Introduction

My experience within the cybersecurity program at ODU has been incredibly rewarding. The combination of hands-on learning, theoretical coursework, and real-world application through internships has given me a well-rounded understanding of the field. ODU itself has provided a supportive and engaging environment where I’ve been able to grow academically and professionally. The most valuable skills I’ve learned include network defense, risk analysis, and vulnerability assessment. These skills came from courses like Network Security, Ethical Hacking, and Cybersecurity Fundamentals. I also developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in labs and projects that required hands-on work with real-world scenarios.

Program Reflection

The most valuable learning experiences have come from my internships and participation in the COVA CCI undergraduate research program. These opportunities allowed me to apply classroom knowledge in real-world cybersecurity contexts, especially through vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and threat analysis. One of the biggest obstacles I encountered was balancing my coursework with the demands of my internship. Juggling multiple classes and work commitments was challenging, especially when deadlines for both overlapped. I addressed these issues by developing better time management skills. I learned to prioritize tasks, break large assignments into smaller, manageable steps, and keep a strict calendar. Over time, I became more adept at handling multiple responsibilities. Previous courses, particularly in networking and security, were incredibly useful in preparing me for more advanced cybersecurity topics. My internship experiences further solidified this knowledge and helped me see the practical applications of what I had learned.

IDS 493 Reflection

IDS 493 is a course designed to help students create a professional portfolio that showcases their academic and practical experiences. Through this course, I was able to build an ePortfolio, reflect on my personal growth, and integrate various aspects of my education and internship experiences into one cohesive digital representation of my work. The most valuable concepts in IDS 493 were creating a professional portfolio and learning how to effectively present my academic and professional experiences. The process of reflecting on my growth and learning how to showcase my skills in a visually appealing way was very beneficial for my career. I’m most proud of how I showcased my internship experiences and my research work in my portfolio. The detailed reflections and specific examples of my work allowed me to demonstrate my skills and growth throughout the program. I would point them to the section that details my internship experience with the CAE in Cybersecurity Community. It demonstrates not only my technical abilities but also how I’ve applied those skills in a professional environment. The most challenging aspect of IDS 493 was making sure my portfolio was cohesive and represented all of my work accurately. It required a lot of attention to detail, and sometimes deciding what to include or exclude felt overwhelming. I addressed these challenges by organizing my content in a logical way and regularly seeking feedback from peers and my professor. Breaking the project into smaller tasks also made it more manageable. With more time, I would refine the design and layout of my portfolio to make it even more polished and user-friendly. Previous courses in web design, project management, and cybersecurity were incredibly helpful in completing this course.

Conclusion

The knowledge I gained from those classes gave me the technical skills needed to build my portfolio and the critical thinking abilities to reflect on my experiences. Interdisciplinary methods were key to understanding the connections between cybersecurity, technology, business, and ethics. In particular, understanding how cybersecurity fits within broader contexts, such as organizational risk management and legal frameworks, helped me to approach problems from different angles. I connected coursework in ethical hacking and network security with real-world application in my internships. The hands-on work and challenges I faced in these internships required me to apply what I had learned in multiple courses, allowing me to see the interconnectedness between different disciplines in cybersecurity. It’s important because cybersecurity doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Understanding the intersection between technology, law, business, and human behavior is crucial for solving problems effectively and building comprehensive security strategies. After graduating from ODU, I plan to pursue a full-time position as a cybersecurity analyst or engineer. I hope to gain more hands-on experience, further my certifications, and eventually specialize in areas like penetration testing or cloud security. I’m also interested in continuing my education through certifications like CISSP or CISM.