LCCC’s IT Program is landing students jobs right now

Shawn Broad wasn’t convinced he was ready for a Microsoft internship while he was a student in Laramie County Community College’s cybersecurity program. 

He was encouraged to apply by Troy Amick, LCCC’s Information Technology Program director, but the idea of working at Microsoft’s data center, a prominent new employer in Cheyenne, felt overwhelming.

“It was probably a bit of imposter syndrome,” Shawn said with a laugh. “I didn’t know if I knew enough to be a good representative of the school and myself at Microsoft.”

Troy didn’t drop it. A couple of months later, he asked Shawn to reconsider. That’s when Shawn began to wonder whether Troy saw something in him that he hadn’t yet seen in himself.

“I thought, ‘If Troy thinks I’m ready, I can probably figure it out,’” Shawn said. “I found out when I got there that I was more prepared than I thought.” 

Today, Shawn has a full-time job at Microsoft in Cheyenne, an opportunity that began with his internship through LCCC. Working inside Microsoft’s data center, he responds to service tickets, replaces failed hardware and keeps the servers that power businesses and online systems running.

Stories like Shawn’s are becoming more common.

LCCC’s Information Technology Program prepares students for entry-level roles in cybersecurity, networking and systems administration with an emphasis on hands-on training. Students learn everything from server management and telecommunications systems to mobile and web applications, earning multiple credit diplomas and nationally recognized certifications before they graduate. 

“We structure our programs to give students hands-on experience and introduce them to real-world scenarios,” said K.D. Thurman, LCCC’s IT Pathway coordinator. “Additionally, we’ve built in industry certifications into the curriculum. This allows students to earn professional certifications in addition to their degree that show employers that they are skilled in a variety of areas.”

When it comes to the cybersecurity program, LCCC’s offering is elite. The program is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency, a recognition considered the gold standard for cybersecurity education. The designation means the curriculum meets rigorous national workforce standards and opens doors to federal scholarships, direct hiring pathways with defense and intelligence agencies and seamless credit transfer to other recognized programs.

Many programs can be completed in less than two years, allowing students to enter the workforce quickly. 

Folks across the world see their lives changing with technology daily, and every industry relies on secure, stable technology. Hospitals, banks, schools, energy companies, fire safety, law enforcement and more all depend on networks and data systems that have to work and have to be protected. The demand for trained IT professionals is strong in Wyoming and across the nation, and it continues to grow as technology evolves.

Cybersecurity jobs are projected to grow nearly 30% over the next decade, and median pay across computer and IT roles now tops $100,000 a year.

For students in Wyoming, that demand translates into opportunity. Instead of leaving the state to find high-paying, stable work, graduates can step into careers that support the digital infrastructure communities rely on every day.

Cybersecurity careers, K.D. said, are popular among students because they offer room to grow, starting with entry-level roles and building toward higher pay and responsibility.

“Most businesses require IT and cybersecurity services, so there is a lot of opportunity for our students to break into the industry and earn a livable wage, then have opportunities for advancement as they grow in their career,” she said. 

Cybersecurity major Jordan Ream discovered his interest in IT through LCCC’s dual enrollment courses taken while he was a student at Central High School. An older friend went through LCCC’s Cybersecurity program and found a great job, Jordan said. No one in his family had a tech background, and Jordan said he’s a “normal high school kid who games.” 

After touring LCCC and meeting Troy and other IT instructors, Jordan said he knew he’d be able to find his path in cybersecurity. After graduating from Central in 2024, Jordan enrolled and took on the challenge. 

“I feel like my confidence grows every day,” he said. “This program gives you a lot of information to take in, and there are times where I am not sure I can retain it all, but then we actually apply it in a lab, and I realize I’ve picked up more knowledge than I thought I had.” 

Working in health care during the pandemic took a toll on Bailey Larsen. She wanted a career change, but knew it could be a challenge as a full-time mom who worked part-time to help support her family.

Like her counterparts in Jordan and Shawn, Bailey had no IT background to speak of when entering the program. By pacing her degree plan out over a longer period of time, Bailey can manage her demanding schedule. Many of her classes are asynchronous, meaning she can stream in for in-person classes and even watch certain sessions later if she can’t attend. 

Whether it’s her fellow students or LCCC’s instructors, Bailey knows she can find help when she needs it in college. 

“The instructors have always been so accommodating; their doors are always open,” she said. “The hardest part was thinking I should be able to do everything; I make sure I know I can go ask if I have a question.” 

If you're interested in the IT Pathway or Cybersecurity Program at LCCC, you can connect with a Student Success Coach today. Send an email, a text, shoot us a call, or schedule an appointment.