College of the North Atlantic (CNA) continues to build on its strong industry connection with global cybersecurity leader Sophos. As part of this ongoing collaboration, Sophos executives recently visited CNA to conduct in-person interviews with students from the Computer Systems and Networking (CSN) program for internship opportunities. Sophos is an international cybersecurity company that provides students a direct pathway into the cybersecurity industry.
“Sophos has been supporting our work-term students by providing them with exceptional hands-on experience in the field of cybersecurity since 2022,” said Stephen Warren, Dean of CNA’s School of Business & IT. “Their internship program has not only helped our CSN students develop critical industry skills but has also led to full-time employment opportunities for many of them. We deeply appreciate their commitment to fostering the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.”
Sophos, which defends organizations against inevitable cyberattacks with innovative, adaptive, AI-driven solutions, has made student engagement a priority. Faizul Fahim, Senior Director of Americas Support Services at Sophos, emphasized the company’s dedication to working with local talent.
“Even before COVID, we partnered with schools close to our offices in Vancouver and Ottawa to create a pipeline of students toward employment with Sophos,” said Fahim. “Expanding to work terms with CNA students is a natural evolution toward working closely with up-and-coming talent within Canada.”
For students, these early industry connections provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and potential career placements.
“Students working with Sophos get firsthand exposure to the cybersecurity industry. They receive training on our products and processes, which they can carry forward into any future role,” Fahim explained. “Meanwhile, Sophos benefits from giving back to the community and developing a strong pipeline of skilled professionals. CNA’s curriculum prepares students well for careers in technical support and cybersecurity.”
One such success story is Darryl Murley, a CNA graduate and now a Customer Success Manager with Sophos.
“The most important thing I learned in my program was project management, which has been invaluable in my career,” said Murley. “Sophos is one of the few companies I’ve worked for that truly fosters a positive workplace environment, making it easy to show up and do your best every day.”
Murley’s journey with Sophos began during his final semester at CNA’s Corner Brook campus, where he landed an internship with the company.
“My internship experience was a game-changer,” he said. “It provided me with the skills and knowledge needed to transition into full-time employment. Today, I work alongside other CNA graduates who followed the same path.”
Fahim encourages other business leaders to consider investing in student development.
“You get the level of quality from students that you invest,” he said. “At Sophos, our training team spends months mentoring and preparing work-study students. This additional training shapes them into ideal candidates for technical support roles, and many go on to advance within our company.”
Beyond internships, Sophos is also a champion of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. The company sponsors bursaries at four colleges across Canada, including CNA, to support women pursuing careers in technology.
CSN student Niki Morency, a recipient of the SOPHOS Women in Tech Award, shared the impact of this support.
“The SOPHOS Women in Tech Award assisted me in my studies by providing financial support, recognition, and motivation to excel in my field,” said Morency. “It also helped me connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into cybersecurity. Employers who engage with students before graduation demonstrate a commitment to developing future talent and fostering success.”
With National Work Integrated Learning Month in full swing, CNA is proud to celebrate its partnership with Sophos - an industry leader that not only strengthens its workforce but also paves the way for students to launch fulfilling careers in cybersecurity.
For more information about CNA’s Computer Systems and Networking Program, visit
Computer Systems and Networking-College of the North Atlantic.
For more information about hiring CNA students and graduates, visit
College of the North Atlantic - Work With Us.
For more information about Sophos, visit
Sophos: Defeat Cyberattacks with Cybersecurity as a Service.
- 30 -
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
P: (709) 699-8981
E:
ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca