My name is David Knoepp, and I am a senior at Old Dominion University working toward a
bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in cybersecurity. I am expected
to graduate in December 2026. Over the past few years, I have developed a strong interest in
cybersecurity and information technology. I enjoy learning how computer systems and networks
work and how organizations protect themselves from cyber threats.
What interests me most about cybersecurity is that there is always something new to learn.
Technology is constantly changing, and new threats are always appearing. I like the challenge of
figuring out how systems can be secured and how problems can be solved when security issues
arise. My goal is to build a career in cybersecurity where I can continue learning while helping
organizations keep their systems and data safe.
Key Experiences That Shaped My Path
One of the biggest experiences that shaped my career interests was taking cybersecurity classes
at Old Dominion University. Before starting these courses, I knew technology was something I
enjoyed, but I did not fully understand all of the work that goes into protecting networks and
computer systems. As I worked through my classes, I learned about networking, operating
systems, cyber threats, and security practices. The more I learned, the more interested I became
in the field.
One class that stood out to me was Windows Systems Management and Security. In this course, I
worked with Windows Server and completed labs that involved creating user accounts,
managing security settings, and configuring systems. Some of the labs were challenging because
a small mistake could cause problems that took a long time to fix. Even though the assignments
could be frustrating at times, they helped me learn how to troubleshoot issues and think through
problems step by step. Completing these labs gave me more confidence in my technical abilities.
Another experience that had a big impact on me was researching real-world cyberattacks.
Throughout my coursework, I learned about incidents such as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware
attack and the NotPetya malware attack. Before studying these events, I thought cybersecurity
mainly involved protecting computers. However, these incidents showed me how cyberattacks

can affect businesses, government agencies, and even everyday people. Seeing the real-world
consequences of these attacks helped me understand why cybersecurity is so important.
I also completed a research project on post-quantum cryptography. This project focused on how
future quantum computers could potentially break some of the encryption methods that are used
today. Researching this topic showed me how quickly technology changes and how
cybersecurity professionals must constantly prepare for new challenges. It was interesting to
learn about a problem that may become much more important in the future.
What I Learned Along the Way
Throughout my time at ODU, I learned many lessons that will help me in my future career. One
of the biggest lessons was the importance of persistence. Many of the labs and projects I
completed did not work correctly the first time. There were moments when I had to go back
through my work, look for mistakes, and try different solutions before finding the answer. These
experiences taught me not to give up when something becomes difficult.
I also learned that cybersecurity is about more than just technical skills. Communication and
teamwork are important as well. In several classes, I had to explain technical topics through
discussions, presentations, and written assignments. Learning how to communicate technical
information clearly is an important skill because cybersecurity professionals often work with
people who do not have a technical background.
Another lesson I learned is that cybersecurity requires continuous learning. New technologies
and threats appear all the time, which means professionals in this field must stay up to date. My
coursework helped me realize that earning a degree is only the first step. To be successful in
cybersecurity, I will need to continue learning throughout my career.
Finally, I learned how important cybersecurity is in today’s world. The projects and case studies I
completed showed me how much organizations rely on secure systems and networks. A single
security incident can have serious consequences, which is why cybersecurity professionals play
such an important role in protecting information and maintaining trust.

Where I Am Headed

As I get closer to graduation, I am excited to begin my career in cybersecurity. I am interested in
areas such as network security, system administration, and security operations. These fields
match many of the skills and interests I developed during my time at Old Dominion University.
My goal is to find a position where I can continue building my technical skills while helping
organizations protect their systems from cyber threats. I also plan to continue learning through
certifications, training programs, and hands-on experience. Because cybersecurity is always
changing, I know there will always be opportunities to learn something new.
In the long term, I hope to become a cybersecurity professional who can make a positive impact
by helping organizations improve their security and respond to threats. My experiences at ODU
have given me a strong foundation and helped me discover the type of work I want to do. While I
still have a lot to learn, I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead in the
cybersecurity field.