Enes “EJ” Bulut as a student in the SOCAP

From SOCAP to Security Engineer at TECO

At Cyber Florida, we believe hands-on experience is one of the most powerful tools for launching a successful cybersecurity career. Our Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program (SOCAP) has helped many students build real-world skills while still in school. Enes “EJ” Bulut is a prime example.

Now, as a security engineer at the Cyber Fusion Center at TECO (Tampa Electric Company), Enes is a vital employee in keeping the organization’s systems secure. His work involves supporting and maintaining the tools used by TECO’s security analysts, including integrating new technologies, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring critical security systems are up to date.

But long before joining TECO, Enes was immersed in cybersecurity through SOCAP at the University of South Florida. The experience gave him more than just exposure—it gave him confidence.

“Working in SOCAP very early on in my time at USF, I had the opportunity to embrace the day-to-day routine of a security analyst,” he said. “From building cloud infrastructure in AWS to leading investigations that impacted USF’s security posture, I was learning how to apply my knowledge in real-world situations.”

Enes credits the SOCAP program with helping him understand both the technical and procedural sides of cybersecurity. He recalls managing AWS EC2 instances, responding to alerts, and taking the lead in incident response. Those experiences helped him hit the ground running after graduation.

Looking to the future, Enes sees himself growing further in the field of cloud security engineering, building on the foundations laid in the SOCAP program. With a strong technical base and a passion for learning, he’s on a clear path toward specialization.

And when he’s not keeping systems secure? You might just find him at the bowling alley as part of a bowling league.

We’re proud to celebrate Enes’s journey—and we can’t wait to see how far he’ll go!