Hey, guys! My name is Ishva Kanani, and I graduated from the program at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University in May 2022.
As an international student from India, navigating a new academic environment, cultural nuances and forging connections across borders added layers of complexity and richness to my overall experience.
As a wide-eyed freshman, the world of computer science unfolded with the introductory courses I took, which laid the groundwork for understanding the core principles and fundamentals. Little did I know that this journey would not only sharpen my technical prowess but also mold me into a resilient problem solver and a lifelong learner.
The transition from classroom knowledge to real-world application was seamlessly facilitated by my on-campus employment at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State as an IT repair technician and student cybersecurity analyst under the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State Digital Leadership Academy (DLA) program. It was the outcome of this program that sparked my interest in the domain of cybersecurity, and I decided to delve into more advanced courses on cybersecurity at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State.
In the summer of 2021, I joined the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) which allowed me to dive deeper into the research side of my field and clarified my career and educational goals. It was a great opportunity to learn and collaborate with Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State University’s knowledgeable and experienced faculty mentor. This experience boosted my confidence and cultivated professionalism and presentation skills.
The SURE experience, my computer science curriculum, my work experience under the DLA program and assistance from Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State’s Career Exploration and Development department, which ranged from resume reviews to mock interviews, helped me land my first internship as a cybersecurity intern at Edelman Financial Engines.
At my internship, I learned how to triage and investigate potential security incidents, respond to threats, automate recurring tasks and be a first responder for security incidents. Even though it was a remote experience due to the pandemic, it was incredible. At the end of the summer, I received a part-time job offer to continue as a cybersecurity engineer on the team during my senior year. At the end of my time at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State, I accepted a full-time offer from Edelman Financial Engines and moved to Virginia.
I currently work as a security consultant at Amazon Web Services (AWS) where I build and deploy security infrastructure on the AWS cloud using various AWS services. I have been lucky throughout my time at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to have the support and mentorship of wonderful faculty who helped me discover my interest in cybersecurity. Apart from work, I also lead the D.C. metro chapter of Women in Security and Privacy to help advance women and underrepresented communities to lead the future of security and privacy.
At the heart of Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State is a vibrant and supportive community.
Professors and tutors were always available to assist me with my programming assignments and technical concepts, never once making me feel as if I wasn’t good enough. Their consistent support and guidance helped me throughout my journey, and soon I began to improve. I also served as a global ambassador for international students, allowing me to connect with people from around the world and learn about other cultures and perspectives.
Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State has not just been an educational institution; it has been a home away from home for me.
The odyssey of computer science may have started at Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State, but its impact will ripple through my professional journey shaping the way I approach challenges, embrace opportunities and contribute to the ever-evolving field of technology. To current high school seniors: Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know where your passion lies. Be consistent, work hard and share a passion for what interests you.
To Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ State: Thank you so much for helping me understand my purpose and passion. And finally, to all the fellow Flashes, thank you for taking care of this Flash. Go Flashes!