Matthew Burd
Cybersecurity Student | Aspiring SOC Analyst
I am Matthew Burd, a Cybersecurity student at Old Dominion University (ODU) with a strong interest in cybersecurity, network defense, and security operations. Throughout my education, I have developed both a technical foundation and a growing passion for understanding how technology can be protected from evolving security threats. My goal is to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained through my education in a professional environment and begin building a career in cybersecurity.
My academic journey began at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), where I dual-enrolled during high school and studied Cybersecurity Fundamentals. This experience introduced me to the field of cybersecurity and helped me discover an interest in technology and information security. During my time at CVCC, I also completed coursework in programming and computer science, including C++ and Python. These courses strengthened my problem-solving abilities and gave me a foundation in programming that I continue to build upon.
After earning my Associate’s degree in General Education, I transferred to Old Dominion University to continue my education and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity. My coursework at ODU has allowed me to expand my understanding of cybersecurity while developing practical skills in areas such as networking, system security, threat analysis, and security operations. Each course has provided me with new opportunities to apply what I have learned to realistic technical and security-related scenarios.
I have genuinely enjoyed my education and the opportunities it has provided me to grow both technically and professionally. Through my coursework and hands-on experiences, I have developed a stronger understanding of how cybersecurity concepts are applied in real-world environments. I have also learned the importance of problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, and continuously adapting to new technologies and threats.
As I begin my professional career, I am particularly interested in pursuing a position as a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst or in a related cybersecurity role. I am interested in security monitoring, threat detection, incident response, and investigating suspicious activity. I am looking for an opportunity where I can continue developing my technical abilities, gain career-driven experience, and contribute to an organization’s cybersecurity efforts.
My education and my Internship at FedWriters have given me a strong foundation, but I recognize that cybersecurity is a field where learning never stops. I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge, gaining hands-on experience, and developing into a well-rounded cybersecurity professional. I hope to use the skills represented throughout this portfolio as a foundation for the next stage of my career.
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Personal Background
My passion for technology began at a young age, when I developed a strong interest in computers and the many things they could be used to accomplish. However, my interest in cybersecurity became more personal after an experience I had when I was younger. While using Steam, I was the victim of a phishing attempt that resulted in my account being compromised. At the time, I did not fully understand what had happened or how easily someone could manipulate another person through something as simple as a convincing message or website.
That experience stayed with me as I became more interested in computers and technology. As I learned more about cybersecurity, I began to understand the techniques that had been used against me and how similar attacks continue to affect people every day. Looking back, being a victim of phishing helped me realize the importance of cybersecurity and how much damage even a seemingly small security mistake can cause. It also motivated me to learn how these attacks work and, more importantly, how they can be prevented.
Alongside my academic pursuits, I have always been active in physical activities. Growing up, I played soccer before transitioning to track and cross-country during high school, where I focused heavily on endurance and leg-intensive events. More recently, I have taken up kickboxing and airsoft. Kickboxing, in particular, has been a transformative activity for me. It has improved my physical fitness while also teaching me discipline, confidence, persistence, and focus. These qualities have carried over into my academic and personal life and have helped me approach challenges with a stronger mindset.
My early experience with technology, combined with my personal experience with cybersecurity, has ultimately shaped the direction I want to take professionally. I want to build a career where I can use my technical knowledge to help protect people and organizations from threats that I once did not understand myself. Pursuing cybersecurity has allowed me to turn that early experience into motivation to keep learning, developing my skills, and contributing to a safer digital environment.