Learning through Active Discovery, Engagement, Reflection, and Showcase

About Leaders

LeADERS is a high-impact program offered by Old Dominion University that connects academic learning with real-world skill development. Through LeADERS, students build essential skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, and professionalism by combining coursework, applied learning experiences, and self-reflection.

I chose to pursue the LeADERS distinction to strengthen my academic and professional skills while making the most of my time at ODU. The program allowed me to intentionally connect my classroom learning to hands-on experiences, helping me develop the abilities that are critical for success in the cybersecurity field.

Participating in LeADERS gave me opportunities to grow beyond technical knowledge. It taught me the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and reflection in professional environments. By completing projects, internships, and interdisciplinary work, I built a strong foundation that will support my transition from student to cybersecurity professional. LeADERS has been an important part of shaping my future career path and helping me build the confidence to continue growing after graduation.

Next Steps:

To read a full reflection on how these experiences have shaped my professional growth and career goals, please visit my Professional Development page.

To learn more about the specific courses and applied learning experiences that contributed to my LeADERS distinction, please visit my Professional Samples page.