Computer Science Student, Cybersecurity Intern & SkillsUSA National Medalist
Hello! My name is Jovany Cardenas Vargas, and I am 21 years old. I was born and raised in Santa Maria, California, and come from a family with two younger brothers and two older half-brothers. My parents, originally from Mexico, work in the strawberry fields, and their strong work ethic has inspired my own dedication.
I discovered my passion for Computer Science during a high school web design class, which led me to pursue an Associate of Science in Computer Science at Allan Hancock College. My coursework includes Intro to Programming (Java), Computer Organization (Assembly), and Discrete Structures. I plan to transfer to San Jose State University to complete my bachelor’s degree and explore areas like AI, cybersecurity, and software development.
Beyond academics, I am actively involved in SkillsUSA, where I’ve earned three California state gold medals, a national silver medal, and a national bronze medal in Computer Programming. I’ve also served in chapter leadership as Secretary, Vice President, and President.
Professionally, I currently work as a Cybersecurity Intern with the Allan Hancock College IT Department, where I help support cybersecurity awareness, data center operations, website quality assurance, and security-related projects. I also continue serving as a Student Worker for the Career Center and College Corps, supporting students, events, outreach, and program operations.
Allan Hancock College IT Dept.
February 2026 – Present
Develop and present cybersecurity best practices to students and staff. Support data center operations by auditing hardware, managing inventory, and decommissioning outdated systems. Conduct website quality assurance by identifying and resolving bugs, broken links, and inconsistencies to improve performance and user experience. Support the implementation and evaluation of security tools and assist in identifying security risks and system vulnerabilities.
Cardenas Auto Detail
August 2025 – Present
Founded and manage a mobile auto detailing business, handling customer service, scheduling, branding, and business operations.
Allan Hancock College
August 2025 – October 2025
Worked on a special project with the Dean of Academic Affairs to develop and implement a Django-based web application that helps faculty generate syllabi more efficiently. Supported deployment and integration into the college system while helping ensure smooth performance and usability.
Allan Hancock College: Career Center / College Corps
October 2022 – Present
Serve as a student worker supporting both the Career Center and College Corps with student services and program operations. Assist students with job searching, resumes, interview preparation, and general career support. Help with workshops, campus events, outreach materials, social media, logistics, and student support for College Corps activities.
Allan Hancock College: Career Center
September 2024 – December 2024
Temporarily filled the role of Program Specialist for the College Corps initiative, ensuring smooth operation of program activities. Coordinated site visits, tracked fellow hours, organized monthly training sessions, and developed visual materials for outreach and internal events.
Santa Barbara County Education Office: Early Care & Education Program
January 2022 – April 2022
Provided general administrative support at a county office focused on early childhood education. Managed phone calls, organized documents, and prepared materials for families and staff while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.
Cardenas Bros. Farming Inc.
Summer 2021 & 2022
Worked seasonally in strawberry fields performing harvesting, sorting, and quality control. Operated agricultural machinery and supported supervisors with crop care, fertilizer preparation, and daily field operations under challenging conditions.
Santa Maria, CA
2022 – 2026
Associate of Science in Computer Science for Transfer
(View Degree - December 2025)
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science
(View Degree - December 2025)
Associate of Science in Mathematics for Transfer
(View Degree - May 2026)
Associate of Science in Physics for Transfer
(View Degree - May 2026)
Certificate of Achievement: Intersegmental General Education (IGETC)
(View Certificate - December 2025)
Relevant Coursework: Java Programming, Computer Organization (Assembly), Discrete Structures
Active in SkillsUSA, Career Center, and College Corps leadership and program operations.
San Jose, CA
Starting Fall 2026
Admitted Transfer Student – Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science / Software Engineering (Fall 2026)
Santa Maria, CA
2018 – 2022
High School Diploma
Java
Python
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Django
SQL Databases (PostgreSQL, SQLite, ...)
Git & GitHub
C++
Swift
React.js
Node.js
Linux
Docker
AWS
Render (Hosting)
Modern Campus CMS
Sophos Central
Deep Freeze Cloud
Endpoint Security
Data Center Operations
Network Troubleshooting
IT Asset Management
Device Setup & Deployment
Security Risk Assessment
Vulnerability Identification
Security Best Practices
Network Diagnostics
Website QA & Debugging
System Testing (QA)
System Troubleshooting
Technical Documentation
All of these programs were developed during SkillsUSA Computer Programming competitions. Each challenge was given without prior notice, requiring rapid problem-solving and full implementation within tight time limits.
Chapter Secretary | 🥇 SkillsUSA California State Gold Medalist – Computer Programming | 🥈 SkillsUSA National Silver Medal - Computer Programming
Chapter Vice-President | NLSC Delegate | Computer Programming Proficiency Award | 🥇 SkillsUSA California State Gold Medalist – Computer Programming
Chapter President | 🥇 SkillsUSA California State Gold Medalist – Computer Programming | 🥉 SkillsUSA National Bronze Medal - Computer Programming
Chapter President | 🥇 SkillsUSA California Regional Gold Medalist – Computer Programming
Email: 16jovany2004@gmail.com
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LinkedIn: View Profile
GitHub: JovanyCardenas