Radford University
Talent Connector Program (IT/Cybersecurity)
Connecting Certified Professionals with Regional Employers
The IT Talent Connector Program is a unique initiative designed to build a bridge between college students pursuing IT and cybersecurity certifications at partnering institutions (Radford University, Virginia Tech, and New River Community College) and employers seeking qualified professionals in the New River Valley and Roanoke Region. By participating in the program, both employers and students gain access to valuable resources, making it easier for companies to find certified talent and for students to enter a high-demand job market in the New River Valley and Roanoke Region.
Why Should Students Connect?
If you're a student at Radford University, Virginia Tech, or New River Community College, the IT Talent Connector Program is your key to unlocking new career opportunities. Certifications are becoming increasingly important in today’s competitive job market. According to the 2023 State of Tech Talent Report, 73% of employers use certifications to verify the skills they need when hiring for IT and cybersecurity roles.
Why Should Employers Connect?
The IT Talent Connector Program connects you directly with a pipeline of skilled, certified professionals graduating from top regional institutions like Radford University, Virginia Tech, and New River Community College. The ITCCP project will develop a pipeline of students and graduates equipped with industry-recognized certifications through courses that align with professional standards set by: CompTIA, Cisco, AWS. Microsoft, and Linux. There are also opportunities to upskill current employees via training and certifications.
Testing Center
As a certified Pearson VUE testing center in the New River Valley, we provide a range of industry-recognized certification and licensure exams to help individuals and professionals advance their careers. Located at The HUB at Radford University in downtown Radford, it’s a convenient and secure environment to take your professional certification exam.
For Working Professionals
The Vinod Chachra IMPACT Lab at Radford University offers online course that meet the needs of working professionals. In our competency-based courses, you will learn practical application of core competencies aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). Experiential learning activities develop your foundational understanding of data privacy and web threat detection, as well as provide an in-depth study of the GIAC Certified Penetration Tester (GIAC GPEN) and GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GIAC GCIH) certifications. You will also cover significant preparation materials for the ISC2 CISSP CAT, CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certification exams.
