Tag: #CYSC | Blogs

For Durham College (DC) alum and cybersecurity professional Randy Baret, earning a Cybersecurity graduate certificate in 2023 was a pivotal step in launching a successful and rewarding career in Canada.

Baret now lives in Saskatoon where he serves as Cybersecurity Manager for VLT Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC). Reflecting on his time at DC, he credits the program with equipping him for success in his career.

“The program’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning through industry-standard labs and case studies allowed me to develop and refine the skills necessary to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures,” he said. “Working alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, we tackled complex cybersecurity challenges, which not only enhanced my technical skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.”

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Baret was an accomplished cybersecurity professional before pursuing DC’s graduate certificate. He holds a Master’s degree in cybersecurity from Instituto Tecnologico de Santo Domingo, a diploma in cybersecurity from Florida International University and several industry-recognized certifications.

He served as Chief Information Officer at a private company in the Dominican Republic where he was responsible for safeguarding critical digital assets and developing security strategies. Seeking international exposure and advanced knowledge, he chose DC’s Cybersecurity program to further enhance his expertise.

His practical advice for students looking pursue a similar path is to embrace lifelong learning and embrace hands-on experiences.

“The cybersecurity landscape is ever evolving. Stay updated with the latest threats, technologies, and best practices by pursuing continuous education and relevant certifications,” he said. “Durham College’s emphasis on practical learning provides a solid foundation. Engage deeply in lab sessions and real-world projects to hone your skills.”

Baret also believes networking actively with peers, instructors and industry professionals and seeking experiential learning opportunities like internships and co-op are essential for career success.

“Take advantage of Durham College’s resources, such as the Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation, which offers applied research services and education in cybersecurity.”

Baret points out that soft skills are an important component of career success.

“Technical expertise is crucial, but soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. These skills will enhance your effectiveness in collaborative environments.”

Grad spotlight: Melanie Gimoto

For Cybersecurity student Melanie Gimoto, experiential learning opportunities at Durham College (DC) – including a co-op placement – led directly to landing a job in her field upon graduation.

Originally from the Philippines, Gimoto worked as a software developer there before moving to Singapore where she worked as a software engineer and then later as a security assessor.

“That’s where my hunger to understand cybersecurity began,” she said. Gimoto decided to look for a college in Canada, ultimately selecting Durham College’s Cybersecurity (graduate certificate) program.

An honour roll student at DC, Gimoto found the school to be a vibrant and welcoming institution.

“The campus is modern and well-equipped, providing a comfortable and conducive environment for learning,” she said. “The faculty is knowledgeable and approachable, always ready to assist and guide students in their academic journeys.”

She took full advantage of practical opportunities in her program. For example, for a hacking course, she demonstrated the dangers of connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi by simulating a man-in-the-middle attack using a Wi-Fi Pineapple, a device that allows hackers to intercept messages between two parties. She said students at DC get a chance to work on real-world projects through the DC Centre for Cybersecurity Innovation.

“While studying, I was able to acquire a job in the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) as a cybersecurity research assistant,” she explains. “It was a really exciting role as we were developing practical solutions for partner companies, even as a student.”

Her co-op placement at CarltonOne Engagement led to a job as a cyber risk analyst.

“The role involves the sophisticated analysis of phishing emails and threat commands and ensuring that potential vulnerabilities are swiftly identified and addressed,” said Gimoto. “In addition, I conduct in-depth risk assessments providing valuable insights into the security landscape and meticulously analyze threat alerts to safeguard the organization’s digital assets and integrity.”

Her advice to students in the cybersecurity program is to look for a community to support them in their learning and she recommends joining professional groups like the Toronto chapter of ISACA, a global association for IT professionals and WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity).

“Foster a love for learning and you’ll experience continuous growth,” she said. “That’s essential for achieving success in any field where continual learning is of utmost importance, especially in the cybersecurity landscape.”

—

Are you ready to start your career in IT? Check out these popular programs offered at DC in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Information Technology (SEIT):

Cybersecurity expert Randy Baret on how Durham College’s graduate certificate helped him launch his career in Canada

Cybersecurity student transforms co-op placement into full-time job

Grad spotlight: Melanie Gimoto