Organizations are looking for a well-qualified workforce with the requisite skills, knowledge, and abilities to implement an effective cyber strategy. Academic institutions are facing challenges in meeting the demand for employees with hands-on experience. This exploratory study investigated how academic institutions can use internships to equip…

There are a growing number of zoo science degree programs in the US, designed to prepare entry level employees for a zoo or aquarium career that includes animal care, conservation, and public education. These bachelor's degree and associate degree programs include a focus on many areas of science as well as a variety of practical knowledge.…

As the global need for unfilled cybersecurity positions is projected to reach nearly 3.5 million by 2021, cybercrime proliferates. Talent shortage in cybersecurity continues to reach widespread magnitudes and individuals are inadequately prepared to assume positions requiring significant responsibilities. The challenge of filling the cybersecurity…

With the skyrocketing costs of higher education and the increased scrutiny of how educational institutions prepare graduates for the workplace, this dissertation explored how the "outsiders," or employers, view and determine the value of academic credentials. Using the premise of credentialism, this grounded theory, qualitative study…

This qualitative descriptive case study explored the requirements of the IT industry for education, IT certification, and work experience for entry-level IT professionals. Research has shown a growing problem where IT graduates were not able to meet the requirements for entry-level IT jobs. IT enrollment has decreased considerably over the past…