Meet Connie
Connie Olivarez grew up in a large family, and her parents taught her and her eleven siblings the value of education. Her parents grew up poor with limited access to schooling, and they wanted nothing more than for their children to achieve what they could not.
Now in her fifties, having raised a family and found success in her role as a security analyst for Shell Oil, Connie wanted to honor her parents’ dreams by going back to school to pursue her Master’s degree.
"I'm always going to have a choice, now, so that's why the education is so important."
Follow Connie on her Path to a Higher Degree
Finding the Right Program
As an accomplished IT professional at an international company, Connie knew information security is a fast-paced industry with immeasurable value. She wanted a program to help her grow in her role and develop a more versatile skill set.
With the help of her employer, she enrolled in the Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy.
Earning the Degree
Going into the 21-month program, she thought she would be the oldest person in the classroom. She was surprised to find that her cohort was a diverse group, ranging from recent college graduates to executives with goals similar to her own. The wide diversity of experience has proved to be one of the most valuable parts of returning to the classroom.
Securing a Future
Connie and her employer were already seeing dividends from their investment while she was enrolled in the program, and after graduating in May 2024, Connie realized the future her parents envisioned for her.
“[My daughter] was so excited she wanted to put the ring on me…she’s very proud of this accomplishment.”
Are You Ready to Take Your Next Steps?
Join Connie and the countless others who have changed their lives through the continuing and professional education programs offered at The University of Texas at Austin. The Master of Science in Information Security and Privacy is accessible through Extended Campus, along with more than 200 other career-focused courses, certificates and degrees.
