Who is Patricius Versteeg?
Patricius Versteeg, hailing from the Netherlands, has defied odds and expectations to build an impressive career in cyber security. Dropping out of high school was an early setback, but he eventually gained a foothold in the IT industry in the late 1990s. By the early 2000s, he began gravitating toward cyber security, and there was no looking back after that. Cyber security quickly became his passion and mission in life.
In the initial phase of his budding cyber security career, Patricius took on various roles, such as security analyst and digital auditor. His dedication and skills led him to a prominent position at ABN AMRO Bank, where he was a key figure in cyber security operations. Fast forward to today, and he now serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Viterra, a role he has held for several years.
Why Patricius Joined ECCU
After pivoting his career to cyber security, Patricius began accumulating a trove of respectable cyber security certifications in the following years to expand his skill set and enhance his credentials. However, even after holding numerous certifications, such as CISSPI, C|CISO, C|EH, C|SA, and L|PT, he yearned for a more comprehensive cyber security education experience. After contemplating his options, Patricius enrolled in the Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) program at EC-Council University (ECCU) in 2015. It was a decision that would reap handsome dividends, and he successfully completed the program in 2017.
The MSCS Impact
The MSCS degree had a transformative impact on Patricius’s career. It greatly enhanced his critical thinking and leadership skills, which are essential in executive-level cyber security job roles. This advanced degree raised his professional profile in the Netherlands and beyond. With his master’s degree, his career prospects expanded as he became a prime candidate for top-level cyber security positions, increasing his earning potential substantially. Inspired by Patricius’s achievements, his co-workers decided to pursue their master’s degrees in cyber security as well.
“The MSCS degree is recognized in the industry as one of the top cyber security qualifications. It’s highly valued in my company.”
Furthermore, the degree opened doors to teaching and mentorship opportunities, allowing him to share his knowledge and experience with aspiring cyber security professionals. The MSCS program also instilled a rigorous approach to evidence-based decision-making and a deep appreciation for leadership. These skills have become invaluable in Patricius’s daily work, helping him overcome complex cyber security challenges.
Giving Back to the Community
His career accomplishments aside, Patricius is committed to giving back to the cyber security community. He takes the time to mentor aspiring cyber security professionals, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and leadership. He also frequently shares his exclusive industry insights on LinkedIn to aid the development of future cyber security leaders. He finds this sense of contribution and community engagement deeply fulfilling.
A Truly Beneficial Learning Experience
Reflecting on his time studying at ECCU, Patricius speaks highly of the balanced curriculum offered in the MSCS program. Despite the demands of full-time work and personal responsibilities, he dedicated eight to ten hours each weekend to his master’s education. It was well worth the effort, as the knowledge and skills he acquired were invaluable to his career success.
Patricius is grateful to EC-Council University and pays tribute to the staff, faculty, and Dean for their unwavering support and guidance. He continues to thrive as a cyber security leader, boosted by the education he received and motivated to help others achieve similar success.
Start Your Own Success Story at ECCU
Like Patricius, if you have the drive and determination to build a rewarding career in cyber security, EC-Council University will give you everything you need to achieve your goals. No matter your circumstances, our world-renowned cyber security programs can equip you with the required skills, knowledge, and certifications to set you apart from the competition and elevate your career trajectory to greater heights.
Connect with an ECCU Advisor for personalized learning recommendations based on your skill level and ambitions.
