1. Describe five businesses or non-profits that have been created in my field.
NordVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) provider that is recognized for providing online privacy and security. It protects user data and privacy by using strong encryption and a no-logs policy. NordVPN is very important in the cybersecurity field because it helps protect sensitive data and ensures user’s and companies privacy. Ninjio is another company that has been created in the cybersecurity field. Ninjio is important to cybersecurity because it provides entertaining and effective cybersecurity awareness training using short, animated microlearning videos, assisting organizations in educating their workforce and reducing the risk of cyber threats. The Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu is a non-profit organization founded in 2012 that promotes gender diversity and inclusion in a profession typically dominated by men, assisting in addressing the industry’s workforce deficit, and giving alternative viewpoints to combat sophisticated cyber threats. WSC’s goal is to develop women in cybersecurity professions and encourage hands-on training, networking, mentorship, and other professional opportunities. Splunk Inc. is a software company that specializes in developing tools for data analysis and monitoring. It is important to cybersecurity because its products, such as the Splunk Enterprise Security, help organizations analyze large amounts of data, including security logs, in real-time to detect and respond to cyber threats more effectively. McAfee is a popular cybersecurity business recognized for providing antivirus and security software to defend computers and networks from different cyber threats such as viruses, malware, and hackers. McAfee is a great firewall software that I have used to protect my personal computer from malicious attacks.
2. What is your overall perspective on the entrepreneurship experience?
Taking this entrepreneurship class has been a learning experience for me. It has opened my eyes to the many possibilities of starting a business from start to finish. I’ve learned that entrepreneurship is not just about making money, it’s about solving real-world problems in the community and making a positive impact. I’ve always wanted to start my own business and be my own boss. The ODU entrepreneurship program has shown me many of the successful and innovative enterprises that students and alumni have developed, which is extremely motivating.
3. How did the entrepreneurship prepare or not prepare you to be a competitive candidate for vacant positions?
The entrepreneurship class has provided me with useful skills for being a competitive candidate by encouraging problem-solving and innovative thinking. It has provided me with a solid foundation in business strategy, marketing, and finance, making me more adaptable in the employment market. However, it may not provide the specialized skills required for some occupations, so I recognize the importance of ongoing learning and skill improvement. Furthermore, the program has given me a strong work ethic and time management, and initiative, in which potential employers look for.
4. What suggestions do you have to improve the experience?
To improve my entrepreneurship experience in this class, I would have liked to see an example of a proposal, academic paper, and presentation pitch video to ensure that I am following all of the requirements. Other than that, the workload in this class was the most I ever had, which is fair given that this is a Capstone class. Overall, the courses and assignments kept me occupied every week, and I learned a lot in such a short period of time.
5. What’s next for you?
After graduating with a cybersecurity major, my next step is to start studying for the security plus certification and finding an internship where I can get some experience in the IT or security field. I will continue to work at my current job as an engineering technician until I get certified and find my first job in the IT or security field. Long-term, I may look into options for growth in the cybersecurity area, such as moving into managerial or specialized jobs, or possibly considering entrepreneurship in cybersecurity consulting or product development.