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How two college students found their calling for cybersecurity through online games

How two college students found their calling for cybersecurity through online games

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

A callout telling you to sign up for Cyber FastTrack to learn cyber skills and fast track your career

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!

All of these programmes are entirely free, and feature CyberStart!

CyberStart America

What is it?

A fun programme developed to help you discover your talent, advance your skills and win scholarships in cyber security.

Who's it for?

13-18 year old high school students in the US only.

Awesome! How can I find out more?
www.cyberstartamerica.org

Cyber FastTrack

What is it?

The fastest and most cost-effective route to a career in cyber security via free training and exclusive scholarship opportunities.

Who's it for?

College students in the US only.

Great! How can I find out more?
www.cyber-fasttrack.org

CyberStart Canada

What is it?

A free programme teaching cyber security to high school students in Canada through CyberStart's immersive learning platform.

Who's it for?

Students between the ages of 13-18 nationwide.

Nice! How can I find out more?
www.cyberstartcanada.com