Program Reflection
Making Connections
Old Dominion University’s LeADERS program connects students to courses and real-world experiences in the areas of Leadership, Academic Internship, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Research, or Service Learning. The Cyber LeADERS program is an extension of the school’s prestigious LeADERS program aligned with the National Science Foundation’s CyberCorps Scholarship for Service program. Its goal is to prepare students for a career in Cybersecurity through Federal service, service-learning projects, research, academic development, and engagement in the Cybersecurity field.
Reflecting Back
I joined the Cyber LeADERS program to realize my goal of protecting my country from cyber threats through federal service. When I applied to join, I realized that ODU’s program was not the typical scholarship but a holistic approach to giving students everything they need to succeed, sharpen their academic skills, and develop in-demand professional skills.
Looking Forward
My professional goals are to enter Federal service protecting government assets and preserving their mission to protect and defend Americans at home and abroad from foreign and domestic cyber threats. My personal goals are to take the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) gained throughout my Undergrad education towards a career I find meaning and purpose so that working hard never feels like actual work. Although my LeADERS journey has just begun, I am confident I will gain more skills and valuable experiences to make me a well-rounded Cybersecurity professional and individual.
Skills That Employers Are Seeking
| Skill | Experience | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Communication | Insider Man-in-the-Middle Attack Demonstration | Communicated to an audience the technical aspects of the attack, the risks of unencrypted communications, and the dangers of Insider threats |
| Technical Knowledge | Cisco CCNA Certification | Foundational KSAs to build, maintain, troubleshoot networks, and identify network security threats. |
| Proficiency in Computer Software | Wireshark | Analyze network communications for suspicious activity and identify attack patterns |
| Analytical and Diagnostic Skills | GitHub: J-Artsey, Blog Page | Learned how to compile the C-based QMK firmware, researched how to structure and link the necessary C source and header files and features, troubleshooted compilation of firmware, and fixed hardware issues to build a functioning prototype. |