Tyler

When Tyler started college, she wasn’t sure what direction to take. After a challenging freshman year at an out-of-state four-year university, she returned to Chicago for a fresh start.

“I didn’t really have a direction,” she admitted. “My aunt recommended I check out City Colleges of Chicago. I looked through the programs online, saw the cybersecurity degree, and something about it just clicked.”

That decision led Tyler to Olive-Harvey College, where she found focus, support, and opportunity. It was her closest City College and offered the cybersecurity program she was interested in.

“From day one, I could tell Olive-Harvey was really invested in building that pathway and helping students find success,” she said. “My advisors and professors really reinforced the idea that cybersecurity could open doors, and they connected me to resources and opportunities I didn’t even know existed.”

Those opportunities included internships and apprenticeships that helped launch her career. Before graduating in 2023, Tyler interned with the University of Chicago’s IT Services team, where she worked with the Identity and Access Management group. Through City Colleges’ Career Services, Tyler also learned about a cybersecurity apprenticeship with CNA Insurance and jumped at the chance to apply. She got the position—and now, two years later, Tyler continues to thrive as part of CNA’s Security Awareness and Training team, where she’s transitioning from apprentice to full-time employee.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” she said. “The team at CNA has been so supportive. At first, I felt intimidated because I wanted to be as good as everyone around me, but I’ve learned that growth takes time. This role has helped me learn so much about myself and the field.”

For Tyler, City Colleges provided more than a degree—it gave her a community and a sense of direction.

“It’s empowering,” she shared. “City Colleges has so many connections throughout the city, and as a student, you really feel that network working for you.”

She also credits the classroom experience at Olive-Harvey with preparing her for the real world.

“Even beyond the technical knowledge, the soft skills I built—time management, communication, teamwork—those are things I use every day,” she said. “Without my degree, I don’t think I’d feel as confident stepping into this role.”

Now, Tyler hopes to inspire other students to take their own leap of faith.