NCDIT has launched a new cybersecurity internship program in partnership with the Carolina Cyber Network. The program was announced by Teena Piccione, N.C. Department of Information Technology Secretary, Bernice Russell-Bond, State Chief Information Security Officer, and Dr. Mark Sorrells, president of Fayetteville Technical Community College and executive director of the Carolina Cyber Network, at an event on July 7.
This new internship program will start this fall and provide real-world cybersecurity experience to students who are enrolled in CCN member schools while expanding the state's information technology workforce.
Interns will work up to 25 hours a week in remote roles at NCDIT that will give them experience and learning opportunities in various aspects of cybersecurity and information technology.
"Cybersecurity is one of our state’s top priorities, and the Carolina Cyber Network is an outstanding partner in our efforts to nurture cyber talent and strengthen our cyber defense capabilities," said Secretary Piccione. “We’re excited to establish this new program that will help us stay ahead of the rapidly evolving threat landscape while supporting important career pathways.”
"FTCC and the Carolina Cyber Network are proud to collaborate with NCDIT to provide student interns who will work in concert with NCDIT staff to help strengthen the state's cybersecurity posture," said Dr. Sorrells. "The initiative will also serve to expand the talent pool available to our public and private employers to further safeguard critical information and resources essential to our national defense. Through this learn-and-earn opportunity, students will gain valuable work experience to prepare them for careers in cybersecurity."
"On-the-job training is key to success in the cybersecurity field," said Russell-Bond. "This program will help students reinforce what they're learning in the classroom in a practical setting while also filling a critical gap in the state's workforce. It's a win-win."
Take a look at more photos from the launch event on NCDIT’s Flickr account and video on YouTube.