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Career Roadmap

Steven's work combines: Government, Technology, and Problem Solving

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Day In The Life

Security Consulting Systems Engineer

I consult with DoD customers to provide security solutions to their cybersecurity needs.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    North County High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Computer and Information Sciences, General

    University of Maryland-University College

  • Graduate Degree

    Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

    University of Maryland-University College

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Information Security Analysts:

Bachelor's Degree: Computer and Information Sciences, General

Graduate Degree: Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Get a job in IT.

  • 2.

    Get a networking job in IT.

  • 3.

    Get a bachelor's degree.

  • 4.

    Get network and security related certifications.

  • 5.

    Get a network security job.

  • 6.

    Get a master's degree.

  • 7.

    Work for an industry leading cybersecurity vendor.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    When starting out in the field, I had bosses and peers that looked for any reason to undermine my progress. Bosses would find reasons (ex. lack of a degree, lack of a certification, etc.) to pass me up for promotions or other opportunities.

  • How I responded:

    When faced with the bad attitudes from my peers and bosses, I left for other opportunities. I kept improving myself and soon bosses had no weaknesses to point to when I asked for more responsibilities or promotions. I was able to leverage my hard work and found bosses that valued that hard work. My advice is to work hard to better yourself and, if you don't have a boss that values you, to keep looking until you do.