Introduction

My time at Old Dominion University has been a vibrant blend of professional growth, practical applications, and technical education. My minor in computer science and the cybersecurity program gave me a solid foundation in risk management, network security, and IT infrastructure. I gained expertise in system administration, cybersecurity analysis, and problem-solving through school, internships, and research projects.

Applying AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, performing security assessments, and troubleshooting IT systems are the most useful skills I have performed. I learned system administration in classes like CYSE 270 (Linux Systems for Cybersecurity) and penetration testing in CYSE 301 (Cyber Techniques & Operations). By using these abilities in a practical context, my position as an ITS Student Worker served to reinforce them.

Program Reflection

Research and practical projects at ODU produced some of the most influential educational opportunities. I first learned about AI-driven cybersecurity solutions through the COVA CCI Cybersecurity Research Program, specifically the dangers of deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation. I was able to conduct risk assessments and improve the security of vital infrastructure while collaborating with state election officials through the Cyber Navigator Internship. I had firsthand experience in managing system configurations, resolving network problems, and making sure security regulations were followed in my position as an ITS Student Worker. Every encounter strengthened my understanding, forced me to exercise critical thought, and equipped me for the next phase of my professional development.

One of the most difficult tasks was juggling leadership positions, internships, and coursework. Strong time management and prioritization abilities were necessary to oversee several projects while maintaining excellent performance in my IT profession. activities were overwhelming at times, but I adjusted by creating effective routines, automating tedious activities, and remaining proactive. Moving from theoretical cybersecurity concepts to practical applications presented another difficulty. I had to learn how to apply security frameworks in professional situations, explain technical solutions to non-technical people, and deal with IT infrastructure issues in real time, even if the coursework gave me the technical underpinnings. These encounters improved my approach to problem-solving and increased my capacity for flexibility and resourcefulness under duress.

My knowledge of cybersecurity and IT administration was greatly influenced by the courses I took at ODU. I gained practical expertise with network security and system administration in CYSE 270 (Linux Systems for Cybersecurity). I first learned about penetration testing, ethical hacking, and risk mitigation techniques in CYSE 301 (Cyber Techniques & Operations). I gained a better understanding of the ethical and legal issues surrounding cybersecurity policy and AI governance thanks to CYSE 407 (Cybersecurity Ethics & Law). As a capstone project for CYSE 494 (Practicum in Cybersecurity), I used my abilities in actual security assessments and incident response situations. These classes gave me a solid foundation for my research and internships, enabling me to tackle cybersecurity from both a technical and a strategic standpoint.

IDS 493 required me to compile my experiences, projects, and abilities into a structured ePortfolio in order to reflect on my academic and professional development. The course’s emphasis on professional branding, digital storytelling, and critical self-evaluation helped me showcase my skills in a way that supports my career objectives.

Learning how to properly convey my work to various audiences was one of the most beneficial things I took away from IDS 493. The goal of creating an ePortfolio was to create a captivating story of my development and expertise, not just to list accomplishments. My ability to emphasize important abilities, organize information for clarity, and convey technical work in an interesting way has all improved as a result of this procedure. I am really pleased with the way my experiences in IT support and cybersecurity research are presented. These ePortfolio sections highlight my technical expertise, flexibility, and multidisciplinary thinking—all of which are essential for my line of work.

Converting technical information into an approachable, interesting format was one of the main obstacles. My reflections at first lacked narrative flow and were overly technical. I had to hone my strategy so that my writing was not only educational but also understandable to a wide range of readers. Making sure the navigation and design were consistent was another difficulty. In order to make my portfolio aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly while preserving professionalism and accessibility, I experimented with various layouts. I would improve mobile responsiveness, multimedia integration, and content flow even more if I had more time.

In my ePortfolio, everything is connected. My research projects were improved by technical coursework. My research experiences improved my ability to solve IT support problems. My ability to communicate and collaborate with others was enhanced by leadership jobs. IDS 493 enabled me to view the wider picture, demonstrating how each experience enhanced my preparedness for a job in business analytics and cybersecurity.

Conclusion

The value of multidisciplinary thinking in cybersecurity has been reaffirmed by thinking back on my academic and professional experiences. Cybersecurity touches on business, policy, artificial intelligence, and ethics in addition to technology. Knowing these links has helped me become a more well-rounded, strategic professional.

I intend to continue my education by pursuing graduate work in cybersecurity risk management and business analytics, with an emphasis on risk assessment, data-driven decision-making, and AI-driven security solutions. IDS 493 gave me a great chance to explain my abilities and experiences, which has given me more confidence as I move forward in my profession.

Next Steps

Add more work and multimedia to my ePortfolio to make it better. Get advanced credentials in data analytics and cybersecurity. Keep researching the use of AI in cybersecurity risk management. More than just a prerequisite, this course has been a useful tool in defining my career path and demonstrating my professional development.