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