Fischer Cook just entered his twenties and, thanks to ECPI University’s Charleston campus, already holds a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
Cook, a Charleston, SC native, first started taking classes at ECPI as part of the Cyber Dual Credit Program through Summerville High School.
“I always had a STEM interest,” said Cook. “Growing up I was into big machines, Thomas the Train, and anything engineering.”
During his junior and senior years, Cook was able to take courses that provided introductions to programming, networking, and cloud computing. What he had started on a whim in high school ended up being something he really enjoyed learning. In fact, Cook said, taking those classes helped him realize he wanted to pursue cybersecurity as a career.
Cook took the summer off after he graduated high school before continuing what he started at ECPI University. This time, Cook was a full-time college student.
If you’re STEM-minded like Cook, cybersecurity can present a career path that aligns with your personal interests.
“Cybersecurity is like a puzzle or game at times,” he said. “You have to be a bit curious about how the internet works and pay attention to the real world.”
He soon became a fixture at the new Charleston campus, where Cook signed up to participate in ECPI’s work study program outside of class. He’d created a community for himself at ECPI. The campus itself was extensively renovated before ECPI relocated
there in 2021 from its previous location. Cook loved the new space.
“It’s such a nice campus,” he said. “The new campus used to be the old College of Charleston building. It’s a lot sleeker than the old campus, with more room for parking and IT labs.”
ECPI builds a foundation of knowledge as students progress in their programs. Things just start really clicking this way, said Cook, especially when you learn how “everything on the internet is directly or indirectly connected to each other by a cable.” In computer configuration class, he got familiar with the parts of a PC and how to put them together.
“It makes more sense when you can see how computers function when you’ve built your own PC,” he said.
His time in school wasn’t without hardship, especially managing the Crohn’s disease he was diagnosed with in high school. Cook had to manage getting his infusions, along with the side effects, which he scheduled on Fridays when he didn’t have class. When his aunt died during his senior year, the ECPI staff worked with him as he took a five-week term off to care for and mourn this beloved family member.
“They were very understanding,” said Cook.
ECPI’s Career Services department works with students and graduates to put their best foot forward as they enter the job market. Knowing that certifications along with a degree could set him up for success, Cook set his eyes on graduating with a certification under his belt, the CompTIA Security+. “It’s a hard test to take,” said Cook, but he did it and passed!
Cook graduated in November 2023 and is looking forward to starting a career as a cyber analyst or in an IT support or help desk role. He highly recommends the path he took, starting with the dual enrollment. “If you have the time and opportunity to do it, it can shave off up to half a year,” he said. “Maybe I’ll get my master’s one day, but right now, I’m 20 years old, have a college degree, and get to be a young adult.”