STCC student and graduate start internships at MassMutual
From left, Scott Duquette, Michael Lavallee and Michael Buckley.
SPRINGFIELD - A Springfield Technical Community College student and an STCC graduate joined financial services company MassMutual in Springfield as interns this fall.
MassMutual hired cybersecurity student Michael Lavallee and recent graduate Michael Buckley to work as information technology (IT) interns. Lavallee and Buckley started last month as cybersecurity analysts. They are working in a new one-year internship program for eligible STCC students.
The paid internships give the students real world experience and could lead to permanent positions, said Scott Duquette, their supervisor and Director of the U.S. Security Operations Center at MassMutual.
The partnership with MassMutual comes at a time when cybersecurity jobs are in demand and STCC’s cybersecurity degree program is growing. The College received local, state and federal funding for a cyber range facility at Springfield Union Station. Scheduled to open in 2024, the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence will serve as a regional cybersecurity center for Western Massachusetts and beyond.
Duquette reached out to STCC upon hearing of the center announcement. Having attended STCC in the 1980s, and given that STCC is located about two miles from MassMutual’s headquarters, Duquette knew that the College has a well-established cybersecurity program.
“STCC is a stone’s throw away from us and their technology programs have been in play for about 15 years,” said Duquette.
Earlier in 2023, STCC leaders and faculty met with MassMutual to discuss a plan for hiring interns. “Several (computer information technology) graduates are already working at MassMutual, and they wished to build a pipeline of talent each year,” said Cybersecurity Professor Brian Candido.
Candido and Professor Jason Alves recommended STCC students for the new internship program.
Our cybersecurity programs prepare students to work at companies like MassMutual. Thank you to MassMutual for giving our students this opportunity.Lara Sharp, Dean, School of STEM
Buckley, a Springfield resident and a May 2023 graduate of STCC, said he “absolutely loved” the school’s cybersecurity program and the tools it gave him to begin his internship, where he could advance his knowledge.
“I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about IT until I started going through the education programs,” said Buckley. “
Lavallee, the other MassMutual intern from STCC, said he was thrilled to receive the opportunity.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity. The fact that it was even presented to me is a blessing in itself,” Lavallee said. “I couldn’t have gotten here without STCC’s program.”
Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM at STCC, said its cybersecurity program aligns with the needs in the industry. STCC gives students the option to pursue a two-year degree or one-year certificate. Classes are taught online.
“Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field, and there are not enough trained professionals to meet the demand for these high-paying jobs,” Sharp said. “Our cybersecurity programs prepare students to work at companies like MassMutual. Thank you to MassMutual for giving our students this opportunity.”
“This is a really exciting time for our program,” Candido said. “Besides growing the relationship with MassMutual, we will be launching the cyber range at Union Station. Students will receive valuable training at the security operations center and could move into paid internships.”
Candido said 201 students were enrolled in cybersecurity in fall 2023, up from 123 students a year earlier. He attributes the 63.4 percent increase to the quality of the program and the demand for jobs. “Security is a hot topic now,” he said.
Earning a degree from STCC is more attainable now than ever thanks to MassReconnect, a program for Massachusetts residents 25 years of age or older who meet eligibility requirements to earn an associate degree or certificate for free.
What’s more, the STCC students interning at MassMutual will rapidly gain experience in the ever-changing world of cybersecurity. For example, they will take part in security investigations where they look for and respond to threats.
“Having that background from STCC will definitely help in running those investigations,” Duquette said.
“We are excited about the new internship program and continuing our relationship with STCC,” he added. “This is a great opportunity not only for students but for MassMutual.”
Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu