For Employers
The Tampa Bay region is rapidly becoming a national hub for cybersecurity excellence. Through a strategic partnership between Cyber Florida and the University of South Florida (USF), we are building a robust talent pipeline designed to meet the specific needs of modern industry.
Academic Excellence
The USF Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing is dedicated to transforming the role of computing technologies in society. By delivering high-demand academic programs and advancing innovative research, the college serves as a regional engine for ethical, secure, and responsible technology development. With 3,000 students and over 200 faculty members, the USF Bellini College is a driving force in preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Hard Skills Development
The Security Operations Center Apprentice Program (SOCap), a Cyber Florida initiative at the University of South Florida, is a program designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the chaotic reality of a live Security Operations Center (SOC). While many internships relegate students to “shadowing” roles, SOCap hands them the keys to industry-standard tools like CrowdStrike, Splunk, and Microsoft Sentinel. Under strict supervision, they triage alerts, investigate suspicious activity, and learn the “muscle memory” of cyber defense. Our SOCap participants are in high-demand from private and public sector organizations across the region.
USF Bellini College also sponsors its students in national cybersecurity competitions. Known as the CyberHerd at USF, these students are trained in both the offensive and defensive tactics of cybersecurity, and compete with other university-sponsored teams. The CyberHerd is a highly decorated group, capturing first-place wins at the DEF CON 33 Adversarial Village CTF, 2024 Raymond James CTF and VIVID Finals.
Workforce Readiness
The Bellini Center for Talent Development at the USF Muma College of Business prepares business students to be career-ready through a structured professional development program focused on essential soft skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork, and professionalism. By engaging students early and consistently, the Center helps employers connect with emerging talent who are equipped with real-world workplace expectations and competencies.
Partner with the Pipeline
Partner with the Pipeline
Partner with USF to connect with career-ready students and build strong, sustainable talent pipelines.
Potential employers who want to learn more, or become better integrated into the USF / Cyber Florida talent pipeline, can contact:
USF’s Bellini Center for Talent Development
Pavla Ozkul, PhD
Employer Outreach Director
pozkul@usf.edu
USF’s Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Computing
Ellyn Couillard, PhD
Student Success Director
ecouillard@usf.edu
For any current or prospective USF students: If you have an interest in cybersecurity, we strongly encourage you to check in with the Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing for personalized career and academic coaching, as well as connections into the professional community. For students interested in business related majors and career opportunities, contact Bellini Center.
