Major: Computer and Information Technology
Evan Gutierrez was hoping to become a chef when he was introduced to a STEM career.
“After spending a few years at DePaul University, working my way through the food industry and ultimately cooking in upscale kitchens in Chicago, I seized an opportunity to move to Denver to work for a real estate start-up,” he said. “In this new environment, each of us were given the chance to wear many different hats, and one of those was assisting in building a database for the company. Although I ultimately left to continue working in the food industry, the exposure planted a seed that a computer science career might align with my future aspirations.”
Unfortunately, Gutierrez found himself out of work when the pandemic hit and restaurants began closing. After seeing people in IT transition seamlessly to remote work, he decided to move back to Chicago and pursue cybersecurity.
“In my search for potential curriculum in the area, College of DuPage’s offering stood out due to its path to a bachelor’s degree through a 3+1 partnership with Lewis University,” he said. “With many of my previous general education credits from DePaul transferring, I could dive into major-focused courses immediately, all at an affordable cost compared to other local bachelor’s degree options.
COD offered many courses that gave a more hands-on experience with hardware and software that will be valuable in my future.
Evan Gutierrez
“COD also provided many resources and mentors along the way who outlined a clear path forward. Where some of my experience in higher education in the past was more focused on merely retention of information, COD offered many courses that gave a more hands-on experience with hardware and software that will be valuable in my future.”
STEM Student Success Scholarship at COD
While at COD, Gutierrez received the STEM Student Success Scholarship, funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
“This not only provided the benefit of relieving some of the financial strain associated with college, but is also gave numerous invaluable experiences, such as connecting me with research and internship opportunities. The program also provided resources that smoothed my transition to Lewis University and ensured that I had all the necessary tools and information to be successful.”
Gutierrez graduated with an Associate in Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity and Defense as well as with various certifications. He then enjoyed a summer research opportunity at Lewis University through the Promotion of Underrepresented Minorities in Academic STEM (PUMA-STEM) Alliance, which is focused on strengthening underrepresented minority student success in STEM at undergraduate and regional institutions. The internship deepened his understanding of probability, statistics and programming. Under the mentorship of Dr. Piotr Szczurek, director of Data Science at Lewis, he collected data and constructed a decision network examining how individuals’ COVID-19 transmission concerns within their households impacted their decisions to get vaccinated.
His first career goal is to work in a versatile introductory IT position that will provide strong foundational knowledge. He then wants to build toward a role that safeguards an organization’s resources and enhances its security.
Gutierrez highly recommends COD to students looking for a strong education.
“College of DuPage provides an array of opportunities to make the most out of your education to those willing to pursue them, and it provides countless resources to ensure that you are successful,” he said.
Learn more about the Computer and Information Technology program at College of DuPage