Bamlak Sebil: Recipient of the CGI Business Information Technology Scholarship for 2025-2026

Bamlak Sebil, a transfer student and recipient of the CGI Business Scholarship, discovered the ideal intersection of business, technology, and cybersecurity in the Cybersecurity Management and Analytics (CMA) program under the Business Information Technology Department. The CMA program has given him the perfect place to grow. Through research, internships, and hands-on projects, he’s gaining skills to make a real impact in tech and business.

1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what led you to choose the BIT major at Virginia Tech?

I transferred from George Mason, where I majored in Information Technology with a business minor. I wanted to blend both worlds, and the BIT major with a cybersecurity concentration clicked. It gave me a framework to grow and build a future in fintech, consulting, and enterprise security.

2. What has been your favorite class or project in the BIT program so far, and why?

My favorite experience has been undergraduate research through ISERC, Virginia Tech’s cybersecurity division. I helped build a program that scraped SEC filings, analyzed board member bios, and created a semantic scoring system to assess alignment with cybersecurity best practices. It combined research, governance, and real-world application.

3. Are there any professors, mentors, or peers who have had a significant impact on your academic journey?

Dr. Joseph Simpson has had a huge impact. He guided me through a semester-long research project, investing time and intentionality in my development when he didn’t have to. His support has been invaluable.

4. What scholarship did you receive, and how did you feel when you found out you were selected?

I received the CGI Business Information Technology Scholarship. I felt truly grateful. Transferring late meant starting from behind, but I stayed focused and worked hard. Being selected felt like all that effort was finally recognized.

5. What does receiving this scholarship mean to you personally and academically?

It lifts some financial burden and confirms that my path matters. It validates my long hours diving into cybersecurity and motivates me to continue growing in Cyber Management, a field I believe will shape the future of enterprise operations.

6. How will this scholarship support your goals during the upcoming academic year?

It allows me to focus on technical coursework, research, and projects without constantly worrying about bills. That freedom lets me dive deeper into the work that will advance my career.

7. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

Short-term, I want to grow as a security engineer, developing and deploying detections to protect organizations. Long-term, I hope to combine technical expertise with business strategy, taking on leadership roles or creating innovative projects that push cybersecurity forward.

8. Are there any specific industries, companies, or roles you're particularly excited about pursuing?

Detection engineering excites me most right now. After working at Amazon defending against real threats, I’ve seen how creative and critical this work is. I’m also interested in threat intelligence and proactive security strategies.

9. How do you see your BIT education helping you make an impact in your future career?

The BIT program builds range. Learning the language of both tech and business is rare and valuable. That versatility allows me to approach problems from a systems-level perspective.

10. Are you involved in any student organizations, internships, or research projects? If so, how have they shaped your experience?

Yes. I intern in cybersecurity at Amazon, conduct research through ISERC, and serve on the board of the Ethiopian Orthodox Club. Programs like CodePath and MLT gave me real-world context beyond the classroom. These experiences showed me how to apply what I learn.

11. What advice would you give to other students who are working toward earning scholarships or excelling in the BIT program?

Your degree opens doors, but what you do beyond it matters more. Coursework alone won’t prepare you for your goals. Build around it—join programs, do research, and gain real-world skills. Focus on the right things with intention. Coursework is the baseline, not the differentiator.

12. Is there a quote, motto, or personal philosophy that motivates you?

“Vision without action is just a dream, and action without vision is a nightmare.” It reminds me to operate with both purpose and execution. Vision gives direction, but daily actions bring it to life. Without clarity, hard work can lead to burnout—balance matters.