SNHU Spotlight: Alex Petitto, BS in Cybersecurity Grad

Alex Petitto ‘21 said he’d always wanted to work within the IT sector. So, hoping to break into the field, he decided to earn an online bachelor's in cybersecurity from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).

While doing his research, Petitto said he was attracted to SNHU based on the positive reviews and reputation he discovered. Having been enrolled in college through a United States Air Force program, he transferred the credits he earned there and finished his degree program at SNHU.

As an online student, Petitto said the experience was easier than he had anticipated, and he found the hands-on lab work rewarding.

“The classes that featured interactive labs really helped me get a grasp on the topic of cybersecurity and networking concepts in general,” he said.

His instructors also played an important role in Petitto’s journey and his desire to learn more about cybersecurity.

“I feel the instructors brought a wealth of knowledge into the classroom because they are all industry professionals,” he said.

Whenever he had questions about coursework or the industry, Petitto said his instructors were always there to provide valuable assistance.

Though he had no prior experience before obtaining his degree, he said he feels his education has given him new career paths to explore.

While he plans to stay in the Air Force, Petitto hopes to put the cybersecurity knowledge he’s gained to use.

For other students hoping to achieve their goals, he said he absolutely recommends pursuing their education.

“My degree program was absolutely worth it,” he said.

Abigayle Mahnken ’22 is an assistant content writer at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English and is currently earning a Master of Arts (MA) in English and Creative Writing. Passionate about storytelling and education, she enjoys learning from fellow students' experiences and sharing their stories. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, reading, and learning. She also really likes video games. Connect with her on LinkedIn.