I am coming up to the end of my bachelor’s degree, and though this means a new beginning with many possibilities, I can’t help to be nervous, unsure, and anxious for my future. Why should you ask? Even though I have had a stellar education at ODU and my internship with Dollar Tree has given me experience and a look at office life. I can’t help questioning my ability to succeeded in the real world. In my internship, I have noticed the levels of information technology personnel, as well as the staff who work with information security, are diverse. Different floors are for different work involving either IT or IS. All types of personnel with all kinds of levels of technical knowledge. As a result, I have picked a position or department where I would like to eventually work at, a position or department that I currently fit in, and a starting position from which I would step-up from. In a blog article by Ray Kelly called Cybersecurity is More Inclusive Than You Think: How to Break into the Industry, Ray Kelly explains that the fastest growing technology job in the US is also the job with the most career opportunities.

           According to the article, cybersecurity is “predicted a 32% growth by 2028” (Kelly). Meaning those people who previously thought of cybersecurity as a challenging career path, now have a better chance to breakthrough. It’s not that non-technical people can’t get into cybersecurity, it’s all about perception vs. reality. Cybersecurity is focused on computer and connection technology; however, it’s not as specialized as one would assume. It is not necessary to have a computer science degree or an information technology degree, though these degrees do help, even certifications are not always required. In the internship with Dollar Tree, there are a few Techs that only have a high school degree but whose soft skills (communication verbal or non-verbal), attention to detail, ability to remember, and being analytical (Kelly). These soft skills seem to be more helpful and sought after by employers than technical expertise. Technical skills are necessary. However, they can be taught in time. The article and the experience at Dollar Tree are building my confidence and diminishing my insecurities about the future.

           Besides, “it’s not uncommon for the disciplined thought processes and detailed approach that comes with many military roles to be successfully applied to a cybersecurity career” (Kelly). In other words, those with a military background have most likely developed soft skills that will make them a perfect fit for a cybersecurity position. This is great for veterans like myself. I believe it is imperative for the military transitioning back into civilian life to be able to not only receive higher education benefits but also have opportunities for future employment. Having those who serve our country be able to keep contributing to society is the right thing to do. I am proud of being a veteran, I don’t see many veterans; however, those veterans are have leading positions, and that is comforting.

           Even though my only understanding of a career in cybersecurity is limited and having intern with one company does not make me an expert, I believe Dollar Tree is a good representation of the positions, opportunities, and quality of life that is waiting for those who want to make it in the cybersecurity realm. I believe myself fortunate and feel that my military background, in addition to the education I have received from ODU. Finally, the work experience from my internship has prepared me enough for my future career. Hopefully, I can overcome my own insecurities since I have numerous resources at my grasp.

Work Cited Kelly, Ray. “Cybersecurity Is More Inclusive Than You Think: How to Break into the Industry.” Default, CompTIA, 5 Mar. 2020, www.comptia.org/blog/cybersecurity-is-more-inclusive-than-you-think.