A full month dedicated to cybersecurity

The perfect time to learn more about the growing field and demand for cybersecurity and IT professionals.

If you have ever been curious about a career in cybersecurity, October is your month. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Davenport has a few engaging events to help you learn more about this booming career field.

Cybersecurity Summit

Cybersecurity is among the most lucrative and fastest-growing segments of the IT workforce. Whether you are considering a career in cybersecurity or are a seasoned tech professional, you won't want to miss this engaging presentation from Sara Schmidt. Sara will talk about her journey within the IT industry and will provide some golden insights. 

Bytes and refreshments will be served!

When: October 12, 2023 | 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm 

Where: W.A. Lettinga Campus Auditorium

Register here

Keynote speaker

Sara Schmidt
SVP, Chief Information Security Officer at US Foods

In her nearly 20-year career in Information Security, Sara Schmidt has established her reputation as an inclusive, proactive leader focused on delivering the highest-value security outcomes for business partners. In her current role, Schmidt serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at US Foods, where she leads the organization’s cyber defense strategy, responsible for ensuring the information and cybersecurity of the organization’s systems, processes and people.

Schmidt began her career as a cryptography analyst with the National Security Agency (NSA), learning best practices and tactics to be an effective hacker and defender. After eight years with the NSA, she transitioned for the first time into the private sector, joining PerrigoCompany in 2011. She later joined Farmers Insurance, where she was promoted to CISO in 2019. During her tenure there, Schmidt helped the company transition to a security-minded organization with a focus on risk reduction and data privacy. She then joined US Foods in 2022.

Schmidt is passionate about advocating for women in Innovation and Technology, especially Information Security. She co-founded the Farmers Insurance Women in Cyber Security affiliate program and mentors through the Council of Women in Technology. She also engages in Summer STEM programs, where she encourages youth to develop the skills for advancement in the IT industry.

Schmidt holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan and a Master of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University.

Beyond work life, Schmidt is a busy mother to four kids, ages ranging from 6 to 16 years old. She is also an avid fan of professional cycling and a reader of historical fiction and sci-fi books.  

 

 

sara schmidt

 

Take a look at additional happenings this month:

Free professional photos

(Open to current students and faculty/staff)  

Updating your social media for cybersecurity jobs or internships? Get your free professional headshot. 

When: October 17 | 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Donald W. Maine College of Business on the W.A. Lettinga campus

No appointment necessary!

Tech Talk Tuesday: Learn about DU’s cybersecurity program!

Explore the program, learn about scholarships you qualify for and the admissions process.

When: October 17 | 4:00 pm
Where: Virtual

Save your seat

Why should you consider a cybersecurity degree at Davenport?

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National recognition

The Davenport University College of Technology is one of only a select number of schools in Michigan designated by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

 

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More scholarships

We are the only university in Michigan to be awarded a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train and educate the nation’s next generation of cybersecurity experts—which means more scholarship opportunities for you!

 

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Hands-on learning

Our College of Technology is equipped with state-of-the-art software and programs so you get all the hands-on learning you need for a career in this fast-paced, in-demand field. Davenport is also Cisco certified. 

 

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Preparation for industry exams

Prepare for industry certifications while you earn your degree by taking Davenport’s computer security courses, designed to align with IT industry exams like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

 

Certificate in

Cyber Defense and Security

 

Bachelor's in

Cyber Defense

Master's in

Information Assurance & Cyber Security

 Explore all College of Technology programs

Why should you consider a cybersecurity degree at Davenport?

  • National recognition: Davenport University is one of only a select number of colleges designated as a U.S. Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAD-CDE) by the NSA and DHS. We are also one of only 16 schools to be recognized as the Center of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence (CDFAE) by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center.
  • Industry Experts: Davenport faculty are so highly credentialed and accomplished in their field that many of them train cyber defense trainers through the ASC Alliance.
  • Full-tuition scholarships and guaranteed jobs: In addition to Davenport University’s generous financial aid packages, you could also earn full-tuition scholarships and guaranteed jobs through National Science Foundation or DoD Cybersecurity initiatives.

"Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart."

Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) created this year's evergreen theme to help encourage individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.

Additional cybersecurity resources

Woman typing on computer

Which schools should you consider for your cybersecurity degree?

Walk through the common denominators among schools that lead the pack in cybersecurity education. 

cyber design

The evolution of corporate cybersecurity: How times have changed!

What do you think of when you hear the words "corporate cybersecurity"? Many think an organization’s cybersecurity is handled by a room full of frazzled anti-social IT wizards who hover over laptops in a dimly lit room. The truth is, today’s cybersecurity could not be more different. 

male and female working on network server

Open a network of opportunities with a cybersecurity degree

There are 310,000+ job openings in cybersecurity in the United States. Learn more about cyber jobs and what you can expect in the future. 

Cyber defense article

Cyber Defense degree creates a second chance for a successful career

A woman in her 50s reimagines her career opportunities with a new degree in cyber defense and a guaranteed job with the federal government.

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