How I Would Introduce Myself Professionally
My name is Emma Humphreys, and I am pursing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity at Old Dominion University (ODU) while working full-time in information technology. Throughout my career, I have discovered I enjoy problems that sit at the intersection of technology, business, and people. Whether I am coordinating enterprise software agreements, improving internal processes, or learning about digital forensics and network security in the classroom, I am motivated by opportunities to make complex systems more efficient, secure, and easier for others to navigate.
Working in a professional IT environment while completing my degree has given me a unique perspective on the technology field. I have been able to connect what I learn in my coursework to real-world business challenges, gaining an appreciation for both the technical and operational sides of cybersecurity. As my education has progressed, my interest has expanded beyond supporting technology to understanding how organizations can better manage risk, strengthen governance and build security into everyday business processes.
I am particularly interested in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), security program management, and IT leadership because these areas combine strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. I enjoy analyzing complex challenges, improving processes, and helping organizations balance business objectives with effective security practices. As I continue developing my technical foundation, I hope to build a career leading security initiative that strengthen organizations while enabling them to operate efficiently and confidently.
Key Experiences That Shaped My Path
My professional journey has not followed a traditional path into information technology, and I believe this has become one of my greatest strengths. I began my career at my current organization as a receptionist, where I developed a strong understanding of client service, communication, and the day-to-day operations of a large law firm. Because I interacted directly with attorneys, partners, staff and clients across the firm, I gained insight into how different departments functioned and the role technology plays in supporting their work. This experience taught me to view technology through the lens of the people who rely on it, a perspective that continues to influence how I approach my work today.
As I continued to grow within the organization, our Chief Information Officer recognized my potential and offered me an opportunity to join the IT department as an Administrative Coordinator. While the role initially focused on supporting executive operations and departmental administration, it also provided an invaluable opportunity to observe how technology decisions are made at the leadership level. Working closely with the CIO exposed me to strategic planning, budgeting, vendor relationships, software licensing, enterprise projects, and the operational challenges of leading an IT organization. I approached each new responsibility as an opportunity to learn, and over time I was entrusted with increasingly complex projects and greater independence.
Today, as a Senior IT Administrative Coordinator, I independently manage complex vendor relationships and negotiate multi-million-dollar technology agreements with minimal oversight. Working on projects of this scale has shown me successful technology initiatives require much more than technical expertise. They depend on careful planning, risk management, collaboration across departments, and the ability to balance business objectives with security and compliance requirements.
At the same time, I made the decision to return to school and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity at ODU. Balancing a full-time career with my coursework has been challenging, but it has also been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional development. Studying topics such as networking, digital forensics, Linux, cybersecurity policy and risk management has allowed me to connect the practical experiences from my career with the technical concepts behind them. Rather than viewing technology from an operational perspective, I now understand how governance, security, and risk management influence every aspect of an organization’s success.
What I Learned Along the Way
Looking back, I have come to realize each stage of my career prepared me for the next in ways I could not have anticipated. Starting outside of IT taught me to understand the needs of the people technology is meant to support. As my responsibilities expanded within the IT department, I gained an appreciation for the planning, collaboration, and decision-making required to keep technology running effectively. Returning to school then gave me the technical knowledge to understand the security and risk considerations behind many of the decisions I had already been involved in professionally.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is successful cybersecurity is not solely about implementing technical solution. It requires understanding an organization’s goals, communicating effectively with stakeholders, managing risk thoughtfully, and balancing security with the practical needs of the business. That realization has strengthened my interest in governance, risk and compliance, as well as security program management, where technical knowledge and business strategy work together.
Throughout this journey, I have also learned the importance of remaining curious and embracing continuous learning. Every new responsibility has challenged me to develop new skills, ask better questions and look beyond my immediate role to understand how my work contributes to the organization’s broader objectives. Whether I am negotiating vendor agreements, supporting strategic initiatives, or completing coursework, I strive to approach each opportunity with the mindset that there is always more to learn and another way to improve.
Where I Am Headed
As I look towards the next stage of my career, I hope to continue to build on the foundation I have developed through both my professional experience and academic studies. My goal is to transition into a role focused on governance, risk and compliance (GRC), security program management, or IT leadership, where I can help organizations strengthen their security posture while supporting their broader business objectives. I am interested in roles that require collaboration across IT function areas, strategic planning, and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business decisions.
I also plan to continue investing in my professional development beyond my bachelor’s degree. Earning my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is one of my next goals because I believe strong project management skills are essential for leading successful technology and security initiatives. I am also interested in pursuing a master’s degree in the future. While I am still exploring the program that best aligns with my long-term career goals. I know I want to continue expanding my knowledge in a way that strengthens both my technical understanding and my ability to lead people, projects and organizational change.
More than any specific job title, I hope to build a career centered on continuous learning, thoughtful leadership, and meaningful problem-solving. I want to contribute to an organization where I can help align technology, security, and business strategy while continue to grow both as a cybersecurity professional and a leader.
