My journey into the world of cybersecurity began in 2017 when I first attended the ethical hacking and forensic investigator training at EC-Council University. At that point, I had already been working in the technology sector, but this training opened my eyes to the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity. It was a turning point in my career, as it inspired me to propose the creation of the security information department within Banco Sol, the financial institution where I work. My desire to dive deeper into cybersecurity led me to EC-Council University’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity program, which turned out to be the perfect fit for my professional ambitions.
Why I Chose EC-Council University
There were several reasons why EC-Council University stood out to me while exploring degree programs in cybersecurity. First, the curriculum of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is robust and comprehensive, covering everything from critical thinking and analytical capabilities to leadership and business essentials. I knew that I needed more than just technical knowledge; I needed the ability to think strategically and understand the business side of cybersecurity. This program promised to deliver exactly that.
Moreover, the program’s flexibility was a huge factor in my decision. As someone who had to juggle work responsibilities with my studies, the flexible study options allowed me to achieve my academic goals without sacrificing my career progress or personal life. Affordability and accreditation were also important, as I wanted to ensure I was investing in a program that was both recognized and respected within the global cybersecurity community. EC-Council University offered me all of this and more.
How the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Degree Benefited My Career
Choosing EC-Council University turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made in my career. The program’s flexible structure allowed me to stabilize my professional and personal life while continuing to advance my education. This flexibility was critical, as I had ongoing responsibilities at Banco Sol and couldn’t afford to put my career on hold. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree equipped me with advanced technical skills and, just as importantly, helped me grasp the subject matter of cybersecurity leadership, governance, and risk management.
By the time I completed my degree, I had the qualifications and the confidence to take on more significant responsibilities within my organization. The knowledge I gained allowed me to
strengthen our information security practices, making me more effective in protecting our company against emerging threats.
The Value of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity in My Career Development
One of the most valuable aspects of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program is how it bridges the gap between technical proficiency and strategic thinking. The degree provides the technical skills that are crucial for cybersecurity professionals, but it goes beyond that. It taught me how to approach cybersecurity from a broader perspective, including risk management, governance, and business continuity.
In today’s world, where cyber threats are progressively sophisticated, having a holistic understanding of how to protect an organization is essential. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program gave me the tools I needed to not only identify vulnerabilities but also to implement solutions that align with the broader goals of my organization. This knowledge has been invaluable in my role at Banco Sol, where I have been tasked with overseeing our information security operations.
Did the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Help Me Achieve Higher Pay or a Promotion?
The Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree has significantly enhanced my role at Banco Sol. The knowledge and skills I gained from the program have made me a more effective leader within the company, allowing me to better protect our organization from cyber threats. Also, the degree has opened up new opportunities for me to share my expertise.
I am currently in the process of exploring partnerships with local universities in Angola, where I hope to teach cybersecurity courses and share the knowledge I’ve acquired. This opportunity to give back to my community and help shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is something I am incredibly excited about.
The Impact of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program
The impact of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program on my life, both personally and professionally, has been profound. On a professional level, the degree has given me the tools I need to solve problems more creatively and collaborate with colleagues across different disciplines and cultures. As a result, I am now more adept at tackling complex cybersecurity challenges in a globalized world.
Personally, the program has broadened my horizons and helped me grow as a leader. The combination of technical training and leadership development has made me more confident in my ability to drive positive change within my organization and beyond.
Giving Back to the Community
One of my biggest goals moving forward is to share the knowledge I’ve gained with others in my community. In Angola, cybersecurity is still a relatively new field, and there is a great need for more professionals equipped to handle the growing threat of cyberattacks. By working with local universities, I hope to teach students about the importance of cybersecurity and inspire them to pursue careers in this critical field.
Mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is a way for me to give back and contribute to the growth of the industry in Angola. The Master of Science in Cybersecurity program not only prepared me for success in my professional endeavors but also gave me the skills and knowledge to help others succeed.
My Favorite Part of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program
One of the standout aspects of the Master of Science in Cybersecurity program was the hands-on activities using cutting-edge technologies. These practical exercises were my favorite part of the program because they allowed me to apply what I was learning in real-world scenarios. The technical skills I gained through these activities have been essential in my role at Banco Sol, where I am responsible for protecting our network from various cyber threats.
These hands-on experiences gave me a deeper understanding of leveraging the latest technologies to defend against cyberattacks, making me a more effective cybersecurity professional.
A Message to EC-Council University
I attribute a significant part of my success to the expert faculty members at EC-Council University. Their dedication to providing cutting-edge technologies and additional resources made all the difference in my learning experience. The program was not only academically rigorous but also highly practical, which is why I was able to apply what I learned directly to my job.
To the entire team at EC-Council University, I extend my most profound appreciation and gratitude. Your efforts have been instrumental in my journey, and I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to advance their career in cybersecurity.
