Connecting Talent with Experience: Duke’s Cybersecurity Mentorship Program
Every student in the Duke Cybersecurity Master of Engineering was matched with a cybersecurity professional with experience aligned with their aspirations.
Since its launch in August 2024, the Mentoring for Cybersecurity Achievement Program (MCAP) has been opening doors for students by pairing them with influential leaders in cybersecurity from sectors spanning finance to healthcare.
Founded under the leadership of Art Ehuan, Executive Director of the Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity program and former Palo Alto Networks Vice President, and at the initiative of Kim Kotlar, Adjunct Professor in the Pratt School of Engineering, MCAP aims to strengthen students’ technical proficiency while cultivating critical networking and career development skills. “I wanted our students to learn from the real-world experts – people actively shaping the field of cybersecurity,” said Ehuan.
Building Bridges Between Students and Industry
By the end of the Spring 2025 semester, every student requesting a mentor was matched with a cybersecurity professional with experience aligned with their aspirations.
During its first year, 23 students participated in the program. Monthly meetings with mentors provided opportunities for resume reviews, job search support, technical Q&As, and personalized career advice.
Mentors included CEOs, cyber consultants, threat analysts, and compliance leaders from finance, health care, energy, government, and other industries. “As a mentor for this program, I have been so impressed with the quality of students. It’s been a great experience to help individuals join this important career field by helping them find their next steps, through one-on-one discussions, keeping them abreast of key cybersecurity trends, suggesting project topics to investigate to improve currency of knowledge and skill development, and helping them network with other professionals,” said Mr. Maxwell “Max” Carroll, Chief of Threat Intelligence at Digi flight/Camelot Secure, cybersecurity company.
“An amazing sounding board”
Participant feedback underscores MCAP’s strong start. A survey conducted in Spring 2025 revealed that 100% of respondents would recommend the mentoring program. Students who engaged regularly ranked it the highest. “The best part about this mentorship program is having someone to bounce ideas off of and relate to when trying to plan for a successful future,” said Kevin Boyd, one of the online Cybersecurity students.
Another student, Sarah Blake, who was mentored by Jennifer Swann, Director of Info Security at Bloomberg group, shared: “Jennifer has been an amazing sounding board, and I know that I have someone to come to with any thoughts or challenges I am facing on my journey to employment in cybersecurity. “
Mentor engagement and collaboration with Duke’s Engineering Master’s Career Services, the Sanford Mentoring Program, and campus offices such as Audit, Risk, and Compliance enhanced the program’s success. Key milestones included briefings to advisory boards, hybrid networking events, and tailored coaching sessions throughout the year.
“With a global shortage of skilled cyber professionals exceeding 4.8 million, we’re committed to helping our students thrive. These one-on-one mentorships are invaluable for career development and contribute directly to our economic and national security,” said Kim Kotlar, Adjunct Professor at the Pratt School of Engineering, who initiated and directed the mentoring program. As cybersecurity continues to evolve, Duke students have an even stronger foundation, built on relationships that extend far beyond the classroom.