Clemson University's CSOC: Enhancing Local Students' Careers in Cybersecurity

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Clemson University's Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC), established in February 2016, offers students hands-on experience in cybersecurity. This training is essential given the 32 percent job growth expected in this field from 2022 to 2032, as reported by the U.S. Labor Bureau. The CSOC not only educates students but also allows them to focus on specific cybersecurity areas.

The center benefits from its relationships with various technology groups at Clemson, including CU Hackit and the Cybersecurity Club. These connections help students build a network and develop professionally, which is crucial for securing jobs in cybersecurity. For example, sophomore Malia Fairbanks joined the CSOC after participating in CU Hackit and receiving a recommendation from the center's director.

Clemson’s UPIC program supports internships at the CSOC, enabling students to gain professional experience on campus. This initiative is part of Clemson's broader internship offerings managed by the Office of Information Security. Students, including Fairbanks who joined as a freshman, use these opportunities to enhance their skills alongside their academic studies.

Student experiences, like that of junior Duncan Hogg, underscore the CSOC’s role in career development. Hogg, who began his cybersecurity interest in middle school, joined the CSOC after engaging with the Cybersecurity Club and meeting key personnel at a campus event.