This post features a student who took part in Cyber FastTrack 2021/22.
“Winning these prizes helped me realize I do have the fundamentals, and with the prizes, I can grow my skill set and gain an edge in cybersecurity as a whole”.
Andrew, a college senior from South Dakota, discusses his experience of winning a scholarship in the Cyber FastTrack program.
How would you describe your experience of Cyber FastTrack?
Cyber FastTrack was a great experience. It was nice having challenges ranging from beginner to expert. I got a huge ego boost and felt more and more confident every time I answered a question correctly.
How do you feel about winning a prize in the program?
I’m ecstatic about being a winner in this competition. In the cybersecurity field, you can suffer from imposter syndrome, feeling like you don’t know enough or that you can’t keep up with the field.
Winning these prizes helped me realize I do have the fundamentals, and with the prizes, I can grow my skill set and gain an edge in cybersecurity as a whole.
Before competing in Cyber FastTrack, were you considering a career in cybersecurity?
Yes, I’ve been interested in cybersecurity since 2019, ever since I joined the Cyber Defense Team at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. I love cybersecurity, but I never competed before due to a fear of being severely outmatched by my competitors.
“I love cybersecurity, but I never competed before due to a fear of being severely outmatched by my competitors.”
Do you have plans to continue your cybersecurity studies?
Yes! I am in the process of applying for a full-time position with Arctic Wolf, a unicorn cybersecurity company in Eden Prairie, MN.
Got a career in mind but unsure if you have the skills to pursue it? Get career-ready straight out of college when you register for the FREE Cyber FastTrack program
