I wasn’t the most active in student organizations, clubs, or competition teams during my time at Old Dominion University. My experience outside the classroom was heavily shaped by my professional work and internship in the cybersecurity field. Rather than participating in campus-based activities, I dedicated my time to working full-time as a Cyber Incident Responder while also completing an internship. These experiences provided me with a direct connection to real-world applications of my discipline and allowed me to contribute meaningfully in professional environments.

Alongside this role, I also advance my skills in not just security but also in networking with computers, along with coworkers. During this time, I collaborated with team members across departments, gaining insight into how cybersecurity operations function at an organizational level. One of my key contributions was assisting in maintaining security by identifying and escalating threats and communicating findings clearly to team members. I also took the initiative to build relationships with coworkers, intentionally “putting my face out there” to establish connections that could support my long-term career growth.

Looking ahead, these experiences will significantly benefit my future career. First, they have provided me with practical, hands-on skills that make me more prepared than many entry-level candidates. Second, the professional relationships I built through networking will serve as valuable connections as I continue to grow in the field. Finally, the confidence I gained from working in real cybersecurity environments will only progress as time goes on.