Forge Institute Fellowship Program to Provide Companies with Exceptional Cyber Talent

The program’s fast start leaves limited Fellowship positions available

Every day, this nation is under some form of cyberattack. Whether it originates  from hostile nations or unscrupulous agents of the dark web, networks belonging to both the private and public sectors remain vulnerable, in large part due to a glaring talent gap in highly-trained, uniquely qualified cybersecurity professionals. 

Forge Institute, an established leader in cybersecurity workforce training and intelligence analysis, is filling that void with an innovative Forge Fellowship program, which is designed to identify, nurture and certify top infosec talent.

“Most companies understand that they have to harden their cyber defenses,” explained the program's director, Miller Crosby of Forge Institute. “Where CEOs struggle is identifying and recruiting infosec specialists with the proper portfolio of skills.”

The Forge Fellowship, launched in January of this year, nurtures a pool of exceptional cyber defense specialists, enabling organizations who participate in the program to select qualified candidates. Training can even be customized through internships with prospective employers. Those who complete the program take part in a special coining ceremony – and inside access to the world’s most lucrative infosec positions. 

“Infosec is like a living organism,” said Lee Watson, CEO of Forge Institute. “It learns. It evolves. That requires training that shifts in real time to the current paradigm.”

The 2022 Forge Fellowship program is allotted 50 Fellows. Already, more than half of the positions are already taken. Companies and organizations who are in need of specialized IT professionals should not hesitate to explore and apply to become a partner. 

“Our Department of Defense SkillBridge certification has already infused the Forge Fellowship program with extremely experienced military members who are ready to deploy their skills for the private sector,” said Crosby. SkillBridge, which connects returning Service members to career job training opportunities, recently partnered with Forge Institute to provide transitioning members of the U.S. military with more cyber career opportunities post Service. The cybersecurity community is ideal for military veterans, who often wish to continue to serve their Country even after discharge.This is just one example of the military’s talent rich pipeline Forge Institute has tapped. 

“I’m a veteran myself,” said Crosby. “Protecting this Nation is just part of who we are. The Forge Fellowship program connects these highly motivated, highly trained professionals to organizations  that can put them to their best use.”

The Forge Fellowship program is not just for those with military experience. Anyone with a penchant for cybersecurity and IT can apply. Candidates may include people already serving as IT specialists, system administrators, or anyone with hands-on-keyboard experience. 

Companies and individuals interested in participating in the FI Fellowship Program can  visit the Forge Institute at: https://www.forge.institute/forge-fellowship

Key Facts

• The Forge Institute Fellowship Program identifies and nurtures top tier cyber and infosec talent.

• The Forge Institute Fellowship Program has limited space available, with more than half of its positions filled for 2022. 

• Anyone with a penchant for cybersecurity and IT can apply. Candidates may include people already serving as IT specialists, system administrators, or anyone with hands-on-keyboard experience.