Haw's Eye View: Christian Cole '26

Christian Cole ’26 has built a strong foundation for his career through leadership, industry certifications and hands-on experience. As a student, he was named UNCW's Outstanding IT Graduate, served as a director for the Information Systems Association and earned his Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. 

In this latest Hawk’s Eye View, Cole reflects on the experiences that prepared him for his career, the value of getting involved on campus and the advice he has for students looking follow a similar path. 

What first drew you to Information Technology, and how did that interest evolve into simulation and systems work? 

I’ve always been interested in technology and understanding how things work behind the scenes. As I studied Information Technology at UNCW, that interest grew into a passion for networking, cybersecurity and systems. Through my coursework, internships and hands-on experiences, I realized I really enjoyed working with technology in a practical environment. That eventually led me toward simulation and systems work, where I can apply many of those skills to complex systems and real-world applications. 

You served as a director for the Information Systems Association at UNCW. How did that leadership experience shape you?   

Being a director for the Information Systems Association helped me develop my communication, leadership and teamwork skills. It gave me the opportunity to work with other students, help organize events and connect with professionals in the IT industry. It also taught me how important it is to build relationships and get involved outside of the classroom. That experience made me more confident in working with different people and communicating technical ideas.   

You earned your CCNA certification during college. What motivated you to pursue it? 

I wanted to strengthen my networking knowledge and challenge myself beyond what I was learning in the classroom. Networking is such an important foundation for IT and cybersecurity, so earning my CCNA gave me the opportunity to build a deeper understanding of how networks operate and how to troubleshoot them. It was also a way to demonstrate to employers that I was willing to put in the extra effort to develop practical, industry-recognized skills.   

Which hands-on IT experiences was most impactful during your internships? 

One of the most impactful parts of my IT internship was getting to work directly with real users and real IT environments. I was able to troubleshoot technical issues, work with hardware and networking equipment and see how IT systems are managed in an organization. That experience helped me understand that technical knowledge is only part of working in IT. You also need to communicate effectively, stay patient when troubleshooting and be able to adapt when the solution isn’t immediately obvious.   

What aspects of your time at UNCW contributed most to being named Outstanding IT Graduate? 

I think it was a combination of my academic work, involvement outside the classroom and the experiences I gained through internships and projects. I tried to take advantage of opportunities to grow both technically and professionally. Being involved in the Information Systems Association and Cyber Defense Club, pursuing certifications and gaining hands-on experience all helped me become a more well-rounded IT professional. Receiving the Outstanding IT Graduate Award was especially meaningful because it recognized not just my academic performance, but the effort I put into becoming prepared for a career in the field.   

You are now working as a Simulation Technician supporting military training systems. What does your role involve? 

As a Simulation Technician, I help support and maintain the technology behind military training systems. My role involves troubleshooting hardware and software issues, configuring and testing systems and helping ensure that the training environment is reliable and ready for use. I enjoy the hands-on nature of the work because it combines IT, networking, hardware and problem-solving while also supporting an important mission.   

What advice would you give to IT students interested in defense or simulation careers? 

My biggest advice would be to get as much hands-on experience as possible. Take advantage of labs, internships, student organizations, certifications and personal projects. Don’t be afraid to work with hardware, build networks, troubleshoot systems or learn something outside your comfort zone. I would also encourage students to explore defense and simulation careers because they offer opportunities to work with unique technology and solve challenging problems. Networking with professors, alumni and industry professionals can also open doors that you may not have considered. This is what made me stand out the most.   

How do you hope to stay connected with UNCW? 

UNCW played a major role in preparing me for my career, so I definitely want to stay connected. I’d like to continue supporting the IT program and the Information Systems Association, whether that’s through networking, speaking with students, attending events or sharing my experiences with students interested in IT careers. I know how valuable it was for me to hear from professionals and connect with people in the industry while I was a student, and I’d like to be able to provide that same support to future Seahawks.