Dennis has just graduated from Network and IT Security at Noroff, and has already landed the job he was hoping for.
Dennis Esguerra (41) has achieved what many students dream of; landing a job he is passionate about right after completing his studies. Today, he works as an IT Support and Security Consultant at Coherent AS, a role that combines his love for problem-solving with cutting-edge technology
Noroff previously featured Dennis while he was still a student of Network and IT Security, sharing his excitement for a future in IT security. Now, he reflects on how those ambitions have become a reality. You can read about Dennis' story here.
- It's incredible to think about how far I’ve come since I was studying. Transitioning from student life to professional work has been a mix of excitement, learning, and those ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this’ moments.
It’s fast-paced, but that’s exactly what I love about it. Dennis Esguerra
From Studies to His Dream Job
Dennis’s role involves operations, supporting IT systems, troubleshooting issues, and conducting penetration tests for businesses. Using tools from Microsoft, Cisco, and BitDefender, he helps organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.
- No day is the same. IT security is constantly evolving, and there’s always a new challenge to solve. It’s fast-paced, but that’s exactly what I love about it.
Dennis admits that his favorite part of the job is conducting penetration tests.
- Pen-testing is like solving a giant puzzle spotting gaps, testing defenses, and piecing it all together to make systems rock-solid It gives me a real sense of purpose knowing I’m helping protect businesses.
Dennis’s success story begins at Noroff, where he says the hands-on approach to learning gave him a significant advantage.
- The program wasn’t just about learning theories—I was doing the work. Penetration testing, risk assessments, and vulnerability management were part of my daily studies, so when I started my job, I felt ready to hit the ground running.
Landing the job I’d been dreaming of right after graduating? It felt amazing, like all the hard work finally paid off. Dennis Esguerra
Dennis also made it a priority to practice interviews while studying by applying for IT-related jobs.
- While studying, I applied for IT-related jobs just to practice interviews even when I knew I wasn’t fully qualified. It helped me learn what to expect, and by the time it mattered, I wasn’t nervous anymore. I felt confident walking into those interviews, ready to show what I could do.
His proactive mindset paid off. Shortly after completing his studies, he was offered his current role at Coherent AS.
- Landing the job I’d been dreaming of right after graduating? It felt amazing, like all the hard work finally paid off.
Advice for Aspiring IT Professionals
The collaborative learning environment at Noroff also played a big role in his journey. Dennis was an active contributor, earning the Helping Hand Award for supporting classmates and two consecutive Excellence in Studies awards.
- The awards were a reminder that all the late nights studying were worth it.
Looking back, he is grateful for the skills he developed and the confidence he gained.
- Communication has been a key part of my job. Explaining technical concepts to non-technical people can be challenging, but it’s made my work even more rewarding.
Dennis has some advice for current and future students in Network and IT Security. He encourages students to gain hands-on experience through internships, certifications, and personal projects. Conferences, he says, are a great way to stay updated on industry trends and meet professionals who can open doors to exciting opportunities.
IT security is exactly what I wanted to do, and I’m so glad I pursued it. Dennis Esguerra
He also recommends applying for jobs while still studying to practice interviews and build confidence.
- Stay curious. This field is always changing, so embracing new tools and technologies will help you stand out. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of understanding both operations and security they go hand in hand in the real world.
Dennis feels fortunate to have started his career so quickly and is excited about what lies ahead.
- Looking ahead, I’m excited to deepen my skills in penetration testing and explore trends like AI-based threat detection. This field never stands still, and that’s what makes it so exciting. I can’t wait to see what’s next.
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