When Ethan Miller first heard about cybersecurity, it wasn’t in a college classroom—it was during a technology club meeting at his high school.
I always liked computers, Ethan says. “But I didn’t realize there were careers focused on protecting systems and stopping hackers.
That curiosity eventually led Ethan to enroll in dual enrollment courses at Yavapai College, where he began exploring the fundamentals of cybersecurity while still finishing high school.
Through YC’s dual enrollment program, Ethan was able to take introductory information technology and networking courses that count toward both high school and college credit.
It was exciting because the classes felt very real, Ethan says. “We weren’t just learning theory—we were working with actual networking tools and security concepts.
In the lab, students learn how computer networks operate and how attackers attempt to exploit weaknesses in those systems.
One of Ethan’s favorite experiences has been working in the cybersecurity lab environment, where students simulate real-world network activity.
During one assignment, Ethan analyzed network traffic to identify suspicious patterns that might indicate an attempted intrusion.
It feels like solving a mystery, he explains. “You’re looking through the data trying to figure out what’s normal and what isn’t.
Students learn how to use tools and techniques such as:
These skills form the foundation of modern cybersecurity work.
Another highlight for Ethan has been learning from instructors who have real-world cybersecurity and networking experience.
Faculty members regularly share examples of current cyber threats and industry practices, helping students understand how their classroom learning connects to real jobs.
Our instructors talk about things happening in cybersecurity right now, Ethan says. “It makes the classes feel really relevant.
By starting early through dual enrollment, Ethan is already building college credits that will help him move quickly through YC’s Cybersecurity and Information Technology programs after graduation.
He plans to continue studying networking and cybersecurity while working toward industry certifications such as:
These certifications are really valuable, Ethan says. “They show employers that you know how to work with real systems.
Cybersecurity continues to be one of the fastest-growing technology fields in the world, and students like Ethan represent the next generation of professionals entering the field.
At first I just thought cybersecurity sounded interesting, Ethan says. “Now I can actually see myself building a career in it.
At Yavapai College, students have the opportunity to explore technology, build real-world skills, and start preparing for cybersecurity careers earlier than ever.
