10 Tips On How To Be A Successful Cybersecurity Professional Student

“I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which someone has had to overcome while trying to succeed.”  ~ Booker T. Washington

A few summer’s ago, I was a speaker for a company’s internship program where I partook in my experience and tips for being successful as a cybersecurity professional student.  First, let me introduce myself.

My name is Katia Dean I graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelors in Electronics Engineering May 2013.  The job market wasn’t promising in Cleveland, Ohio so I moved to Lexington Park, MD to live with my Dad. It was 6 months, after I graduated to obtain my first engineering position.

In December 2013, I was a System Test Engineer for Northrop Grumman on the Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle X-47B program, I stayed at that position for about 1 year and half.  In June 2015 I was a Cybersecurity Engineer for PMA-274 Presidential Helicopter Program, stayed there for about 2 years.  While working full time I also volunteered at STEM-ING event that encouraged young girls about getting into STEM career fields.

At this program this I learned about Cybersecurity and I decided to pursue my master’s degree from University of Maryland University College. I graduated with honors and finished within a year December 2017.

Now that you know a little bit about me let’s get to the nitty gritty.  Here are my tips for being a successful cybersecurity professional student.

  1. Time Management – Is defined as the act or process of planning and exercise control over the amount of time spent on activities.

Why Important?

Most schools have went or is going to online platforms

Most or all conveniences of traditional classroom are not present

Benefits

Helps you to not fall behind in class

Most cyber programs are more technical than before

Ensures that you have time to learn and not just rushing to finish a paper before the deadline

  1. Ask Questions

Ask as many questions as often as possible

If you don’t understand a topic or assignment don’t be afraid to ask.

Benefits

Increase your knowledge in area

You can also assist other classmates that may be stuck on the same problem.

  1. Teamwork

Team work will be important throughout school and your career

You will always have group projects

Analyze how you fit into the group by your skills and abilities

Are you leader?

Great at creating presentations

Editing guru

If problems arise let the professor know ahead of time

 Benefits

Will be successful with group projects and group interactions

Will carry these skills into career

  1. Embrace Technology

Do not rely on email alone to communicate with professor/classmates

Use online technologies to communicate

Google hangouts, Skype, Webex, etc

Benefits

Give you multiple avenues to stay connected

Ensures that email goes to junk box, your message will still get to intended audience

  1. Choose a Mentor

Having a mentor in college or starting out in your career field is important

This person will have a better insight of the field

Choose a mentor that will push you

Choose a mentor that is invested in your academics as well as your career

Never too early to choose a mentor

Benefits

Will be able to guide you to making strategic choices in your academics and career

Can establish your network

Opens up opportunities to networking with more professionals in your field

  1. Create your LinkedIn profile – Grows your connections
  2. Attend Cybersecurity Conferences – Free and Attend on paid conference
  3. Give Back to the Community – Get involved in your discipline area
  4. Get Certified- Aligns with what you learn in class
  5. Work on your Soft Skills – Communicating to technical and non-technical people etc.