Professional Skills Reflection
IDS 493 – ePortfolio Project
Introduction
Throughout my time at Old Dominion University, I have learned a lot about cybersecurity, technology, and the different ways people and organizations protect their information. I originally started studying computer science before moving toward cybersecurity, with an interest in cyber law and digital forensics. My older brother played a big part in that decision. Seeing him work toward his certifications during COVID motivated me to take cybersecurity more seriously and start working toward my own goals. I have also always enjoyed building PCs and gaming, which helped keep my interest in technology growing.
As I get closer to finishing my degree, I want to use what I have learned to start a career in cybersecurity. I am especially interested in government work or finding a remote position where I can keep learning and gaining experience. The three skills I chose for my portfolio are cybersecurity analysis, problem-solving, and technical communication. I chose these because cybersecurity is not just about knowing how technology works. It also involves recognizing risks, figuring out technical issues, and explaining information clearly to other people. My coursework has given me opportunities to practice all three, and these skills are something I want to continue building after graduation.
Skill 1: Cybersecurity Analysis
Cybersecurity analysis involves looking at systems, information, and security practices to understand where risks might exist and how they can be reduced. This skill matters because organizations depend on technology every day, and a security weakness can put their systems or sensitive information at risk. Through my coursework, I have learned that protecting information takes more than reacting when something goes wrong. It also requires understanding vulnerabilities, reviewing security practices, and planning ahead.
One artifact that demonstrates this skill is my CYSE 270 Password Cracking Lab. In this lab, I used John the Ripper with the rockyou.txt wordlist to test how easily different passwords could be cracked. I used a dictionary-based approach, which checks passwords against a list of common and previously exposed passwords. The results showed how simple and common passwords can be easier to crack, while stronger passwords are generally more difficult to guess. This assignment helped me understand why password strength matters and why organizations should not rely on weak or easily guessed passwords. It also gave me a better understanding of how password-cracking tools can be used to identify weaknesses in password security.
A second artifact is my NIST Cybersecurity Framework Policy Analysis. For this assignment, I researched the framework and looked at how it can help organizations approach cybersecurity in a more organized way. I had to review information about the framework, understand its purpose, and explain how it relates to managing security risks. This helped me see cybersecurity from a bigger-picture perspective, beyond individual technical problems.
My third artifact is my NIST Risk Management Framework and Security Controls coursework. This work helped me learn about the role security controls play in protecting systems and managing risk. Reviewing these concepts gave me a better understanding of how organizations can use structured security practices to address potential weaknesses. Together, these artifacts show that I am building a foundation in both technical security concepts and the policies organizations use to protect their information. In a future cybersecurity position, I could apply this knowledge when reviewing security practices, identifying possible risks, and helping an organization improve its defenses.
Skill 2: Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is one of the skills I have developed most through my cybersecurity and networking coursework. Technical problems do not always have an obvious answer, so it is important to slow down, understand the issue, and work through it step by step. I enjoy figuring out how technology works, which makes this skill especially relevant to my interests. In cybersecurity, problem-solving can help with troubleshooting systems, investigating unusual activity, and finding ways to prevent issues from happening again.
My first artifact is my CYSE 270 Networking Basics: Subnetting Assignment. In this assignment, I worked with IP addresses, subnet masks, and network ranges. I had to apply what I learned about subnetting to work through the networking problems rather than just memorize the definitions. This required me to pay attention to the details and follow the calculations carefully. It helped me better understand how networks are divided and how that information is used when planning or configuring a network.
My second artifact is my CYSE 270 Backup Your System Using Crontab Assignment. This assignment focused on using Linux scheduling tools to automate system backups. I worked with the idea of scheduling tasks so that backups could happen without someone having to start the process manually every time. It showed me how automation can make routine system maintenance more consistent and help reduce the risk of losing important information. It also helped me understand the value of planning ahead instead of waiting until a problem occurs.
My third artifact is my Cisco Packet Tracer Networking Labs. These labs gave me practice working with networking concepts in a simulated environment. By setting up and examining network configurations, I could apply concepts from class and work through the steps needed to get the network functioning as expected. This connected the theory I learned in class to a more hands-on type of activity.
These three artifacts demonstrate different sides of problem-solving, from calculating network ranges to automating backups and working with network configurations. They have taught me that technical issues are easier to approach when I stay patient, pay attention to details, and work through the problem instead of rushing to an answer. I could use this approach in a cybersecurity job when troubleshooting systems, investigating problems, or helping maintain reliable networks.
Skill 3: Technical Communication
Technical communication is the ability to explain technical information in a way that other people can understand and use. It is important in cybersecurity because security professionals do not only work with other technical employees. They may also need to explain risks to managers, document findings, or help employees understand why certain security practices matter. Being able to organize information and communicate it clearly can make a difference when a team needs to make decisions.
One artifact that demonstrates this skill is my Deepfake AI Research Project. In this project, I researched deepfake technology and its potential effects, including misinformation, fraud, and identity theft. I had to gather information about the topic and connect the technology to problems that people and organizations could actually face. This helped me practice explaining a developing technology and its risks in a way that makes sense beyond the technical side of the subject.
My second artifact is my Trump Cybersecurity Strategy Policy Analysis. For this assignment, I researched a cybersecurity strategy and explained its goals and possible effects. I had to organize the information, focus on the main points, and communicate what I learned through a structured paper. This assignment helped me practice explaining cybersecurity policy and thinking about how decisions at the government level can affect organizations and the public.
My third artifact is my CS-465 Information Assurance Project. This project gave me another opportunity to work with cybersecurity-related information and communicate what I learned through coursework. Researching and organizing information for the project helped me practice presenting technical and security-related ideas in a clear format. It also reinforced that communication is an important part of understanding and explaining security issues, not something separate from the technical work.
These artifacts show that I can work with different kinds of cybersecurity information, from newer technologies like deepfakes to government strategy and information assurance. My experience as a manager at Zumiez has also helped me communicate with different people, explain expectations, and support a team. In a professional setting, I could use these skills to write documentation, explain security concerns to management, or help employees understand how to follow security procedures.
Describing My Skills to an Employer or Supervisor
Cybersecurity Analysis: I have developed a foundation in cybersecurity analysis through coursework involving password security, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and security controls. These assignments helped me understand how vulnerabilities create risks and how organizations can use security practices to protect their information. I want to keep building on this knowledge through certifications and hands-on experience. My goal is to help organizations recognize security problems and improve the way they protect their systems.
Problem-Solving: I have practiced problem-solving through networking assignments, Linux backup scheduling, and Cisco Packet Tracer labs. These projects helped me apply technical concepts, work through tasks step by step, and understand how configuration and planning can prevent problems. I enjoy figuring out how technology works and learning how to fix issues when something does not go as expected. I believe this mindset would be useful when troubleshooting systems or supporting a cybersecurity team.
Technical Communication: I have developed technical communication skills through research projects and cybersecurity policy assignments. These experiences helped me practice organizing information, explaining technical topics, and supporting my points with research. My experience as a manager at Zumiez has also taught me how to communicate with different people and explain expectations clearly. I would use these skills to document security issues and help technical and nontechnical teams understand cybersecurity risks.
Strongest Skill Reflection
Out of these three skills, I believe problem-solving is my strongest. I have always enjoyed working with computers and figuring out how technology works, so troubleshooting and learning new technical skills are things that interest me. My networking and Linux coursework gave me opportunities to put that interest into practice instead of only learning concepts from a textbook.
The subnetting assignment contributed to my growth because it required me to work through calculations carefully and understand how network ranges operate. The crontab assignment also helped me see how automation can make system maintenance more consistent and support data protection. Both assignments showed me that technical work takes patience and attention to detail. If something does not make sense right away, I have to go back through the steps and figure out where I need to make a correction.
I know I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to real-world cybersecurity experience. After graduation, I want to keep improving through certifications, personal projects, and professional opportunities. I think problem-solving will be useful no matter which direction I take, whether that is government cybersecurity, digital forensics, or another technology-related role. It is a skill I can keep building as I take on more challenging work.
Applying My Skills Going Forward
After graduation, I plan to continue developing my cybersecurity skills by earning certifications and looking for opportunities to gain hands-on experience. I am especially interested in government work and remote cybersecurity positions because I want to apply what I have learned while continuing to grow in the field. I also want to keep learning about security tools, new technologies, and threats as they develop.
Building this portfolio has given me a chance to look back at my coursework and see how different assignments connect to skills I can use in a career. Some projects helped me understand technical concepts, while others gave me practice researching information and explaining it clearly. I know graduating is only one step, and I will need to keep learning as I gain more experience. My goal is to take the foundation I have built at ODU, continue improving my skills, and become a stronger cybersecurity professional over time.