Introduction

        My name is Micah Jefferies. I am a student at Old Dominion University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree and I plan to graduate in May 2027. My career goal is to become a cybersecurity analyst who specializes in network security. The three skills I will show in my portfolio are communication, critical thinking, and network security. My coursework, class projects, volunteer experience, and past employment have helped me develop and strengthen these skills. These skills matter to me because a cybersecurity analyst must investigate network problems, communicate findings to other coworkers, and understand how computer systems connect and work together. My reflection connects these skills to experiences inside and outside of college as well as explains how they prepare me for my career goal.

Skill 1: Communication

      Communication involves sharing information clearly and understanding others’ communication. Cybersecurity analysts need this skill to explain security concerns and work with colleagues with different technical backgrounds who may not understand certain security terms. My volunteer experience at the A10 and NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships demonstrates communication. I worked with others to sign participants in, check spike shoes, assign relay numbers, set up the high jump bar, and unpack and organize trophies. Completing these tasks required communication with other volunteers.

     My work at a BBQ restaurant also demonstrates this skill. I communicated with coworkers while preparing orders, refilling food dishes, cooking, and serving customers. We needed to work together to complete tasks and maintain a smooth workflow. Both experiences taught me that communication supports teamwork. I can apply this lesson when communicating findings or sharing responses to network problems.

During my time as a Seasonal Warehouse Associate at the Amazon Fulfillment Center ORF3, I communicated with others to support safe and efficient warehouse operations. When I identified damaged packages, I reported the issue to problem-solving teams so it could be fixed. I also communicated and worked with water spiders, pickers, and management to coordinate tasks and maintain workflow. This experience strengthened my ability to explain problems clearly, share relevant information, and work with coworkers in a fast-paced environment. 

Skill 2: Critical Thinking

   Critical thinking means examining information, considering possible explanations, and making decisions based on what is in front of you as well as what you know. In cybersecurity, this skill helps cybersecurity analysts investigate unusual behavior and determine what the cause of a problem was before choosing a solution.

   My Python chatroom project supports this skill. I created server and client programs using socket programming. When the client received a connection refused error, I checked the configuration and discovered that the programs used different port numbers. After entering in the correct client port number and restarting the programs, I successfully could exchange messages between the programs. The project demonstrates how I applied critical thinking to find a solution to a problem.

    My n8n workflow for Hampton Roads events is another example. When an event website failed to provide information, I examined the execution log, tested my internet connection, checked the website address, and looked at the firewall settings. I found that the connection was blocked and adjusted the settings. Finally, I was able to receive information from the website. This shows how I considered every possible cause, identified the problem, and configured a solution.  Both experiences prepare me to investigate network problems efficiently.

In a network troubleshooting lab, I investigated why one computer couldn’t connect to an internal server while other computers could connect. I considered many causes and checked the computer’s IP address, default gateway, and DNS settings. I found that the computer could connect to the server by its IP address but not by its name, so I knew the DNS settings was the problem. I corrected the DNS settings, then tested the connection to confirm that the problem was solved. This experience strengthened my critical thinking because I learned that I have to think about potential causes, check those potential causes for errors, and fix the errors that were discovered. 

Skill 3: Network Security

   Network security involves protecting network systems, guarding information, and controlling access. My Wireshark and firewall labs demonstrate this skill through identifying exposed information and testing access restrictions.

    In my Wireshark lab, I ran Wireshark on one virtual machine while a target virtual machine logged into a practice website using unencrypted HTTP. I examined the captured packets, located the login request, and found the username and password in the packet data. This lab demonstrated how unencrypted traffic can expose sensitive information. The packet analysis supports my ability to inspect network traffic and recognize security weaknesses. In a workplace, this experience would help me explain why login information needs to be encrypted.

    In my firewall lab, I configured a target virtual machine to allow SSH access on port 22 from an approved virtual machine’s IP address. I attempted connections from the approved machine and a different machine, making sure that only the approved connection succeeded. The firewall configuration and connection tests demonstrate access control and confidentiality. This experience prepares me to evaluate whether network rules allow access to certain connections while restricting others.

In a Cisco Packet Tracer lab, I configured switch port settings to prevent a connection from an unauthorized device through an office network port. I set the port to accept only the approved computer’s MAC address, then I tested the port security by connecting a different computer to the port and confirmed that it blocked the incoming traffic. This lab strengthened my understanding of how switch port security helps control whether devices can gain access to a network.

Describing My Skills to an Employer or Supervisor

I developed communication skills through volunteering and restaurant work. At track and field championships, I coordinated with other volunteers to complete event tasks. At the BBQ restaurant, I communicated with coworkers and customers while helping maintain a fast workflow. I developed critical thinking through technical projects that required troubleshooting. In my Python chatroom project, I investigated a connection error and identified that the programs had the wrong port number. I corrected the settings and confirmed that messages could be exchanged.

I developed network security skills through Wireshark and firewall labs. Using Wireshark, I identified login credentials in unencrypted HTTP traffic. In another lab, I configured SSH access restrictions and tested connections to verify that only the approved machine could connect.

Strongest Skill Reflection

I consider critical thinking my strongest skill because I have applied it directly when projects were complex and didn’t go as expected. The Python chatroom project contributed most to my growth because I had to investigate a real connection problem and verify my solution. My n8n project built on that experience by requiring me to consider several possible causes. These projects helped me become more patient and organized when troubleshooting. In my future career, I want to use this skill to investigate suspicious activity, evaluate evidence, and come to solutions. I also learned that a solution needs testing. Exchanging chatroom messages and collecting event information helped me confirm that my changes worked. These encouraged me to rely on results when evaluating solutions. This will guide how I investigate security concerns in my career.

Applying My Skills Going Forward

After graduation, I plan to continue developing my skills through projects and certifications. Before graduating, I want to earn my CompTIA Security+ certification and pursue internships. I also want to study network monitoring, vulnerability scanning, and security analysis tools. Documenting my projects will help me explain technical findings clearly while strengthening my critical thinking and preparing me for an cybersecurity analyst role.