Meet Esther Manley, Alum, Network Administration A.A.S. and Cybersecurity A.A.S.
Esther: “I chose LSC because of the unique cybersecurity program, the small class size to help me focus, and the reasonable tuition which fit right into my budget.” 
Esther Manley is positively challenged by the ever-changing field of information technology and learning how to apply it. She has been building on her academic accomplishments since receiving her CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification and then earning a bachelor’s degree in telecommunication engineering from Ghana Technology University College. From there, she attended Lake Superior College where she graduated with an A.A.S. degree in network administration and cybersecurity in 2019.
“My engineering degree trained me to think analytically, understand complex subjects and communicate my own critical ideas about them,” she said. “I was able to apply these skills to my computer networking and cybersecurity studies at LSC which helped me greatly.”
She is originally from Benin, Nigeria in west Africa. She decided to consider LSC on the recommendation of two former students because she wanted to continue pursuing her interest in information technology and computers. “I choose LSC because of the unique cybersecurity program, the small class size to help me focus, and the reasonable tuition which fit right into my budget.”
Manley notes that LSC’s networking and cybersecurity program is based on real-world IT issues. “One of the best parts of our coursework was learning network forensics which involves diagnosing digital evidence collected from a crime scene. Also doing hands-on ethical hacking and system defense teaches you to work under pressure and problem-solve in critical situations.”
Manley believes that self-determination and focus are key to succeeding in a highly technical degree program. “LSC is one of the best in this area,” she said. “The computer information skills, including learning Linux OS and Windows XP through Windows10, Windows Server 2008, 2012, and 2016, Mac operating system, and scripting skills like Python, SQL Server and JavaScript can be applied to a number of industries and jobs. I had the opportunity to meet with other computer students from other colleges and universities and work on new technology together.”
She also worked an internship as part of her degree program at SISU Healthcare IT Solutions. She was responsible for supporting server creation for clients hosted on the SISU cloud, URL filtering with Palo Alto, support with server migration, support with internet cutover, assisting the backup administrator to ensure successful backup/restoration of data, and learning routing and switching.
Manley found financial support through the Lake Superior College Foundation where she received several scholarships. “I know how much it helped me. I hope someday I will be able to give back to LSC and the community.”
“I have always had a thing for new technology,” said Manley. “I believe I’m probably going to be one of the first few people with a networking and cybersecurity degree in Nigeria, and that makes me stand out from the crowd.”
