtained bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity from other institutions but lack the practical skills needed for employment, leading them to pursue further education at Walsh.

💡Masters

A master's degree is an advanced academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a program of study that typically requires one to two years of study after obtaining a bachelor's degree. In the context of the video, students who have completed their bachelor's degrees in cybersecurity choose to pursue a master's at Walsh to acquire the practical skills they need for their careers.

💡Employability

Employability refers to the qualities and skills that make a person suitable for, or more likely to gain, employment. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching students not just theory but also the hands-on skills that enhance their employability in the cybersecurity field.

Highlights

Transition from theoretical to hands-on approach in academia.

Revamping the program to meet hiring supervisors' and organizations' needs.

Building graduates with skills and competencies that are employable.

Teaching theory with a significant emphasis on hands-on learning.

Students from other institutions lacking practical cybersecurity experience.

Students seeking hands-on skills to enhance their employability.

Walsh's educational approach: theory backed by practical skills.

The challenge of delivering a curriculum that balances theory and practice.

The Guiding Light or strategy behind building the program.

Walsh's distinction in providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Students' testimonials about the lack of hands-on experience in their previous education.

Walsh's commitment to preparing students for the job market.

The importance of hands-on skills in landing a job in cybersecurity.

The shift in educational philosophy to prioritize practical application.

The vision of creating a program that stands out in terms of practical preparedness.

The strategy of combining theoretical education with real-world skills.

The appeal of Walsh's program for students seeking a comprehensive education.