Top schools for recruiting students for security internships and recent grads for early career jobs

When you’re recruiting students for internships or recent grads for early career security jobs, which are your favorite schools to recruit from and why? Here is what 10 thought leaders have to say.

• Prioritize Schools with Strong Cybersecurity Programs
• Recruit from Renowned Tech and Cyber Institutions
• Consider DePaul’s Accredited Cybersecurity Programs
• Stanford’s Interdisciplinary Learning Attracts Talent
• MIT’s Innovative Environment Fosters Cyber Experts
• Maryville’s Tech-First Approach and Specializations
• Select Graduates from Top Cybersecurity Universities
• Embry-Riddle for Defense and Aviation Security
• University of Maryland for Practical Security Skills
• Choose Graduates with Technical Expertise and Networks

Prioritize Schools with Strong Cybersecurity Programs

In my experience, when recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early-career security roles, I usually lean towards schools with strong programs in cybersecurity and related fields, such as Carnegie Mellon University, University of Maryland, and Stanford University. 

Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve found that these institutions offer cutting-edge curricula, advanced research facilities, and valuable industry connections, ensuring that their graduates are well-prepared with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in security. 

Additionally, in our team, we rely on their active career services and robust alumni networks to source talented and motivated candidates effectively.

Charles Veprek, Director, It-Amg

Recruit from Renowned Tech and Cyber Institutions

As a cybersecurity expert and owner of a recruiting platform, my favorite schools to recruit from are MIT, Stanford University, and Carnegie Mellon University. These institutions are renowned for their robust computer science and cybersecurity programs, which consistently produce highly skilled and well-prepared graduates. MIT’s culture of innovation and cutting-edge research ensures that its students are at the forefront of technological advancements.

Stanford University’s proximity to Silicon Valley provides students with numerous industry connections and opportunities for practical experience. Carnegie Mellon, with its dedicated CyLab, offers specialized cybersecurity training that is among the best in the nation. Students from these schools often have hands-on experience through labs and internships, making them ready to tackle real-world security challenges from the get-go.

Amit Doshi, Founder and CEO, MyTurn

Consider DePaul’s Accredited Cybersecurity Programs

As an alumnus of DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, I definitely recommend it for recruiting students for early-career security jobs. Founded in 1898, DePaul is one of the older educational institutions in the U.S. 

It’s accredited by the Department of Homeland Security and the NSA and features an active cybersecurity student club called the Security Daemons. DePaul’s cybersecurity alumni have landed positions at leading organizations like Apple, Microsoft, Discover, McDonald’s, and Paylocity.

DePaul offers a range of cybersecurity courses, including a Master of Science and a Cybersecurity Global Gateway program for computer security graduate courses. They also offer undergraduate courses in Information Systems Security Engineering and Telecommunication and Network Security Practicum.

Furthermore, DePaul uses the dedicated CORE platform for cybersecurity education, which incorporates gamification. This approach provides a game-like environment where students can engage in simulated reconnaissance and attacks, and complete live forensics challenges, offering a practical, experiential learning experience.

Syed Lateef, CEO and Business Coach, SyedBNB

Stanford’s Interdisciplinary Learning Attracts Talent

Stanford University is a top destination for students seeking internships and early-career security positions. Stanford is well-known for its outstanding computer science and engineering programs, and its graduates frequently demonstrate cutting-edge technical skills and innovative ideas. 

The university’s close ties to Silicon Valley provide students with unique opportunities to interact with prominent technology companies, ensuring that they obtain practical experience as well as theoretical understanding. 

Furthermore, Stanford’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning ensures that its students are well-versed in a wide range of topics, from AI to cybersecurity, which is essential for a comprehensive approach to security roles. 

Additionally, Stanford’s entrepreneurial culture drives students to be proactive problem-solvers and leaders, which are crucial skills in the fast-paced sector of security. Employers who recruit from Stanford have access to a pool of highly skilled, driven, and forward-thinking individuals who are ready to face the complex problems of modern cybersecurity.

Gerrid Smith, Communications Manager, Texas Property Tax Loan Pros

MIT’s Innovative Environment Fosters Cyber Experts

MIT, in my view, is a top choice for recruiting students for security careers because of its strong academic programs and innovative research environment. The Institute’s emphasis on technology and engineering creates fertile ground for future cybersecurity professionals. 

MIT’s famous Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) undertakes pioneering research in critical security fields such as cryptography, network security, and artificial intelligence. Students at MIT benefit from exposure to these cutting-edge innovations, and they frequently contribute to groundbreaking projects. 

The hands-on, problem-solving approach entrenched in the MIT curriculum ensures that graduates are not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying their talents in real-world situations. 

Furthermore, MIT’s collaborative ethos means that students often work in interdisciplinary teams, which reflects the collaborative nature of current security work. Recruiting from MIT gives you access to some of the brightest minds in technology, with both deep academic understanding and practical expertise.

Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C.

Maryville’s Tech-First Approach and Specializations

Maryville University of Saint Louis is definitely one of our favorite schools for recruiting students for internships and early-career security jobs. It’s consistently ranked among the top schools in the U.S. Most relevant courses, such as information systems, cybersecurity, and business administration, are offered through its John E. Simon School of Business.

Maryville University embraces a technology-first approach, providing every student with an iPad to support online or remote learning. This is particularly beneficial for students engaging in one of the many online degrees available at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, and certification levels.

Additionally, undergraduates studying cybersecurity have the option to specialize in either an Offensive or Defensive track, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career paths. Maryville University Online also offers fully accredited cybersecurity programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate levels, making it a prime choice for students pursuing careers in security.

Amy Tribe, Director, OGLF (Our Good Living Formula)

Select Graduates from Top Cybersecurity Universities

We favor institutions with robust cybersecurity and computer-science programs when recruiting for internships and early-career security positions. Prominent academic institutions such as MIT, Stanford, and Carnegie Mellon consistently mold candidates into leaders by virtue of their exceptional technical acumen and propensity for innovation. 

Candidates hailing from esteemed institutions such as Georgia Tech and the University of California, Berkeley, renowned for their innovative research endeavors and commitment to pragmatic, experiential learning, are also highly regarded. Students are remarkably well-prepared for practical security challenges by means of the specialized courses, laboratories, and industry partnerships provided by these universities. 

Northeastern University, for instance, is a notable institution that offers robust co-op programs through which students acquire substantial industry experience prior to completing their studies. Graduates who have demonstrated exceptional performance in dynamic, fast-paced security environments have consistently influenced our preference, in addition to the high standard of education and emphasis on research and practical skills.

Jessica Shee, Senior Tech and Marketing Manager, M3 Data Recovery

Embry-Riddle for Defense and Aviation Security

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is certainly one of my go-to schools for recruiting students for internships and early-career positions in security, especially within the defense and aviation sectors. As a private university, it focuses extensively on aviation, aerospace, defense, and technology, conducting significant research in these areas. The university also features a dedicated Center for Cybersecurity and offers a Worldwide Campus that caters to international students.

Embry-Riddle is a preferred school for professionals aiming for a career in cybersecurity related to defense and aviation. It offers several innovative degree programs, including Global Security and Intelligence, and it was the first in the U.S. to introduce an undergraduate program in Homeland Security. This specialized focus makes its graduates highly attractive candidates in these fields.

Rizki Kadir, Automotive Writer and Software Engineer, Our Own Cars

University of Maryland for Practical Security Skills

When recruiting students for internships or recent graduates for early-career security jobs, I often prioritize candidates from the University of Maryland’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. The program is renowned for its strong emphasis on cybersecurity and forensic studies, offering specialized courses that equip students with practical skills and a deep understanding of contemporary security challenges. 

The university’s proximity to Washington, D.C., provides students with unique internship opportunities at federal agencies and private security firms, giving them valuable real-world experience. Graduates from this program are well-prepared to tackle the complexities of modern security roles, making them highly competitive candidates.

Jon Sills, Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyer, Sills Law Firm

Choose Graduates with Technical Expertise and Networks

In my experience, when I’m recruiting interns or recent graduates for early-career positions in technology, I tend to prioritize schools with strong programs in computer science, engineering, and related fields. Among my preferred choices are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and Carnegie Mellon University. 

Reflecting on my own experiences, I’ve found that these institutions are widely respected for their challenging curriculum, groundbreaking research, and close industry connections. Graduates from these programs typically possess the technical expertise and problem-solving skills essential for success in technology roles. 

Additionally, based on my expertise and knowledge, I’ve observed that their proactive career services and extensive alumni networks are invaluable resources for identifying talented candidates.

Laura Allen, Senior E-commerce Support Specialist, Splash About