Hi, I’m Niko. I’m a cybersecurity student at Old Dominion University, currently finishing my degree and preparing to transition into a full-time role in cyber operations. I started my path with an interest in technology but little real-world IT experience. Over time, I’ve built a foundation through hands-on learning, internships, and certifications. I focus on understanding how systems work, how they fail, and how to defend them.

Right now, I’m completing my bachelor’s degree while working as a cyber intern with a Department of Defense contractor. In this role, I support Site Reliability Engineering and operations teams, which has helped me understand real-world systems, workflows, and the importance of reliability and monitoring. At the same time, I’m continuing to study and build on certifications like CompTIA CySA+ (Cybersecurity Analyst) and Microsoft Azure fundamentals (AZ-104).

My current focus is on security operations, cloud security, and core networking and system fundamentals. I’m interested in how threats are detected, how incidents are handled, and how organizations defend their environments. I want to build practical, job-ready skills that translate directly into real security work.

In the short term, my goal is to land a full-time role in cybersecurity, ideally in a SOC or cyber operations position, where I can continue learning and growing in a hands-on environment. Long term, I plan to move into more advanced defensive security roles, deepen my knowledge in cloud and enterprise environments, and pursue higher-level certifications along with a master’s degree.

Outside of tech, I enjoy traveling, fitness, and food! I stay connected to my Filipino culture and family, which keeps me grounded and motivated as I continue building my career.

Personal Narrative Essay