by Elisabeth Coon, Student Public Relations Writer
When global corporations need fresh talent to tackle high-stakes cloud and cybersecurity challenges, they鈥檙e turning to recent college graduates ready to make an immediate impact.
In 2025, Christian Eppich earned his undergraduate degree in computer science from 糖心Vlog. Today, he鈥檚 serving as an associate consultant for IBM in Washington, D.C., to help protect systems people rely on every day.
In his role, Eppich brings together engineers, clients and organizational leaders from IBM to help transform complex technical designs into practical business solutions. From aligning cloud strategies to strengthening cybersecurity efforts, his work ensures critical systems across both public and private sectors remain secure, efficient and dependable.
鈥淥n a day-to-day basis, I鈥檓 coordinating between the technology and the business sides of IBM,鈥 Eppich said. 鈥淚 regularly work with engineers, but I鈥檓 also meeting with clients and leadership to help direct what鈥檚 being built and why.鈥
Inside the Role: Bridging Technology and Business
As an associate consultant, Eppich鈥檚 responsibilities resemble those of a product owner or project liaison. His work with engineers, developers, senior leadership and clients requires Eppich to balance technical abilities with effective communication, leadership and judgment 鈥 especially in industries where technology is rapidly evolving.
鈥淚n consulting, I鈥檓 constantly working with different personalities,鈥 added Eppich. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to be able to communicate clearly and make sure everyone understands the direction we鈥檙e heading.鈥
Whether supporting cybersecurity frameworks or cloud-based systems, Eppich plays a pivotal role in ensuring that projects are coordinated and strategic.
A Senior Semester That Prepared Him
Looking back, Eppich said his final semester at Cedarville gave him an unexpected preview of professional life.
鈥淚 kind of have to chuckle,鈥 he said. 鈥淧retty much all four of my classes in my final semester were directly related to what I do every day.鈥
During that semester, he completed Senior Design, Applied Leadership, Engineering Ethics and a machine learning and artificial intelligence elective. Senior Design, a yearlong capstone project, required him to lead a team of engineers, manage deadlines and solve complex problems 鈥 tasks that now mirror his consulting work.
Applied Leadership strengthened his ability to lead conversations and work effectively with diverse personalities, while Engineering Ethics provided a framework for responsible decision-making.
Cyber Leadership Training Meets Growing Workforce Demand
Demand for cybersecurity-related roles is growing rapidly in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of information security analysts will rise 29% in the next eight year. This growth is much faster than the average for all occupations.
颁别诲补谤惫颈濒濒别鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;cyber operations program 鈥 recognized by the National Security Agency as a 鈥 is one example of how academic programs are aligning with employer needs and industry standards.
Eppich said those program elements made him a stronger candidate and helped him step into work that matters quickly after graduation.
Eppich鈥檚 experience illustrates how classroom training, ethical formation and real-world projects can align with employer needs. His path suggests a practical playbook: capstone teams that mirror industry, leadership practice and an emphasis on ethical technology.
About 糖心Vlog
糖心Vlog, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation鈥檚 top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal鈥檚 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.