IDS Electronic Portfolio Project
Describe your experience within your program in particular and ODU in general.
My experience at ODU has been great. From meeting new friends, expanding my knowledge in cybersecurity, networking with future professionals, and, most importantly, making memories, I have enjoyed my three years at ODU. Something I appreciate that ODU provided is the resources for cybersecurity students.
Describe the skills you most value that you learned/practiced in your degree program and the courses & disciplines from which they came.
The most valuable skill I learned and practiced is time management. This is essential no matter what stage someone is in, whether they are early in their career, seasoned professionals, or even retirees. I value my time more than ever, and college taught me to appreciate it.
Program Reflection: Include separate body paragraphs a discussion of your experiences within the program:
What have been the most valuable learning experiences from your time at ODU?
Interdisciplinary methods and theories were important because they helped me view problems from multiple perspectives, which I need since once I have my mind made up, I 100% believe it and cannot be wrong. This broadened my understanding of the coursework by showing how complex issues often require solutions that go beyond traditional subject boundaries.
What obstacles have you encountered during your learning experiences?
A connection I drew between the various courses was how they each built upon foundational concepts like critical thinking, research, and communication, allowing me to see how different disciplines and skills are interconnected and reinforce one another.
How did you address these issues or figure out the process as you completed the program?
Setting a reminder in my phone to complete it ahead of the due date.
How did previous courses or experiences help you complete the program?
By providing necessary resources to successfully completed (computers, advisors, professors, classmates.)
Refer to work in other parts of the portfolio. You can even link to them.
Prime example for CYSE 301 I leveraged the resources ODU provides (tutors). Completing the “Basic Linux Commands Lab” assignment can become time-consuming; however, I applied myself and asked questions of the tutors if I faced any challenges.
IDS 493 Reflection: Include in separate body paragraphs a discussion of your experiences within IDS 493 specifically
Please describe the course in your own words for someone who is unfamiliar with the course.
IDS 493 is an e-portfolio class that allows you as the student to create a web page reflecting your professional and educational background to showcase your experience, skills, and dedication. You will ask for and provide feedback regarding your e-portfolio site and others.
What have been the most valuable or interesting concepts you learned or practiced during IDS 493?
The most valuable concept has been reflecting and remembering what I have learned from previous courses.
What do you think you did particularly well in your portfolio? What are you most proud of?
I believe my best page on my e-portfolio is my “resume and certifications page.” That is what I believe I did well in and am proud of. I added photos regarding the page and content.
If someone could look at only one thing in your portfolio, what would you point them to?
I would point them to either the home page to learn about me and my background or my resume page because I believe they’ll quickly understand the concept of the site.
What aspects were challenging for you within IDS 493?
In the beginning I believed there was a ton of material and different links to keep up with.
How did you address these issues as you completed IDS 493?
I chose to set aside undivided time to thoroughly read through the assignments and instructions.
What do you think you improve in your portfolio with more time?
To add more relevant photos reflecting my experiences in the IT industry.
How did previous courses or experiences help you complete the course?
For my CYSE 368 Internship course, we had to create an e-portfolio as well, which allowed me to become familiar with WordPress to design the site, which I used for this course.
Refer to work in other parts of the portfolio. You can even link to them.
Conclusion:
Consider the skills, courses, and program as a whole.
How were interdisciplinary methods and theories important to your understanding of your coursework?
Interdisciplinary methods and theories were important because they helped me view problems from multiple perspectives, (which I need since once I have my mind made up, I 100% believe it and cannot be wrong.) This broadened my understanding of the coursework by showing how complex issues often require solutions that go beyond traditional subject boundaries.
What connections did you draw between your various courses?
A connection I drew between the various courses was how they each built upon foundational concepts like critical thinking, research, and communication, allowing me to see how different disciplines and skills are interconnected and reinforce one another.
Why is it important to be an interdisciplinary thinker in your field of study?
Cybersecurity is not linear, and there are many factors and moving parts. Utilizing interdisciplinary thinking would be significantly beneficial to consider all contexts and possibilities, from technical vulnerabilities to human behavior in social engineering attacks.
What will be your next steps after ODU?
To earn my master’s in cybersecurity and begin my career full-time in I.T.