Why are you interested in cybersecurity technology?

During my early education, I realized I had a niche for STEM-based curriculum, particularly mathematics and science classes. My mind enjoyed the matter-of-fact nature of this curriculum; most questions had fixed answers and I enjoyed using their respective methods to identify the answer. I’ve always had an appreciation for the other disciplines and subdisciplines that are more fluid and open to interpretation such as philosophy or creative writing, however, nothing could shake the itch in my head that was always satisfied by solving a complex equation or learning the way a system operated.

I enlisted in the US Navy after high school, and my rate (MOS for other branches, job title for civilians) exposed me to the intricacies of operational planning, technology, software, security, and troubleshooting. Over 5 years, I developed a deeper understanding of myself and my passions. I found joy and fulfillment in diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment, developing protocols, planning and coordinating operations amongst my shipmates, and learning about our shipboard systems from the hardware to the software and human-machine interfaces. Most of my time on deployment was spent working alongside technicians troubleshooting equipment and with operators ensuring that systems worked as designed.

Although I decided to end my active duty career within the Navy, I am always thankful for the experiences and training provided to me. Obtaining higher education has always been a goal of mine, and my experience as a sailor helped solidify my decision to embark on a career involving cybersecurity technology. Cybersecurity careers cover a plethora of roles, backgrounds, and purposes, and I’m eager to find my footing within the community.

Select four other majors offered by ODU and explain how those majors relate to cybersecurity. 

Computer Engineering – As computers continue to develop with innovations through this major, cybersecurity becomes increasingly relevant as new technologies can be utilized amongst cybersecurity attackers and defenders.

Criminal Justice – Cybersecurity involves the protection of software, computers, and users from malicious entities who would, in turn, be committing cybercrimes. These offenses are susceptible to criminal investigations and individuals charged with cybercrimes may be studied in the criminal justice major.  

Psychology – Understanding human behavior and being able to identify thought patterns studied in psychology can be relevant in cybersecurity when applied to cybercriminals. Their crimes and tactics could be predicted more easily when their behavior is studied.

History – Learning the history of cybersecurity is crucial in being able to effectively protect against cyber attacks. Defenders and attackers reference events that previously occurred in cybersecurity to learn techniques, understand motivations, and generate new ideas. History repeats itself and the same concept applies to cybersecurity.