In an ever-evolving world where technology is becoming more complex and necessary, the demand for cyber engineering and cybersecurity has increased drastically. Jacobs has recognized that need and has committed to furthering the education of young engineers by establishing six Jacobs Cybersecurity Scholarships and five Jacobs Cybersecurity Graduate Fellowships in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Jacobs is a Dallas-based company that serves clients from all over the globe by providing engineering, technical, professional and construction services. The mission of Jacobs is to not only be a global solutions provider in cybersecurity, architecture and engineering but also to be a workspace that promotes growth and diversity.
“Our mission at Jacobs is to create an environment where diverse employees want to join, where they feel they belong and where they will thrive,” said Steve Clarke ’91, vice president of strategic project development. “We have also identified a critical need to support our cyber and intelligence business line and believe this partnership would drive value through an integrated partnership with the College of Engineering and Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering’s cyber program.”
With over 500 Aggies currently employed by Jacobs, the company believes that the Texas A&M core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service align closely with their own.
“We have an unparalleled focus on inclusion, with a diverse team of visionaries, thinkers and doers,” Clarke said. “At Jacobs, we understand that ‘inclusion’ is a verb, not a noun. It means being transparent and acting on our statements, commitments and initiatives that drive meaningful, measurable change both in our company and in the communities that we serve.”
Clarke’s own experience at Texas A&M prepared him for working at a company such as Jacobs. His career was modeled around the university’s core values and instilled the value of hard work and service to others.
As I’ve grown in my career, the Aggie spirit has come to mean much more to me.
“The ‘spirit that can ne’er be told’ reminds you to lead from a position of humility while utilizing the diverse backgrounds and experience of team members to create something unique and special for our clients.”
Since Clarke’s first day on campus, the core values and culture of Texas A&M stood out to him. The traits of the students that call this campus home are the same that Jacobs strives to have in its employees.
“Things were quite different in regard to admissions, but the quality and character of the students and former students of Texas A&M is something that hasn’t changed and is both unique and special,” Clarke said. “The sense of belonging and that you are part of something larger than yourself is very important to me.”
According to Clarke, Jacobs strives to be the employer of choice to attract, maintain and work with partners like Texas A&M to graduate underserved populations as part of the company’s Action Plan for Advancing Justice and Equality. Jacobs is excited to continue its partnership with Texas A&M, the College of Engineering and their amazing, diverse talent base for this critical need for its future.
“Jacobs’ vision and strategy are leading in a transformational way that will have a similar effect on the future of our workforce,” Clarke said. “My hope is that these scholarships inspire a desire to explore the exciting field of cyber engineering and contribute to a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. A degree from Texas A&M and the training and connections that can be found here are best in class.”