Professional Experience and Certifications

Introduction

In addition to my coursework at Old Dominion University, I have pursued professional certifications and work experiences that have helped me grow both technically and professionally. These experiences have allowed me to apply cybersecurity concepts in real-world environments while also developing important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving.

Through industry certifications, cybersecurity clinic work, and customer-facing jobs, I have gained experience working with diverse teams and solving practical problems. Each of these experiences has contributed to my development as a cybersecurity professional and prepared me for future roles in the field.

Professional Certifications

Security+

CompTIA Security+

The CompTIA Security+ certification validates foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, including network security, threat management, risk mitigation, and security architecture.

Reflection

Preparing for and earning the Security+ certification strengthened my understanding of core cybersecurity principles such as authentication, encryption, vulnerability management, and incident response. This certification aligns closely with many of the concepts I study in my cybersecurity coursework and serves as a strong industry-recognized credential as I begin my professional career.

CySA+

CompTIA CySA+

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certification focuses on threat detection, security monitoring, and incident response. This certification emphasizes defensive cybersecurity techniques and the use of security tools to identify and respond to threats.

Reflection

Studying for CySA+ expanded my knowledge of security operations, including log analysis, vulnerability management, and threat detection techniques. This certification strengthened my ability to analyze suspicious activity and understand how security analysts monitor and defend networks in real-world environments.

Blue Team Level 1

Blue Team Level 1 Certification

The Blue Team Level 1 (BTL1) certification focuses on defensive cybersecurity skills such as threat monitoring, incident investigation, and security operations center (SOC) procedures.

Reflection

Completing this certification helped me develop a stronger understanding of defensive cybersecurity strategies and the responsibilities of security analysts working in a SOC environment. It also provided hands-on experience analyzing security logs, investigating potential incidents, and applying structured incident response procedures.

Cybersecurity Clinic Experience

ODU Cybersecurity Clinic

Old Dominion University Cybersecurity Clinic
Partner Organization: Valor Cybersecurity

Through my involvement in the ODU Cybersecurity Clinic, I had the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and work on cybersecurity-related projects that support organizations in strengthening their security posture.

My Role and Contributions

During this experience, I worked with other students and mentors to analyze cybersecurity challenges and develop solutions that help improve organizational security practices. This environment allowed me to gain exposure to real-world cybersecurity workflows and collaborate with professionals who work in the industry.

Reflection

The cybersecurity clinic experience helped bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Working alongside cybersecurity professionals gave me insight into how security teams approach risk management, vulnerability analysis, and incident response in real organizations. This experience strengthened my technical skills while also improving my ability to communicate and collaborate with a team.

Professional Work Experience

Customer Service Associate

Wegmans
2022 – Present

While working at Wegmans, I have developed strong customer service and teamwork skills while working in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

  • Assisting customers and providing support in a retail environment

  • Collaborating with team members to maintain efficient store operations

  • Handling responsibilities that require attention to detail and reliability

Reflection

Working at Wegmans has helped me develop valuable professional skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork. These skills are essential in any professional environment, including cybersecurity roles where collaboration and clear communication are important when responding to security incidents or working on technical teams.

Restaurant Team Member (Dishwasher → Line Cook)

Tavern on the James
2020 – 2022

I began working at Tavern on the James as a dishwasher and was promoted to line cook within three months due to my work ethic and ability to learn quickly in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

  • Preparing food and assisting with kitchen operations

  • Working in a high-pressure team environment during busy service hours

  • Maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen

Reflection

This experience helped me develop discipline, adaptability, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure. Being promoted from dishwasher to line cook demonstrated my commitment to learning and improving in my role. These experiences helped me build resilience and work ethic that I continue to apply in my academic and professional pursuits.

Impact on My Future Career

The experiences and certifications highlighted on this page have helped me grow both technically and professionally. My cybersecurity certifications have strengthened my understanding of threat detection, network security, and defensive security strategies. Meanwhile, my work experiences have helped me develop transferable professional skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.

Together, these experiences have prepared me to pursue a career in cybersecurity where I can contribute to protecting organizations and critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.