By Charlie Reed, University of Tennessee Chattanooga -- A lot of people want to get done with school ASAP.

Few will ever be as swift as transfer student Katie Luck, who’s set to graduate from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga this summer just shy of her 19th birthday.

Her educational sprint through UTC’s new 12-month Bachelor of Applied Science: Information Technology in Cybersecurity (BAS-IT CyS) showcases the power and potential of the transfer-student path.

Born and raised in nearby Soddy-Daisy, Luck earned an associate degree and high school diploma a year ahead of schedule through Chattanooga State Community College as a dual-enrollment student.

Now, thanks to the ease of transferring from ChattState to UTC and participating in the BAS-IT CyS program, she will be part of the workforce less than a year and a half after graduating high school.

Her success transcends mere speed—it reflects a deliberate strategy, combining the rigor of academic coursework with the invaluable insights gained from hands-on experience.

The BAS-IT CyS program, tailored for ambitious students like Luck, dives deep into the complexities of information technology. It’s designed to arm students with not just theoretical knowledge, but also with practical skills demanded by today’s tech-driven marketplace.

The program requires students to work in required paid internships in the community. It’s where the applied, hands-on nature of the program comes into play, allowing students to learn on the job and develop communication and teamwork, soft skills highly prized in the tech industry.

“The wonderful challenge of this kind of work is that it requires that we not only speak ‘geek’ or only speak business but are the bridge between the two,” said Luck, who’s interning at U.S. Express—an international logistics company headquartered in Chattanooga. The company is among a list of growing UTC partners in the BAS-IT CyS program.

The experience has been valuable, enlightening and nurturing, she said.

“Everyone is so welcoming and has such great advice,” Luck said. “I get the opportunity to ask questions—a lot of questions—without anyone getting upset because I’m the young intern. They treat me like a coworker, not an intern.”

The classroom/internship experience allows students to mix real-world insights and academic theory for a truly dynamic and relevant education, she said.

At U.S. Express, Luck hasn’t been confined to the role of a passive learner. She’s working in the heart of the company’s growing tech team, engaging in real projects that are honing her skills in software development, network security, and data analysis.

For Luck and other students in UTC’s accelerated cybersecurity program, this isn’t learning for the sake of learning; it’s boot camp for the real challenges of the IT industry.

This blend of academic rigor and practical, industry-relevant experience underscores the evolving nature of higher education in preparing students for the future.

Luck’s journey and the program itself—including industry partners like U.S. Express—exemplify the new standard for educational excellence in the tech field.

“For many tech jobs, it’s not enough to be technically proficient. Our industry needs people who can collaborate, communicate and innovate. That’s what makes UTC’s program so vital,” Chattanooga Technology Council (ChaTech) Executive Director Austin Corcoran said.

“The collaboration between UTC and ChaTech on this program is a game-changer because it creates a direct pathway to employment in the tech industry, benefiting both graduates and local employers.”

As the tech industry continues evolving, stories like Luck’s serve as a beacon for future students, highlighting the importance of adaptability, practical experience and strategic planning.

Her path from transfer student to IT professional isn’t just impressive—it’s a blueprint for how modern higher education connects with the real world.

Luck initially wanted to pursue a business degree in college but switched gears to tech after learning about the accelerated cybersecurity program offered by UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Tech is where you want to be,” she said. “There are big things happening in this field, especially with AI. Because we’re moving so fast, there’s a big need for security and things are always changing. I love that, too.”

Building Determination

Luck’s journey through UTC’s cybersecurity program is a testament to her resilience and ambition as much as her academic achievement.

“I’ve always been the kid who gets along with adults,” she said, gravitating toward all things practical from an early age—primarily out of necessity.

After struggling with unstable housing and the death of a parent, she decided to change her life.

“I wanted something better for myself,” said Luck, who started focusing on school more than ever. “I come from a family of veterans, so we kind of know something about overcoming struggles.”

The trick, she said, is “always keep your goals in sight so you remember why you’re doing something—why you’re working hard—because nobody can really do it for you. People can give you positive reinforcement, but it’s you who has to decide what you want and then go for it.”

Click here to learn more about Tennessee Transfer Pathways and ChattState. Scholarship and financial aid options like Tennessee Promise can help students, including dual-enrollment students, attend ChattState without incurring tuition costs.