– IDS 493 –

Introduction

My experience within the Cybersecurity program and at Old Dominion University (ODU) has been a journey that has sharpened both my technical and analytical skills. I gained valuable skills such as vulnerability management, compliance auditing, and system administration through coursework and hands-on activities. Courses like CYSE 495: Introduction to Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) introduced me to compliance standards like NIST 800-53 and DoD STIGs, which I found particularly relevant to my career goals in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). Additionally, my exposure to tools like Rapid7 Nexpose and Cynerio during internships further enhanced my ability to manage vulnerabilities effectively and automate security processes.

Outside of cybersecurity-specific courses, interdisciplinary classes such as IDS 300 provided a foundation for understanding the interconnectedness of disciplines, improving my critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. My ePortfolio development in IDS 493 allowed me to consolidate and reflect on my skills and experiences, providing a comprehensive view of my academic and professional growth.

Program Reflection

Challenges and Solutions

One significant challenge I faced at ODU was managing a full-time cybersecurity role while pursuing my degree. Balancing work responsibilities with academic deadlines, such as vulnerability remediation for critical systems, was daunting. To overcome this, I developed time-management strategies, prioritizing tasks and creating detailed schedules to allocate time for work, studies, and personal development. Addressing this challenge taught me the importance of adaptability and discipline, which are critical in both professional and academic settings. This experience also deepened my understanding of cybersecurity principles, as I often applied academic knowledge directly to real-world problems.

Interdisciplinary Connections

The integration of interdisciplinary methods in my program significantly enhanced my understanding of cybersecurity concepts. For instance, the combination of social sciences and technical skills in courses like CYSE 201S provided insights into the human factors influencing security, such as user behavior and organizational culture. This interdisciplinary approach helped me see cybersecurity as more than just a technical field, and it is a dynamic domain requiring collaboration across disciplines. These insights were useful when conducting a PCI DSS Security Assessment during my internship, where understanding organizational dynamics was as crucial as technical expertise.

IDS 493 Specific Reflection

Overview of IDS 493

IDS 493 is the capstone ePortfolio class that emphasizes the synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge and the presentation of academic and professional achievements. The course encourages students to reflect on their learning journey, connect their experiences across disciplines, and showcase their skills and accomplishments.

Skills Application

One key skill I gained in IDS 493 was reflective writing. Through the creation of my ePortfolio, I learned to articulate my experiences and connect them to academic and professional goals. A specific project that highlighted this skill was documenting my vulnerability remediation work at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare. By detailing how I reduced high-risk vulnerabilities and improved the hospital’s security posture, I demonstrated my ability to apply technical skills in a real-world context. This process reinforced the value of effective communication in presenting technical achievements to non-technical audiences.

Personal Growth

Before IDS 493, my perspective on cybersecurity was largely technical, focusing on tools and processes. This course broadened my understanding, highlighting the importance of storytelling and reflection in professional development. I learned to frame my technical expertise within a narrative that emphasizes its impact and relevance. This shift has made me more confident in showing my value to prospective employers and collaborators.

Future Application

The knowledge and skills gained in IDS 493 will be invaluable in my future. For example, the ability to create a professional ePortfolio will help me stand out in job applications and interviews. Additionally, the reflective writing skills I developed will aid in crafting compelling reports and presentations for stakeholders in GRC and security engineering roles. I plan to continue using my ePortfolio to document ongoing projects, such as implementing security automation in cloud environments, ensuring it remains a dynamic representation of my professional growth.

Conclusion

Synthesizing my learning across courses has shown the value of interdisciplinary thinking within cybersecurity. Connections between technical courses like CYSE 406 have enriched my understanding of how human factors influence security. This holistic perspective has prepared me to tackle complex challenges by integrating technical and non-technical solutions.

Post-ODU, my next steps involve pursuing advanced certifications and gaining further experience in GRC and security automation. My academic experiences, in interdisciplinary learning and practical application, have equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to excel in my career. Whether leading compliance initiatives or developing automated security solutions, I am confident in my ability to navigate the challenges of the cybersecurity field.