For Brandon Twine, the road to earning a bachelor’s degree came with unexpected roadblocks, most significantly the untimely passing of his father.
It was during his time as a manager at Burger King that Brandon made the decision to return to original academic goals. He’d always aspired to become the first college graduate in his family, and now was the time to make that happen.
Brandon’s path led him to ECPI University, a decision driven by two crucial factors: speed and hands-on learning. He loved "the university's accelerated degree program, which allowed me to earn my degree swiftly, and the practical, hands-on approach to learning," said Brandon.
One of the standout features of ECPI University, for Brandon, was ECPI’s commitment to maintaining small class sizes, and fostering an environment of collaboration and support. During his time with ECPI, he formed lifelong friendships, all while understanding the importance of teamwork in the IT industry.
"We gained the skill of succeeding as a team, and this experience has proven to be invaluable in my professional journey within the IT sector," Brandon shared.
In August 2023, Brandon’s hard work paid off. He had officially earned his bachelor's degree in cybersecurity at ECPI's Virginia Beach campus.
Today, Brandon is proudly working in his field. He serves as a Team Lead for Systems Administrators, with responsibilities encompassing the oversight of virtualized servers crucial to the Navy's cybersecurity infrastructure. His work is both challenging and fulfilling, describing it as a rewarding endeavor of substantial importance that does not overwhelm him.
Brandon's accomplishments extend beyond his degree; he has earned an impressive 21 IT certifications. Why so many?
"These certifications have yielded immediate dividends in my career. In the 14 months since joining my company, I have been promoted twice, demonstrating my ambition and my commitment to personal growth," said Brandon.
The best advice for current ECPI students, according to Brandon, is to place significant emphasis on the value of certifications.
"Certifications come at a significant cost, but we are fortunate to attend a college that is willing to invest thousands of dollars in our education," he said.
From his prior role as a Burger King employee just two years ago to his current position at the helm of a team dedicated to safeguarding the Navy against cybersecurity threats, Brandon views his decision to enroll at ECPI University as "the best decision I ever made."