Former Sisler Cyber Academy student shares early career success story

A recent Winnipeg School Division graduate returned to inspire current students with his rapid career growth. Syrus Neil-McSwain, only 19 years old, visited Sisler High School to share his journey. His story shows the real value of WSD's specialized programs. 

Syrus now works as an IT Generalist at Laivly since graduating from Sisler High School. He credits much of his early success to skills he gained in the Sisler Cyber Academy program. His visit gave students a first-hand look at career possibilities right after graduation.  

"The skills I developed at Cyber Academy and participation in cybersecurity competitions like CyberPatriot were essential to my early success," Syrus told the students. He explained how classroom learning directly applied to his daily work tasks. 

During his talk, Syrus outlined his current job duties and projects at Laivly. He works with an AI and enterprise automation platform that serves contact centers. His role involves a mix of technical skills and problem-solving abilities. 

Students listened eagerly as he described his typical workday. Many were surprised to learn about the variety of tasks in his IT role. Syrus answered questions about job requirements and workplace culture. 

"I plan to focus more on enhancing Artificial Intelligence service delivery," Syrus shared when discussing his future goals. His ambition clearly impressed the students in attendance.   

The event included a special treat for students. Laivly provided complimentary swag items for Sisler Cyber Academy participants.  

"We're incredibly proud of Syrus and his achievements," said a Sisler Cyber Academy teacher Charles Bazilewich. "His success reflects the quality of our specialized programs." 

Sisler's Cyber Academy continues to prepare students for in-demand tech careers. The program focuses on practical skills that employers value. Syrus's journey exemplifies the program's effectiveness. 

"Seeing someone close to my age already working in the field I'm interested in is really motivating," said one Cyber Academy student Matthew. "It makes my career goals seem more achievable." 

Winnipeg School Division remains committed to connecting students with industry professionals. These interactions help students envision their futures and make informed career choices. Alumni success stories like Syrus's prove the value of this approach.   

Laivly's support demonstrates how local businesses can contribute to student success, too. By sharing expertise and resources, companies help shape the next generation of professionals. This partnership benefits students and strengthens the local workforce. 

Students Take on Real-World Cybersecurity Challenge 

Syrus's visit coincides with another exciting project for Sisler students. A team of four Cyber Academy students are helping WSD’s IT department to evaluate cybersecurity contract proposals from two companies for the division’s own application.  

Hiring a new cybersecurity firm will help protect current and future WSD students' data. This hands-on project gives them experience with real-world security challenges. It connects classroom learning to actual industry practices.  

WSD IT Director Chris Mackinnon recently mentored these students in the classroom. He held a roundtable discussion about modern cybersecurity issues. The students gained valuable insights from this industry expert. 

 "Chris briefed them on what to expect and look for in a good product," said Robert Esposito, Sisler Cyber Academy teacher explained. “He stressed the importance of communication and customer service skills. These soft skills complement the students' technical knowledge.”   

The team visited WSD head office to present their observations after vendor presentations. This experience gave them a glimpse into professional IT procurement processes. They are now applying their analytical skills to evaluate real solutions. 

“It was a fantastic day hosting the Cyber program from Sisler at our admin offices. Jed, Jasroop, Matthew, and Marcus did a fantastic job presenting their findings on our Managed Security Services RFP. Their professionalism, depth of knowledge, and ability to communicate complex cybersecurity concepts were truly impressive,” said Chris Mackinnon, WSD IT Director.  

“It’s inspiring to see such bright minds engaging in a real-world evaluation of cybersecurity tools and gaining the confidence to present their findings not only to their class but also to IT Services team members and our Superintendent!”