Professional Goal

My long-term career goal is to work in DevSecOps engineering, where security practices are integrated directly into the development and deployment of applications and infrastructure. DevSecOps combines software development, cybersecurity, and automation to help organizations build secure systems from the beginning rather than adding security later.

I am also interested in roles such as cloud architect or network architect because these positions focus on designing secure and scalable infrastructure. Understanding how networks and cloud systems are built is an important foundation for implementing strong cybersecurity and DevSecOps practices.

Short-Term Career Goals

In the short term, my goal is to begin my career in a technical role related to networking, cybersecurity, or infrastructure support. Positions such as network technician, NOC technician, or IT support specialist would allow me to gain practical experience working with enterprise networks and systems.

These roles will help me strengthen my knowledge of network infrastructure, troubleshooting, and security monitoring while gaining real-world experience managing systems and responding to technical issues.

Certifications and Technical Development

To support my career goals, I am continuing to develop my technical skills through certifications and hands-on lab experience. I have earned the CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications and I am currently preparing for the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification.

After completing the CCNA, I plan to pursue additional certifications related to cloud computing and infrastructure, such as the AWS Solutions Architect certification. These certifications will help me understand how modern cloud platforms are designed, deployed, and secured.

Homelabs and Practical Learning

In addition to coursework and certifications, I plan to continue developing hands-on experience through home lab environments. Homelabs allow me to simulate real-world networking and cybersecurity environments while practicing technical skills outside of the classroom.

Using virtualization and networking tools, I practice configuring networks, analyzing network traffic, performing vulnerability scans, and experimenting with firewall configurations. I also plan to explore cloud infrastructure and automation tools to better understand how secure systems are deployed and managed in modern environments.

These hands-on labs help reinforce the concepts I learn through coursework and certification preparation while allowing me to experiment with technologies used in professional cybersecurity and infrastructure roles.

Long-Term Vision

My long-term vision is to work in a role that combines cybersecurity with infrastructure design, such as DevSecOps engineering, cloud architecture, or network architecture. These roles require a strong understanding of networking, system security, and infrastructure automation.

By continuing to build experience through certifications, hands-on labs, and technical projects, I aim to develop the expertise necessary to design and maintain secure systems that support modern organizations and protect critical digital infrastructure.