Brett Berard Personifies Leadership and Excellence in All Areas of ɫƵվ Tech Life.
Meet Brett Berard who is Pursuing Cybersecurity and Network Engineering, ‘24
Brett earned his associate degree in Cybersecurity and Network Engineering in May of ‘23 and will graduate with his bachelor’s in ‘24.
Brett’s favorite NEIT memory so far was being awarded the James Langevin Cybersecurity Scholarship. He vividly remembers being pulled out of class to learn the good news. “I was extremely excited. I even got the opportunity to speak with President Richard Gouse. It was a great memory and something that motivated me further to succeed and pursue my career and academic goals.”
Esports Team Captain Role Creates Strong Bonds
Brett serves as Team Captain of NEIT’s championship-winning Overwatch Esports Team, one of his most rewarding, exciting experiences.
“As a commuter, I often found it hard to meet new people at school outside of class. The Esports team changed that, and now I have met a good group of friends and interact with students from other teams. I am grateful to play on the team. Also, I am an incredibly competitive person, and representing NEIT motivates me to win. The Overwatch team was a fantastic opportunity to meet new people with a common interest. It has been a wonderful experience.”
“Career Services made a huge difference. Their help creating my resume was vital to me getting an internship at IGT. Career Services at NEIT really changed my life.”
Career Services Helped Brett Land an Internship
Brett credits the NEIT Career Services team for helping him land an internship with International Game Technology (IGT). “Career Services made a huge difference. Their help creating my resume was vital to me getting an internship at IGT. I would not have found out about the position without them. Career Services at NEIT really changed my life.”
NEIT Gives Brett the Hands-on Experience to Succeed in his Field — and the Confidence to Lead.
Brett’s dream job is to become a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst. With his NEIT education, he is on his way.
“The hands-on IT education I received at NEIT gives me the confidence to know I can be a valuable asset wherever I work. The Cybersecurity field will only continue to grow as the world becomes more and more connected. Having a degree from ɫƵվ Tech will show employers and myself that I have the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to succeed.”
“Receiving the Best of Tech award is a huge honor and something that motivates me to succeed.”
Best of Tech Winner in Cybersecurity is an Honor
In May of ‘23, at the end of his associate degree, Brett received the Best of Tech Award for Cybersecurity, an award given by the faculty members in his technology to a student they think best represents the values of a NEIT.
“Receiving the Best of Tech award is a huge honor and something that motivates me to succeed. I feel grateful and honored to have received this award. It’s a humbling experience to be recognized for my hard work and efforts, and I’m thankful for the support that I received. This award motivates me to continue working hard and striving for excellence in all areas of my life.”
“I am grateful for all the opportunities NEIT has given me in such a short time.”
Brett says he is grateful for all the opportunities NEIT has given in such a short time. “NEIT has given me the opportunity to be an AICU student representative, Scholarship recipient, Collegiate Esports Team Captain, Cybersecurity Capture the Flag Club founder, and even find employment in my field. I am extremely fortunate to have all these opportunities.”