Alum transforms career after earning degree from Stark State College

It’s never too late for a career change.

Sam Weaver understands this all too well.

The Newark, Ohio, native earned his undergraduate degree in psychology with a minor in political science before attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. Several years later, Sam found himself moving in a new direction: attending Stark State College and earning a degree in cyber security and computer forensics technology. Today, he works as an analyst for Ohio Digital Academy within the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

“I believe people should seek out their true passions and seize opportunities that await,” Sam said.

Moving in a new direction

Sam always had an interest in cyber security. That interest deepened after taking an introductory-level course about cybercrimes while in graduate school.

“I had a chance to read more in-depth about the subject and engage in labs with particular software,” Sam said. “It really resonated with me.”

After graduating and working in direct sales and customer loyalty roles for several years, he felt a pull to change course – to learn new skills and pursue the next phase of his career evolution.

“I believed that I could go back to college and focus on making a career change that I would truly enjoy,” Sam explained. “I also wanted to obtain a degree that would combine well with my previous academic and professional pursuits. Cyber security felt like the right fit.”

Now, it was time to decide where to go.

Finding support at Stark State

While researching his options, Sam came across Stark State. He read stories about several of our non-traditional students who went back to school, earned a degree and entered a new career field. He also was impressed with our cyber security and computer forensics program. But the main reason he chose Stark State was Glenn Goe, associate professor of information security.

“I communicated with Professor Goe before I decided to enroll, and he did a wonderful job of explaining what the program would entail,” Sam explained. “He also understood where I was coming from as a non-traditional student.”

In fall 2020, Sam started taking classes at Stark State, where his courses focused on both cyber security and computer forensics. He appreciated the challenging coursework and the variety of labs that let him to use real-world investigative tools. He also took advantage Stark State’s regional cyber security partnerships. But it was his instructors who made the biggest impact.

“During my time at Stark State, it was evident how much our instructors wanted us to succeed,” Sam said. “They always gave me feedback and would help with any lab questions for assignments, taking time to make sure we all understood the core concepts. They were very involved.”

Thriving in a new career

After graduating in December 2022, Sam was hired by the Ohio Department of Administrative Services. He currently works with the vulnerability team, where he’s responsible for agenda meeting notes with state agencies, updates to IT infrastructure reports, verifying scans of servers, investigating alerts from the dark web, and editing software widgets for agencies to utilize the information reported to assess vulnerabilities.

“Stark State greatly prepared me for my current position,” he explained. “Much of what I learned directly correlates with my day-to-day tasks. Many of the core concepts taught are seen daily within the job.”

As he pursues the new career path that he loves, Sam offers encouragement to others who are trying to find the best fit for their futures.

“Never give up on your career goals and keep applying for positions – eventually one will land.”