For Jacorious Smith, a Boise State University graduate and current cybersecurity engineer for Ada County, the Cyber Operations and Resilience (CORe) program was a pivotal step in launching his career in cybersecurity. Reflecting on his experience, Smith emphasized the unique sense of community and support the program offers, which he found invaluable during his time at Boise State.
“I would recommend this program because of the community,” Smith said. “It’s tight-knit, and the people here genuinely care about your success.”
From Military to Cybersecurity
Smith’s journey into cybersecurity began after his military service. Having always held an interest in computers, Smith found the transition to cybersecurity natural. He was driven by his desire to protect and ensure the safety of others, a value he carried over from his time in the military.
“The military taught me the importance of protection, and I wanted to apply that in a new field,” Smith explained. “Cybersecurity allowed me to do just that, but in a different way.”
The Practical, Hands-On Approach of the CORe Program
Smith noted that one of the most valuable aspects of the CORe program is its focus on hands-on experience. Unlike programs that lean heavily on theoretical knowledge, Boise State’s CORe program equips students with tools they will encounter in real-world cybersecurity environments.
“It’s not just theory,” Smith shared. “You’re actually getting hands-on experience with the tools and resources you’ll be using on the job. That made all the difference for me.”
Building Connections and Career Opportunities
Another key element Smith highlighted was the program’s emphasis on community-building and collaboration. The CORe program includes a Discord group where students can connect, exchange ideas, and support one another in their coursework. This sense of community, according to Smith, was reminiscent of the camaraderie he experienced in the military.
In addition to fostering student connections, the program supports professional growth by providing certification opportunities and internships. Students can earn certifications as part of their coursework or receive course credit independently. Employers highly value these certifications and often serve as a key differentiator in the job market.
Smith credited the CORe program for helping him secure multiple internships and advance his career, noting that the program’s Cyberdome even paid for his certification.
“The Cyberdome gave me real-life cybersecurity analyst work and paid for my certification, which definitely helped my career,” he said.
Lifelong Skills for the Workplace and Beyond
Smith emphasized that the skills learned in the CORe program are not just applicable in the workplace—they can be used at home as well. As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, understanding how to protect personal information has never been more critical.
“You can take these skills home with you and teach them to your family,” Smith said. “There are people out there trying to steal your information every day, whether you’re at work or at home.”