• Research Intern – Systems Security and Privacy at Microsoft
  • This job lists both required qualifications and preferred qualifications. The required qualifications are as follows:
    • Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program in Computer Science or a related STEM field.
    • Passions in building practical systems to solve real-world problems.
  • The preferred qualifications are:
    • Ability to hack and comprehend complexed (not sure if they misspelled that or if it’s an actual thing) software.
    • Demonstrated ability to develop original research agendas.
    • Ability to think unconventionally to derive creative and innovative solutions.
• Intern – Cyber Security at Samsung Electronics America
  • This job lists its requirements in the same way as the previous. The required qualifications are:
    • Pursuing a degree in Cyber Security and Information Systems.
    • Strong passion and interest in Cyber Security.
    • Prior work or internship experience related to Cyber Security.
    • Class completed by Networking 101 or comparable experience (know basic TCP/IP communications & protocols).
  • The preferred qualifications are:
    • Experience in Windows servers & Linux systems administration.
    • Experience in administration and support of end-point security solution.
    • Experience in firewall, IDS/IPS, and web proxy technology.
    • Any prior work experience in Technical Support or Help Desk Capacity.
    • Used or experimented with common or open source security tools before.
    • Scripting skills (python and perl) and regex.
    • Completed information security related classes.
• Cyber Security at Alexandria Insights, Inc.
  • This position only lists required qualifications. They are as follows:
    • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or other technical/scientific discipline and 4 or more years work experience.
    • Ability to effectively work independently and as part of an integrated team of Government and non-Government players is required.
    • Excellent MS Office and Visio skills are required.
    • For senior level positions, certification in at least one of the following is required:
      1. CompTia Security +
      1. CISSP
    • Ability to obtain a DoD SECRET clearance.
    • Must be detail-oriented and have excellent verbal communication skills.
    • Should be proactive, a self-starter and past history of demonstrating initiative.
    • Past experience in the Government Acquisition environment preferred.
    • This position is contingent upon contract award.

As the requirements for these positions largely overlap, I can make a singular timeline that will largely meet the requirements of all of them. First, I will finish my bachelor’s here at ODU. While I am completing that degree, I will take advantage of summer breaks and other periods of free time to work on getting various certs in the industry like CompTIA + and Security ++. I will also apply for various internships (like the Samsung one) to work on getting prior experience in the fields required by these jobs. After completing my degree, I will hopefully have a strong enough portfolio to get me a well-paying job, hopefully requiring DoD SECRET clearance. After getting the job, I will work on saving up enough to pursue a PhD in my field. If the job I have will pay for it, all the better. From there, I will continue building a strong portfolio in order to satisfy the experience requirements of these jobs until I meet their requirements.