David Pleggenkuhle Lands IT Job Before Graduation
“If you’re considering a career in IT, this program prepares you for success. Cybersecurity and network administration are becoming more important every day, and Western gives you the tools you need to be ready for that.”
David Pleggenkuhle hasn’t even crossed the stage yet, but he’s already secured a full-time Systems Administrator Level 1 position with EO Johnson Locknet—proof that Western Technical College’s Cybersecurity & Network Administration program delivers.
“I chose the Cybersecurity & Network Administration program because of my passion for IT and the career security it offers,” David says. “The hands-on experience, like building my own network from scratch, gave me a solid foundation in networking and cybersecurity. The skills I’ve acquired have already benefited me during my internship.”
David’s time at Western isn’t just about classroom learning—it’s about applying that knowledge in real-world scenarios. One of his favorite experiences is constructing a personal network, complete with routers, Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches, access points, a fully configured Windows domain with RADIUS authentication, and seamless Wi-Fi integration. “It’s one thing to learn about network structures in theory,” he says. “It’s another thing to actually configure it yourself and see it work. That gives me a level of confidence that you just can’t get from reading a textbook.”
David also credits Western’s Career Services for helping him land the job. “They were so helpful with my resume and cover letter—their advice helped me feel more prepared.” he shares.
And the timing couldn’t be better. “I know the last time we talked I mentioned I was in the interview process for the job—and I got it!” David announces via email. “I thought you’d want to know!” David’s advice to future IT students? “If you’re considering a career in IT, this program prepares you for success,” he says. “Cybersecurity and network administration are becoming more important every day, and Western gives you the tools you need to be ready for that.”
From building networks in the classroom to securing his first full-time job before graduation, David’s path proves that a solid foundation in IT can lead to big opportunities.