My experience in the Cybersecurity program at Old Dominion University has been transformative. ODU equipped me with technical skills, problem solving abilities, and a deeper understanding of the ethical dimension of cybersecurity. Among the most valuable skills I developed were network security, risk analysis, and encryption protocols. Courses like Network Defense and Penetration Testing and Cryptography and Network Security help me develop my ability to secure systems against threats and understand the underlying algorithms protecting data. Additionally, classes on Ethics in cybersecurity shaped my commitment to upholding privacy and user rights in my future. 

One of the significant challenges I faced was mastering the intricacies of cryptographic algorithms during an advanced course on encryption. The mathematical complexity felt overwhelming, but I adopted a systematic approach to overcome it. I broke down concepts into manageable pieces, looked online on the web for tutorials, and my classmates also helped me understand the difficulties I was having. This helped me improve my understanding of cryptography. 

IDS 493 served as a class to help students in creating their personal and professional digital identities. This course helped me focus on how to effectively present my academic and professional journey to potential employers. A key skill that I honed during IDS 493 was professional self-presentation. I’m now able to structure and articulate my academic and professional experiences in a compelling manner. The ePortfolio allowed me to reflect deeply on my experiences, select the most relevant ones, and present them in a way that aligned with my career expectations. Before taking IDS493, I never really thought about presenting myself to potential employers. Through this course, I learned how to organize my academic journey, rather than a collection of separate experiences. 

Additionally, the peer feedback in IDS 493 was constructive in improving my work. Sharing drafts of my ePortfolio with peers taught me how to receive and incorporate constructive criticism. The ePortfolio I created will be critical in my job search and professional networking. I plan to share it with prospective employers during interviews to provide a visual and detailed overview of my skills and projects.