When Maria Hernandez first enrolled at Yavapai College’s Prescott Campus, she wasn’t entirely sure which path in technology she wanted to pursue. What she did know was that she loved solving problems and wanted a career in a field that was growing fast.
I kept hearing about cybersecurity in the news,” Maria says. “Every week there’s another data breach or cyber attack. I realized people with these skills are really needed.
Maria began exploring YC’s Information Technology and Cybersecurity certificates, starting with foundational courses that introduced her to networking and computer systems.
Maria’s first step was working toward the Computer Support Specialist certificate, a program designed to teach students how to install, troubleshoot, and support computers and servers in small to medium-sized networks.
The coursework introduced her to:
Through hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, Maria learned how technology works behind the scenes.
The labs were my favorite part,” she says. “Instead of just reading about systems, we actually set them up, broke them, and learned how to fix them.
The program also prepares students for the CompTIA A+ Certified IT Technician certification, one of the most widely recognized credentials for entry-level IT professionals.
After completing her foundational coursework, Maria decided to continue with the Cisco Networking Specialist certificate.
In this program, students learn how to install and support medium to large computer networks, with a focus on configuring Cisco routers and switches.
Maria spent hours in the networking lab learning how to:
The program prepares students for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam, a globally respected networking certification.
Networking is really the backbone of cybersecurity,” Maria explains. “If you don’t understand how networks work, it’s hard to protect them.
With a strong networking foundation, Maria continued into the Cybersecurity Specialist certificate, where the focus shifts to protecting systems from digital threats.
Students in the program learn how to:
During one lab exercise, Maria and her classmates analyzed simulated network traffic to identify suspicious activity.
It felt like solving a puzzle,” she says. “You’re looking for patterns that might indicate someone is trying to break into a system.
The coursework helps prepare students for the CompTIA Security+ certification, one of the most widely recognized credentials for cybersecurity professionals.
Maria appreciates that the YC program combines technical training with career preparation. Faculty members regularly talk about industry expectations and certification pathways that can help students advance.
By stacking certificates and building experience step by step, Maria is preparing for an entry-level cybersecurity role after graduation.
She also plans to continue earning advanced certifications in the future, such as:
These skills open so many doors,” she says. “Cybersecurity is one of those fields where you’re always learning something new.
For Maria, cybersecurity is more than just a career—it’s a mission.
From protecting businesses to safeguarding personal information, cybersecurity professionals play a critical role in today’s digital world.
At the end of the day,” Maria says, “it feels good knowing the work we do can help protect people and organizations.
At Yavapai College, students like Maria are gaining the skills they need to become the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
