Building a Cybersecurity Career in Chicago

Noble Antwi found a combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on internships, and industry-relevant certifications while enrolled in Illinois Tech’s Master of Cyber Forensics and Security degree program—and the combination has equipped him with both the technical expertise and professional credibility needed to succeed in a cybersecurity career, he says.

“I’ve been fortunate to engage in numerous professional development opportunities,” Noble says. “Currently, I'm serving as an intern at the Cook County [Illinois] State’s Attorney’s Office, where our team analyzes financial data to support prosecutorial work, a role that combines my technical skills with real-world legal applications.”

As an intern with the Cook County State’s Attorney's Office, Noble has been assisting attorneys in their cases through groundbreaking financial data analysis.

“What makes this particularly meaningful is seeing how our technical skills directly support the pursuit of justice,” he says. “Our analyses save attorneys significant time and helps them build stronger cases. It’s shown me that cybersecurity and digital forensics skills extend far beyond traditional [information technology] roles; they’re essential tools for law enforcement, legal proceedings, and protecting communities.”

A summer internship at Wintrust Financial as an IT risk analyst helped Noble gain valuable experience in financial services security. He also worked on Illinois Tech’s campus with the Office of Technology Support as an IT support specialist, providing technical assistance to students, faculty, and staff, which has strengthened his troubleshooting skills and customer service abilities.

“The internships at Wintrust and the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office showed me how cybersecurity principles apply across diverse sectors, from financial services to law enforcement and government operations,” he says. “This has helped me understand that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology. It’s also about protecting organizations, supporting critical missions, and enabling justice.”

As a student at Illinois Tech, Noble received a Motorola Solutions Foundation grant, which enabled him to earn a certified cloud security professional (CCSP) certification from ISC2. He pursued additional certifications such as CompTIA Security+, AWS Security Specialty, AWS SysOps Administrator, Microsoft SC-300 (Identity and Access Management), and took the Okta Certified Professional exam.

“Without the Motorola Solutions Foundation and ISSA scholarships, I wouldn’t have been able to pursue the CCSP, Okta, and CISSP certifications while managing tuition costs,” Noble says. “These certifications are expensive but invaluable, as they demonstrate expertise to employers and open doors to specialized roles.”

Studying in Chicago has been invaluable for professional development, Noble says, as the city’s vibrant cybersecurity community provides numerous networking and learning opportunities. Chicago’s position as a major business hub means access to diverse internship and career opportunities. The concentration of Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and innovative startups creates a robust ecosystem for tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals, Noble says.

“Chicago’s cultural diversity has enriched my experience as an international student from Ghana,” he says. “The city’s global perspective and welcoming attitude has helped me feel at home while building a professional network that spans industries and backgrounds.”