Cybersecurity Instructor Eric Waterkotte engages students using a variety of resources to prepare them for success in this very relevant and growing field. Read on for more from a recent Q and A.
What is your favorite part of the Cybersecurity Program at Peninsula College?
My favorite part of the cybersecurity program is how relevant and empowering the skills are. Cybersecurity, in 2020, affects everyone. Learning how to navigate the complex waters of our modern technologies and the security risks that come with it is extremely engaging to me.
What led you to eventually becoming an instructor in the Cybersecurity Program?
I have always enjoyed helping people learn things they thought were too complicated or technical. Showing people that with curiosity, passion and a good work ethic, anyone can find their way into a fulfilling technical career. I love sharing my stories of working for a variety of technology companies over the years and how my experiences can help the next generation thrive as they start their careers.
How would you describe your teaching style within this program?
I would describe my teaching style as one that focuses on real world scenarios applied in safe learning environments. Teaching online or face to face, I like to be a very active part of (students) learning and share my real world experience in various technical roles.
What makes your program stand out?
What makes this program stand out is how relevant it is to our modern world, and how useful the skills we cover are. No matter what your career plans are.
What type of resources do you offer students in this program to support them in being successful?
We employ a variety of cutting edge tools, technologies, content, and presentation techniques to make sure each student has what they need to be successful.
What type of career options do students have graduating from this program?
Cybersecurity specific jobs are still very difficult to fill, which means there are tons of career opportunities. What is really cool about cybersecurity skills and the jobs that are out there is that you can work in a very wide range of industries. There are tremendous growth opportunities to continue advancing your career as you move on from an entry level job. This really is a life-long career if you want it.
For more information about PC’s Cybersecurity Program contact Eric Waterkotte at ewaterkotte@pencol.edu or call (360) 417-6270.
