How to Develop a Career

How many people knew what they wanted to pursue as a profession when they were children? Did it begin with a dream and vivid imagination to become a superhero, a professional athlete, a firefighter – or an actor who made the silver screen for Hollywood blockbuster movies?

For ETSU freshman Morgan Laymon, the dream he had as a child is one he’s making come true, thanks to a groundbreaking collaboration between BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and ETSU that resulted in the BlueSky Tennessee Institute powered by ETSU.

Morgan is from Chattanooga and is the second person in his family to pursue a college degree. Morgan had no doubts about his path – a clear plan to make a difference in the lives of others through technology and cybersecurity, a new school, an accelerated ABET-accredited computing program that will allow him to go from enrolled to employed in just over two years, and an opportunity to pursue his passion right at home.

It almost sounds too good to be true. But for Morgan, the timing was everything. He’s thrilled to have the opportunity to conquer those goals while obtaining a college degree in just 27 months from the university he wanted to attend all along, ETSU.

“I researched many universities both in-state and out-of-state,” said Morgan. “None of them really fulfilled what I was looking for. ETSU’s highly regarded computing degree programs, close-knit community and supportive learning environment sealed the deal for me.”

Morgan’s coding creativity shines in the first video game he created called Overthrown.

 “It’s a run-and-gun type of platformer made using GMS2, and I uploaded the game onto itch.io, a website for indie video games,” said Morgan. “I’m working on a new game called Realms of Redemption and hope to have a demo for debut in the coming months.”

The first cohort of 32 students enrolled at BlueSky Institute’s campus in Chattanooga will have access to hands-on experience, paid internships and receive an immediate job offer from BCBS of Tennessee immediately after graduation. The program aims to provide a proactive solution to a problem numerous companies face as rapidly increasing global demand for tech talent and future IT workforce leaders continue to rise.

Morgan’s determination to become part of that solution is evident.

“I want to use my degree to help people. The BlueSky program allows me to take what I’ve learned and apply those skills to change the lives of communities and consumers by improving software or hardware that better protects personal information and empowers users to feel confident and secure while storing their information in digital spaces.”

Students graduating from ETSU and the BlueSky Institute program can confidently enter the future information technology workforce to excel in a variety of roles in cybersecurity, systems management, database management and creation and more. ETSU is one of only 14 universities in the country with ABET-accredited programs in computer science, information systems and information technology.