By Sarah Campo, Director of Alumni Engagement at ECPI University
Growing up, ECPI University cybersecurity graduate Daniel Runnion was drawn to computers and how they worked. “I’ve always been a tinkerer,” he recalled. “I remember breaking my family’s computer and figuring out how to fix it.”
When Daniel finished high school in 2004, he wanted to pursue a career in IT. Instead, his life took a different turn: he joined the U.S. military, where he served 13 years as a diesel mechanic. His time in uniform involved the same tinkering that he had enjoyed throughout his life.
Daniel was committed to fully serving his country, but an injury forced him to retire in 2019. The following year, he decided to revisit his love for computers. After years of working with machines in the military, Daniel wanted to apply that same problem-solving mindset in a different way.
In 2022, Daniel became the first person in his family to earn a bachelor’s degree, completing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from ECPI University. That achievement brought him full circle to the path he originally planned.
Finding a Fresh Start in Cybersecurity
When Daniel decided to go back to school after his military service, he knew it would be a major change but wasn’t sure where to go. He wanted a place that understood his goals and could help him build on his military experience to start a new career.
One day, he saw a TV commercial about ECPI where graduates shared their experiences in a veteran-friendly university environment. He visited the campus to see for himself. After talking to the admissions team, he felt that welcoming spirit firsthand and decided it was the right fit for him.
As a father of four, Daniel needed a schedule that worked with his busy life. When his schedule changed, he was able to shift between day, night, and online classes. That flexibility made it possible for him to balance school, work, and family.
He was 33 years old at the time and eager to begin a new chapter in his life. “I had to catch up with these young guys,” he shared. “I wanted to start my new career as soon as possible.”
When he shared his decision with his wife, she supported him completely and encouraged him to move forward with it.
Daniel sitting at home surrounded by his family
Where It All Clicked and His Passion Came to Life
Once Daniel started classes, the hands-on structure of the program felt familiar, mirroring the way he had worked in the military. “I’m a very hands-on learner,” he said. “I got all the hands-on experience I could need from the labs, and it really helped me a lot.”
Daniel’s favorite class was networking, where he worked with real switches and professional equipment. He learned how to make ethernet cables and manage networks, getting a sense of how different parts of a system work together to keep computers running smoothly.
He also found opportunities to apply his new skills beyond the classroom. During his studies, he worked at an IT help desk before moving into a role as a network technician. The experience complemented his work perfectly, and he saw how his classes were paying off in real time.
Daniel gaining hands-on experience with network cables in ECPI University’s cybersecurity lab
A Community That Had His Back
Outside of his coursework, Daniel also found a strong network of support on campus. Many of his classmates were veterans, and their shared backgrounds made it easy to establish a connection. "Having them there made easing into the civilian world a little bit easier,” he shared.
His instructors also provided steady guidance and encouragement. They presented him with real-world problems and pushed him to think outside the box to figure out a solution. But they were always available to help him get there, often staying after class to provide some extra tutoring.
Surrounded by students who were just as passionate about computers as he was, Daniel joined the campus’s cybersecurity club. The group entered a hackathon and managed to place 73rd out of nearly 300 teams. It was Daniel’s first competition, and he was proud of how well his team performed.
Those collaborative experiences reminded him of his time in the military and gave him confidence as he took the next steps in his career.
Daniel walking the stage at his graduation ceremony at ECPI University
Putting His Skills to Work
A few months after he graduated, Daniel landed a job as a network engineer at a small service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) IT company. Thanks to the hands-on training he received, he felt well prepared for the role. There, he took care of the network and made sure that all the computers ran smoothly, working with switches and routers similar to those he used in class.
It didn't take long for his coworkers to recognize his skills. “I quickly became one of the go-to guys,” he shared. “I was even able to teach some folks who had been there for a long time some of the things I learned in school.”
Daniel has since transitioned to a role at Insight Global, a staffing company that connects professionals with Fortune 1000 companies. There, he works as a network administrator, taking on new responsibilities to manage and secure systems.
According to Daniel, his experience at ECPI helped shape him into a “well-rounded IT professional.”
Still Learning, Still Leading
Despite the success he found, Daniel still wants to continue learning. He plans to go back to ECPI to pursue a master’s degree in cybersecurity. Then, in the true spirit of service, he wants to be an instructor and make a difference for future students like him.
More importantly, his perseverance has made him a role model for his children, which means more to him than anything. One of his four children wants to follow in his footsteps and pursue a career in IT. Daniel’s wife is equally proud of what he has achieved and enjoys sharing his story with friends.
Daniel’s life didn’t follow the path he expected, but each step prepared him for where he is today. What started out as a childhood interest has turned into a lifelong career, built on the focus, commitment, and sense of service he's carried every step of the way.
About the Author: Sarah Campo
Sarah Campo is the Director of Alumni Engagement at ECPI University. She is passionate about sharing graduate stories, celebrating their achievements, and building meaningful connections that continue beyond graduation.