Welcome to my ePortfolio!

My name is Diane Gilzow and I am a senior cybersecurity major at Old Dominion University with an associate’s degree in computer science from Virginia Peninsula Community College. I am expected to graduate with my bachelor’s in cybersecurity in Summer 2026.

During my time at ODU, I learned many new concepts, tools, and techniques that have helped prepare me for a career in cybersecurity. I gained an understanding of fundamental topics such as networking, encryption, system security, risk management, along with many others. Not only did I learn important cybersecurity concepts, but I also gained hands-on experiences through labs that reinforced these skills in practical environments.

In addition, I had the opportunity to intern with SAIC and the ODU Cybersecurity Clinic where I further developed my skills and applied them in real-world settings. Through these internships did I not only strengthen my technical skills, but also my soft skills as I’ve learned how to operate in a professional environment. Through these experiences, I aim to pursue a career as a cybersecurity analyst where I can work in defense and support mission-critical systems.

This ePortfolio aims to showcase the skills and knowledge I’ve gained during my time at ODU through my coursework and internships. Each section includes artifacts that highlight my skills and learning progression. There will also be a dedicated page to my resume that goes into detail on my internship experiences and skillset.

Below is a Personal Narrative Essay that describes how I decided to pursue cybersecurity, as well as my academic journey so far and what I’ve gained from it.

Personal-Narrative-Essay