{"id":155,"date":"2025-02-17T01:51:42","date_gmt":"2025-02-17T01:51:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/cyberimpact1\/?page_id=155"},"modified":"2026-03-07T19:30:09","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T19:30:09","slug":"experience","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sites.wp.odu.edu\/eportfolio-pcumiskey\/experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Experience and Certifications"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction<\/h2>\n

In addition to my coursework at Old Dominion University<\/span><\/span>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Professional Certifications<\/h1>\n

Security+<\/h2>\n

CompTIA Security+<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The CompTIA Security+<\/strong> certification validates foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, including network security, threat management, risk mitigation, and security architecture.<\/p>\n

Reflection<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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CySA+<\/h2>\n

CompTIA CySA+<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Reflection<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Blue Team Level 1<\/h2>\n

Blue Team Level 1 Certification<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Reflection<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Cybersecurity Clinic Experience<\/h1>\n

ODU Cybersecurity Clinic<\/h2>\n

Old Dominion University Cybersecurity Clinic<\/span><\/span>
Partner Organization: Valor Cybersecurity<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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

My Role and Contributions<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Reflection<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Professional Work Experience<\/h1>\n

Customer Service Associate<\/h2>\n

Wegmans<\/span><\/span>
2022 \u2013 Present<\/p>\n

While working at Wegmans, I have developed strong customer service and teamwork skills while working in a fast-paced environment.<\/p>\n

Responsibilities<\/h3>\n