Shaping Future Cybersecurity Leaders: Professor Sourabh and the MIST Program at Westcliff Canada
A Professor Driven by Real-World Experience
Professor Sourabh brings both professional expertise and a passion for mentorship into the classroom at Westcliff University Canada. With a strong background in cybersecurity, AI, and entrepreneurship, he understands the realities of today’s digital landscape and what it takes to succeed.
“In the classroom, we try to set up simulated labs, where we create environments just like you’d see in a real company,” he explains. “That way, students don’t just learn concepts—they practice how to apply them on the job.” This practical, immersive approach sets the tone for Westcliff Canada’s Master of Information Systems and Technology (MIST) program, which equips students with the knowledge and skills to meet Ontario’s growing demand for tech talent.
Learning Designed for Working Professionals
One of the hallmarks of the MIST program is its flexibility. Courses are structured in the evenings to accommodate those balancing full-time work with their studies. “For working professionals, they can join our program, build projects while they’re working, and continue their regular job,” Professor Sourabh shares. “In that way, they will be ready for the job market once they graduate.” The curriculum blends theory, practice, and case studies, giving students a well-rounded education that prepares them not only to enter but also to advance within the field of cybersecurity.
At Westcliff Canada, education goes beyond technical skills. Students are exposed to the organizational structures, policies, and leadership strategies that shape how cybersecurity and IT operate in the real world.
“We are not just teaching cybersecurity,” Professor Sourabh says. “We are teaching them the organizational structure as well and the policies that make systems effective.”
This future-focused approach prepares graduates to think critically about technology in its wider business and social context, making them valuable leaders in their organizations.
A Global Classroom, A Global Network
Located within Toronto’s ventureLAB, Westcliff Canada positions students in the heart of a thriving tech ecosystem. Here, learning extends beyond the classroom into an environment of startups, corporate partnerships, and research labs.
“You are studying in a class with students from different parts of the world,” Professor Sourabh notes. “They bring their perspectives, and that diversity is a big strength.” From day one, students also become part of Westcliff’s exclusive alumni network, which includes graduates working at top companies such as Meta and Amazon. Westcliff Canada’s mission is to empower students with future-focused knowledge, real-world skills, and mentorship.
“We educate students with future-focused knowledge and real-world skills,” says Professor Sourabh. “We inspire them through mentorship, perspectives, and innovation in cybersecurity, AI, and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, we empower them to step into their careers with confidence—ready to make an impact in Canada and globally.”
When asked what advice he has for students entering the program, Professor Sourabh emphasizes mindset over tools:
“Stay curious and keep learning. Tools will change, but qualities like resilience and empathy will stay with you longer.”
With Ontario projected to add more than 300,000 new tech jobs by 2030, Westcliff University Canada’s MIST program is more than just a degree—it’s a career accelerator. Guided by professors like Sourabh, students gain not only technical expertise but also the leadership skills and confidence to thrive in a global tech economy.
At Westcliff Canada, exciting beginnings are transforming into powerful opportunities—for students, professionals, and the industries they will go on to shape.