IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH DEONTAY

 Year: Senior

 Major: Computing

Why did you choose this major? "Originally, I was a Computer Engineering major, but after coming here, I saw they didn't have that exact major. So after looking further into it, I chose Computing because I'm more into the technical and programming side of computers; plus I get to learn about Cybersecurity as well."

How long have you worked at UWG? "Since February 2023."

Title: Student Systems Administrator

Describe what you do here. "My main role is user account administration, but my job also entails installing servers, helping other departments with their needs--such as installs. I triage tickets with my supervisors and shadow them. Setting up all the environments for Linux and Windows and housing the data center for the campus are other things I do."

What interests you/do you enjoy most about your job? "The ability to learn. My supervisors assist me in learning anywhere. I enjoy that I'm not just stuck or forced into one position. I can venture out to learn from other departments about networking, cybersecurity, and client services. They truly want to set you up for success. My favorite part is that I'm not just treated like a student worker. They treat me, train me, and teach me like a regular employee."

What is a goal you've accomplished or something you're proud of since working here? "Getting my start in IT, and not just in a help desk role, but in systems administration, is a huge accomplishment for me. Before starting, I knew nothing about systems, but after getting my foot in the door, I've learned so much about networking, security systems and user account access management."

Aside from experience, what have you gained from your time here? "In addition to transferable hard and soft skills, I've gotten the opportunity to network with current and past employees. I got the opportunity to attend a conference in Atlanta where I met new people and got to learn more about the vendors we use."

What career do you see for yourself? "I would like to work in the field of cybersecurity. I'm not sure which area yet, but Application Security is definitely at the top of the list."

How will working in this role help you in your future career? "As Admins, we work closely with security, and on the server side, we also do some patching. So monitoring vulnerabilities and patching those up will help later on since that encompasses the field."

 Best piece of advice you've received being here. "People often are shy or afraid to look stupid when  they're new, but don't be afraid to ask questions.  Everyone here is so helpful and are more than willing to  teach you, but you have to put yourself out there."

 What advice do you have for other students looking to get into the ITS field? "Apply and have the willingness to  learn. Talk to your professors. Don't worry about the pay, and take advantage of the opportunities available on-campus, whether it's an internship or student employment, because not enough students do. Often opportunities as a student are hard to find locally."