This post features college students who took part in Cyber FastTrack 2021/22.
“I was elated to receive a prize because I knew this was another step forward in my journey toward becoming a cybersecurity professional!”
Kenny from Arkansas and Devashree from Delaware share their experiences of learning cybersecurity and winning scholarship prizes through Cyber FastTrack.
What is your college major?
Kenny:
Cybersecurity
Devashree:
Information Technology
How would you describe your experience of the Cyber FastTrack National Cyber Scholarship program?
Kenny:
It was perfectly challenging and the rush of completing as many challenges as I could was incredibly fun.
Devashree:
Amazing. The competition helped me expand my theoretical knowledge into practice as well as taught me areas that I need more practice in/build a deeper foundation in.
How do you feel about winning a prize in the program?
Kenny:
I was elated to receive a prize because I knew this was another step forward in my journey toward becoming a cybersecurity professional!
Devashree:
It was unexpected. I have applied to this scholarship program every season I have played in not expecting to win. However, the scholarship prize is definitely a nice bonus in addition to all the knowledge I have gained.
“The scholarship prize is definitely a nice bonus in addition to all the knowledge I have gained”. - Devashree
Do you have plans to continue your cybersecurity studies?
Kenny:
Yes, I am currently majoring in cybersecurity and international relations at the University of Central Arkansas and I aspire to be a security studies graduate student at Georgetown University.
I am considering careers that involve both cybersecurity and international relations within the national security space.
Devashree:
Yes, currently I am interested in learning more about cloud security and network security. So I’ll definitely be applying to more internships in the field and gaining practical experience.
Regarding studies, I have always wanted to earn a PhD, but for now I am looking to apply to the cybersecurity master’s program at USC.
Were you considering a career in cybersecurity before taking part in Cyber FastTrack?
Kenny:
Yes, I have always been curious about cybersecurity as an industry and have thought about ways to prepare myself for a career in it.
Devashree:
No, I initially was a physics major despite being familiar with cybersecurity. However, the more I participated in CTFs such as Cyber FastTrack, the more I realized that I was on the wrong track. So, I switched my major and right now I am part of an amazing internship with Cisco Meraki and loving what I am learning.
“I initially was a physics major despite being familiar with cybersecurity. However, the more I participated in CTFs such as Cyber FastTrack the more I realized that I was in the wrong track”. - Devashree
Are you considering a career in cybersecurity after taking part in Cyber FastTrack?
Kenny:
After the competition, I have become even more determined to find a career in cybersecurity. I realize that much of the critical infrastructure in the United States is extremely vulnerable to cyber attacks and I hope to have a career one day in the Intelligence Community that works to prevent these attacks from foreign actors.
Devashree:
Yes, I am definitely considering a career in cybersecurity. I have already passed my security+ certification from CompTIA as a beginning step into this career and now I am hoping to get some internship experience in this field.
Want to build desirable skills and open the door to a rewarding career path in or related to cybersecurity? See if you’re eligible for Cyber FastTrack and register for FREE!
