Josue Renteria is an applied computing senior who is spending his summer working with Houston Cyber Fusion Center to expand their operational technology security capabilities. His classes at Wichita State sparked his interest in cybersecurity.
More than 5,000 Shockers each year take what they’ve learned in the classroom and transfer that knowledge into real-world environments. Applied learning — which is required for every Wichita State student — happens in offices, factories, laboratories, nonprofits, industries and companies across the globe. Students work side-by-side with seasoned professionals to ensure that they’re fully prepared to make meaningful contributions to their employers and their communities when they graduate.
Hometown
Goodland, Kansas
Major
Applied computing and a minor in psychology
Year
Senior
What is your job title, the company you work for, and your duties during your applied learning experience?
I am currently interning at Accenture as a summer security analyst. I will be working with the Houston Cyber Fusion Center to expand operational technology security capabilities
How long do you expect to work in your current position?
I will be working here until August.
How did you learn about this opportunity?
I learned about this opportunity through the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) National Conference. This conference helped to give me the tools and resources needed to get my foot in the door.
How is this experience helping you build your resume and prepare you for your career?
Because of this internship, I have been able to network with a lot of professionals and interns within the program. I am also learning new problem-solving skills while also learning to effectively communicate with others.
How have your classes and experiences at Wichita State prepared you to succeed in this applied-learning opportunity?
My classes and experiences have sparked my interest in cybersecurity. This motivates me to continue to learn new things and gain new skills to use in my career.
What advice would you give other students who are looking for hands-on experiences in their major while they finish college?
My advice to other students is to get involved with different organizations and join a club. These organizations push their members to work with others in a team, and help members build skills that can be applied in the classroom. If you are unsure about what organizations to join, attend one of WSU's Involvement Fair, and other events that occur throughout the year. This is a great way to get to know the different organizations at WSU.
