John Dyson, Class of 2023
Business Intelligence Analyst at PSECU
“The cyber program at Penn State York allowed me to stay local while creating connections and memories that will advance my career tenfold.”
John Dyson earned his bachelor of science degree in Cybersecurity and Analytics Operations, but it is not where he first started.
“Before the cyber program was brought to Penn State York, I had many discussions with my adviser about my career path and potential options,” he said. “I came into York as an aerospace engineer, then I switched to computer science, which would have taken me all the way to Harrisburg. My adviser then informed me of the creation of a cyber program at York; this allowed me to stay local to complete my degree, which was very convenient.”
Dyson credits the faculty at Penn State York for helping him navigate and succeed within the new cyber program.
“My advisers and cyber professors proved very helpful throughout the entire process,” he said. “They ensured that I took the required courses for the degree, but they also made sure I got enough credits for an Information Science and Technology certificate as well! Employers within the cyber industry care about experience and what/how many certifications you have, so I have no doubt that my education at Penn State York will help me get where I need to go.”
Even with the cybersecurity analytics and operations program being young, Dyson’s work within the program was extensive.
“The courses I took within the cyber program were abundant,” he said. “I have taken a few courses on policy writing and framework mapping, including incident response and disaster recovery policies. I have also done some work with various tools such as Ghidra, Splunk, OSForensics, and more to break down assembly code, review Security Operation Center (SOC) information, and complete computer forensics.”
Dyson is confident that his experience with the program has prepared him for his career.
“The experiences I had with understanding and applications of cyber policy will be carried with me into my future endeavors,” he said. “Penn State York has given me connections and opportunities that will help me advance my career and improve my resume.”
Dyson graduated in May 2023, and is now working at the Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union (PSECU) as a business intelligence analyst.
“I had a lot of options post-graduation,” he said. “Thanks to my advisers and the faculty here at Penn State York, I felt prepared no matter what I decided to do.”