Student Security Operations Center (SOC)
Real‑World Cybersecurity Experience—Before You Graduate!
A‑State’s new and unique student‑led Security Operations Center gives you real‑world cybersecurity experience using industry‑standard tools. You'll graduate ready to detect, analyze, and respond to the security threats employers face every day.
Undergraduate Application | Graduate Application | Who Should Apply?
Why is SOC experience so valuable?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a much faster growing job demand, with a 30% increase over the next 10 years. The 2024 median pay for Information Security Analysts is roughly $125k/year or $60 an hour. This will only continue to grow, and this experience will put you above other applicants.
With the Student Security Operations Center, you'll:
- Gain the hands on experience in monitoring real security alerts with tools like CrowdStrike.
- Investigate real-world incidents and anomalies.
- Participate in threat simulations.
- Assist with automation and other AI-driven security workflows.
- Learn to excel through team collaboration and communication.
- Gain exposure to Department of Defense-aligned cyber roles.
Don't miss your chance, Apply Now!
Kalmer Solutions & A-State
Kalmer Solutions proudly partners with Arkansas State University to support a student‑led Security Operations Center (SOC)—combining real‑world cybersecurity expertise with hands‑on student learning.
Workforce‑Ready Skill Development
Through mentorship and industry experience, Arkansas State and Kalmar Solutions are invested in helping our students develop the technical, communication, and professional skills employers expect. Students gain valuable SOC experience for their resumes, prepare for industry certifications, and gain exposure to enterprise tools such as CrowdStrike, Proofpoint, Microsoft Defender, ITSM platforms, and more.
The Only Student SOC in Arkansas
How will this help you?
You will gain critical skills that will apply to your cybersecurity career, right away!
With constantly evolving threats, employers are looking for experienced security professionals. By learning current, industry standard practices, you'll stand out with valuable knowledge and experience that employers need. This gives students a competitive chance to graduate ready to step into cybersecurity roles with confidence.
Students in the SOC gain direct experience with the daily work of entry‑level SOC analysts, including:
- Monitoring real security alerts from enterprise tools such as CrowdStrike
- Investigating suspicious activity, incidents, and anomalies
- Participating in cybersecurity simulations and threat scenarios
- Assisting with automated and AI‑driven security workflows
- Documenting findings and contributing to A‑State’s overall security posture
- Collaborating with professional staff and industry partners on active issues
The spirit of our student-led SOC program can be summarized with one word: Opportunity. The opportunity to explore the different facets of a cybersecurity profession. The opportunity to develop hands-on skills that equip students for success post-graduation. And the opportunity to build professional connections with educators, employers, and other learners under one roof. These opportunities and more are limitless with this unique student-led security operations center here at Arkansas State University.
Who should apply?
Students majoring in are encouraged to apply. With 3 undergraduate and 3 graduate positions available, you can apply regardless of education level. You will leave with the same skills, regardless of academic level. If you want to work in information security, this is for you.
Whether you want to work in healthcare, education, technology, or more; you will gain the same applicable skills, helping you advance in your career goals.
SPOTS ARE LIMITED AND COMPETITIVE. APPLY NOW!
Experience + Education
We’re excited to partner with Arkansas State University because this is about more than one program or one company. This partnership gives us the opportunity to invest in students early, mentor them as they explore cybersecurity, and help prepare them to become great professionals who can strengthen organizations throughout our region and beyond. By connecting education with real-world opportunity, we’re helping build a future workforce that supports employers, communities, and the growing need for cybersecurity talent.
Program Supporters
