Welcome to Fargo: Palo Alto Networks SE Academy Expands to North Dakota

With today’s connected world and evolving threat landscape, there is a significant need for cybersecurity professionals. In its latest endeavor to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap, Palo Alto Networks is furthering the reach of its educational programs by extending its SE (Systems Engineering) Academy to Fargo, North Dakota. 

Palo Alto Networks SE Academy offers recent college graduates a robust learning plan, educating them on the technical fundamentals of cybersecurity while building business acumen. The program consists of a six-month cybersecurity curriculum program and, upon completion, participants will have the opportunity for a six-month rotation in various business roles on the SE team at Palo Alto Networks. After 12 months in the program, an SE role may be offered for a position anywhere across the country.

North Dakota is the second SE Academy location. After initially launching in 2019 in Plano, Texas, Palo Alto Networks’ expansion will offer greater geographic locations for its candidates and attract talent from a greater variety of colleges and universities.

According to a 2021 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the cybersecurity workforce gap has decreased from needing 3.12 million professionals in 2020 to 2.72 million in 2021. However, demand continues to outweigh available talent. To create greater cybersecurity career opportunities that will help protect our digital way of life, Palo Alto Networks is committed to educating the next generation of cyber professionals. 

The SE Academy is one of a number of education programs provided by Palo Alto Networks, including:

• Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy: Courses that match the cybersecurity education and training needs of secondary and post-secondary education institutions.
• Cyber STARS: Program that seeks to bridge the digital divide and create opportunity through education, training, mentorship, and economic empowerment for K-12 underrepresented students.
• Cyber A.C.E.S. Program: Activities in cybersecurity education for students, ages 5-15.

To learn more about Palo Alto Networks’ education programs visit: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/education.