UNC Pembroke Cybersecurity Student Lands Microsoft Engineer Role

Chidubem “Sacony” Chukwu, a cybersecurity student from Nigeria, found his path to success at UNC Pembroke. After searching for universities offering a standalone cybersecurity degree, Chukwu enrolled at UNCP in 2024 and is now set to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.

Chukwu’s hard work and dedication led to a standout summer internship at Microsoft, where he and his team won first place in the Strike Intern Capture the Flag competition. The competition tested their ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in simulated technology environments, proving that the skills Chukwu learned at UNCP were directly applicable to real-world challenges.

Beyond the classroom, Chukwu gained hands-on experience working with the Network Security Division at UNCP’s Division of Information Technology. As a security operations center analyst and penetration tester, he helped identify vulnerabilities and conduct security assessments, further preparing him for his upcoming role as a security engineer at Microsoft.

Prashanth Reddy, associate professor and director of UNCP’s cybersecurity program, praised Chukwu’s technical ability and drive. “Chidubem is highly engaged and driven,” Reddy said. “He consistently takes on challenges and pushes himself to learn and grow.” Chukwu’s journey from UNCP to Microsoft is a testament to the university’s strong cybersecurity program and the opportunities it provides to its students.