Class of 2026: Mark Colvin says yes to opportunity and fast-tracks cybersecurity career
Mark Colvin smiles in front of a Hokie Stone wall wearing a Virginia Tech printed, collared shirt
Name: Mark Colvin
College: Pamplin College of Business
Major: Business Information Technology: cybersecurity management and analytics
Plans after graduation: Summer internship with VertoSoft, a Northern Virginia IT company, then returning to Blacksburg to live among friends while joining Virginia Tech’s online Master of Information Technology program
Favorite Hokie memory: Forming first-year residence hall friendships that turned into lasting connections
Mark Colvin arrived at Virginia Tech with nearly 30 dual-enrollment credits from high school, allowing him to finish his undergraduate degree in just three years. Colvin is excited to walk across the stage with an early degree and many experiences that have shaped his approach to work and life.
Three of three years complete: Early graduation and path to masters
Growing up in Haymarket, Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C., Colvin was familiar with the IT and government contracting world before starting college.
“Where I lived drew me to my major,” he said. “It felt like a natural direction.”
At Virginia Tech, his interest evolved into a broader understanding of how to help people and businesses stay safe without breaking the bank when it comes to cybersecurity.
Although he is graduating early, Colvin’s academic career at VT is not over. Colvin is returning to Blacksburg next fall to work and live near the community he built at VT while completing his Master of Information Technology through Virginia Tech’s online program.
“I could have added a full year of minors, but I figured I might as well get a master’s,” he said. “Why not?”
Saying yes shaped his experience
Much like his choice to pursue an early master’s degree, Colvin described his time at Virginia Tech as a series of decisions to stay involved and take on new opportunities.
His mindset led him to join Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity, participate in intramural sports, and volunteer to walk dogs at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter.
He also joined the Housing Services student staff team, eventually stepping into a leadership role as a desk lead.
“I was probably the last person they expected to say yes to a lead role,” he said. “But it ended up being the best thing I did. I’m so much more involved now, and it makes the job so much better.”
Balancing academics, work, and activities taught Colvin to prioritize efficiently.
“There’s always something to do in college,” he said. “I learned to get my schoolwork done early so I could say yes to everything else that I could.”
Getting out of it what you put in
Colvin learned through his college experience that the more he invested in something, the more meaningful the experience was for him.
“There’s a quote from a buddy of mine in ATO that said, ‘Everything you do in college, how much effort you put into it is what you will get out of it,’” Colvin said. “That’s been the biggest thing for me.”
Looking ahead, Colvin’s path remains open but intentional, shaped by the same mindset that carried him through college. He looks forward to saying yes, staying involved, and growing into his next opportunity.
