Building the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

Since 2017, Seton Hall University’s student Security Operations Center (SOC) has advanced cybersecurity education, one alert, investigation and real-world experience at a time. What began as a student worker program has grown into a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to experiential learning, workforce readiness and values-centered education.

At the heart of the program is a simple but powerful idea: to give students meaningful, hands-on responsibility in defending a live enterprise environment. Participants in the SOC program receive training in industry-leading security tools and platforms, gaining exposure to the same technologies used by professional analysts across the field. As part of their development, students also earn relevant certifications, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and validated technical skills.

Once trained, students take on Tier 1 SOC responsibilities, serving as the first line of defense against cyber threats. Their work includes responding to phishing submissions from the University community, analyzing endpoint security detections, performing ad hoc research, assisting with incident investigations and following up directly with users who may be at risk of compromise. These responsibilities strengthen the University’s security posture and provide students with valuable experience in incident response, threat analysis and user engagement.

Led by Eric Lopez, director of IT Security, the program has grown into a highly effective training ground that blends real-world security operations with student development. Reflecting on the program’s impact, Lopez shared, “This program is what keeps our IT Security team passionate about what we do. Watching students grow from learning the fundamentals to confidently defending a live environment and then launching successful careers makes all the effort worthwhile.”

The impact of the student SOC is perhaps most evident in the success of its alumni. Graduates of the program have gone on to secure positions with leading organizations such as Deloitte, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, the New York State Department of Information Technology, NBC,  Universal and the Department of Defense. Their ability to step into professional roles with confidence and competence is a direct result of the hands-on experience and mentorship they received during their time in the SOC.

Beyond technical skills, the program emphasizes accountability, communication and ethical responsibility, core values that align closely with Seton Hall University’s Catholic mission. By fostering a culture of service, integrity and care for others, the student SOC reflects the University’s commitment to developing the whole person. Students are not only trained to protect systems and data but also to support and educate the community they serve. The program also supports Seton Hall’s strategic plan by bridging academic learning with real-world application. It creates a pipeline of highly skilled graduates prepared to meet the growing demands of the cybersecurity workforce while reinforcing the University’s role as a leader in innovation and professional preparation.

Categories: Science and Technology