Spotlights in IT: From NOVA Interns to Internship Supervisors
Spencer Ecker
“My long-term career goal is to continue working for and advancing within PWCS, thanks to the door that NOVA opened for me. I’m grateful for the experience and to come out on the other side with gainful employment.”
In 2022, Spencer Ecker earned two Associate of Applied Science degrees from NOVA—one in Cloud Computing and another in Cybersecurity. Soon after, he began working for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) as a Technical Support Specialist. He currently supports technology at Gravely Elementary School.
Before launching his IT career, Spencer held a variety of jobs, including graphic designer, pizza delivery driver, foreclosure cleaner, box truck driver, tree worker, and pesticide applicator. This nontraditional path gives him a unique perspective—especially when mentoring others interested in pivoting into tech.
While at NOVA, Spencer participated in SuperPL, a National Science Foundation–funded program that supports and evaluates professional learning for IT internship supervisors. Now, he’s a supervisor himself.
“It’s great to be on the other side of it and to be able to cut through the expectation that we’re going to be sitting in a network closet, wearing a hoodie, and staring at the Matrix. It’s a little bit less than that. However, we are the trusted entity in the building,” he says.
Spencer guides interns through procedures specific to working at the intersection of technology and local government. He enjoys helping them connect classroom learning to real-world challenges in a school-based, centrally supported environment.
“Interns come in with amazing knowledge that they’ve learned—they’re like bees buzzing in a jar,” he says. “I help them figure out what information they’ll use on a daily basis.” He finds it rewarding to show students how to adapt high-tech training to the low-tech realities of public school systems.
One standout intern, Joy—a former dental hygienist—impressed him with her precision and tool handling. “She could remove three laptop screens in the time it took me to do one,” he says. Skills like cleanliness, dexterity, and applied force translated seamlessly from dentistry to tech repair, proving that even unexpected backgrounds bring valuable strengths.
Spencer emphasizes how accessible it is to move into IT from other fields, noting that transferable skills are often overlooked.
As part of SuperPL, he completed the Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI), which led to his internship at PWCS and ultimately his current role. In fact, PWCS held the position for two months while he completed his cybersecurity degree—he started the very next day after graduating.
“I’m so glad that I caught and rode the IT wave, so to speak. It couldn’t have gone any better,” he says.
Spencer plans to stay with PWCS long-term, citing the clear expectations, stability, and comprehensive health and dental benefits as key reasons. He also values the predictable contract hours, which allow him to pursue his favorite hobby: maintaining a plot of land he transformed from an invasive-filled drain field into a certified wildlife sanctuary.
His advice to prospective NOVA cybersecurity and cloud computing students:
“If you’re interested in the IT industry and are a VA resident, you can’t set yourself up better than by gaining skills and experience and saving money at NOVA. You’re paying less than market value for a set of life skills that—even if you don’t do it professionally—will carry you through life just a little bit easier. It’s a low investment to figure out if IT is right for you,” he says.
Abdellah Amine
“I would absolutely recommend NOVA. It opened many doors for me and provided valuable opportunities and resources that helped me succeed. I’m truly grateful for NOVA.”
Abdellah Amine is a recent immigrant to the United States. Originally from Morocco, he lived in Dubai—an emirate of the United Arab Emirates—for 11 years before relocating to the U.S.
He earned an Associate Degree in Information Systems Technology with a Cloud Computing Specialization from NOVA in 2022. During his time at NOVA, Abdellah participated in SuperPL, a National Science Foundation–funded program designed to improve IT internship outcomes by supporting and evaluating professional learning for internship supervisors.
That same year, Abdellah began working as an Information Technology Specialist for Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) and started his studies at George Mason University. He later transferred to Western Governors University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Cloud Computing and obtained nine IT certifications in 2024.
Recently promoted to Data Engineer, Abdellah now focuses on building and optimizing data pipelines, managing data integration workflows, and supporting data governance and access policies. He also helps ensure that data systems remain reliable, scalable, and aligned with team needs.
Highlights of his time in NOVA’s cloud computing program include graduating with a 4.2 GPA and making the dean’s list every semester. These accomplishments reflect his dedication—especially while balancing full-time work and family responsibilities as a husband and father of two daughters.
He credits several NOVA professors for their impact on his academic journey, including Elizabeth Whisnant, Hagar Attia, Eustace King, Henok Asfaw, Alisher Akhmedjonov, and Michael Torres.
As part of SuperPL, Abdellah also completed the Career Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI), where he developed essential soft skills in communication, leadership, professional networking, LinkedIn usage, and résumé writing.
He noted key differences between résumés in Dubai and those in the U.S.—such as the U.S. inclusion of photos, which is not common practice in Dubai, and different expectations regarding personally identifiable information.
His internship with PWCS took place at Woodbridge High School, where he contributed to the summer refresh project. He prepared student and staff devices, classroom setups, and computer labs for the school year by cleaning, reinstalling software, and imaging systems. He later extended his support to other schools, including Westgate, Sinclair, and Rockledge Elementary Schools.
The skills Abdellah gained at NOVA directly informed his success during the internship and in his current role. Hands-on coursework and practical experience helped him transition smoothly into a professional environment.
Now serving as an internship supervisor, Abdellah finds the role both meaningful and rewarding. He enjoys mentoring interns, offering guidance and feedback, and helping them navigate workplace challenges. Watching them grow and develop has been especially gratifying.
Drawing from his own experience, Abdellah emphasizes hands-on learning, open communication, and fostering a supportive environment where interns feel empowered to ask questions and take initiative. He explains technical topics in accessible terms, avoiding jargon that might confuse beginners, and ensures interns understand key workplace expectations—such as avoiding student restrooms in school settings.
He also stresses that TSpec work is 85 percent customer service. Even highly skilled technicians, he says, must be effective communicators.
His advice to aspiring IT students: take full advantage of NOVA’s opportunities. Plan your coursework with advisors, get involved on campus, and pursue internships to gain real-world experience. NOVA, he says, can save students time and money while opening doors to meaningful careers.
Looking ahead, Abdellah’s goals include earning a master’s degree by 2027 and eventually teaching at the university level.
“I'd like to thank NOVA for the opportunity to study and for giving me the chance to share my story. I also want to express my gratitude to my wife and kids for their patience and support throughout my journey.”