The ACM (Association for Computing Machinery)<\/a> Student Chapter, formerly the cybersecurity club, also played a big role. When I was a first-year student, I barely knew where to start. Those lab sessions and competitions gave me the confidence and community I needed to grow.\u00a0<\/p>\n What opportunities helped you turn that classroom knowledge into real-world experience?\u00a0<\/p>\n Sam: I was fortunate to build hands-on experience early through an internship with the New Jersey Courts<\/a>, where I worked as an Information Security Analyst Intern. I secured that opportunity under Sajed Naseem<\/a>, the Chief Information Security Officer and an Assistant Adjunct Professor in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies<\/a> at St. John\u2019s University.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n I truly believe that year-long internship was vital to my early success. It helped me understand how cybersecurity functions in a real organization. I also earned my CompTIA Security+ certification<\/a>, which I always recommend as a great first step for anyone serious about entering the field.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n About five months after graduating, I landed my current role at Gen II Fund Services<\/a>. The job search wasn\u2019t easy, but between the internship, certification, and support from St. John\u2019s faculty, I felt prepared.\u00a0<\/p>\n As you began your career, what skills did you find most important for success?\u00a0<\/p>\n Sam: Employers definitely look for technical foundations like a degree, certifications, and internship experience. However, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability are just as critical.\u00a0<\/p>\n You need to be able to explain complex issues clearly, collaborate across departments, and think on your feet. Resilience and curiosity go a long way, too. There\u2019s always something new to learn.\u00a0<\/p>\n What\u2019s one of the biggest career misconceptions people have?\u00a0<\/p>\n Sam: A big one is that cybersecurity is an entry-level field. The truth is, most employers want to see some prior experience. That doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s impossible to get started, but it does mean you should build your foundation first.\u00a0<\/p>\n I often tell students to start with information technology roles such as help desk or systems support, get certified, and then transition into cybersecurity. Those experiences give you the context and troubleshooting skills that make you more effective once you\u2019re in the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n Cybersecurity is constantly evolving. How do you continue learning and pushing your skills forward?\u00a0<\/p>\n Sam: I\u2019ve been involved with the U.S. Cyber Games<\/a>, a national initiative that identifies and trains some of the country\u2019s top cybersecurity talent to represent the United States in international competitions like the International Cybersecurity Challenge<\/a> (ICC). The program brings together students and professionals to strengthen technical skills, teamwork, and cyber defense readiness through hands-on training and competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n Last year, I competed to be part of the US Cyber Team and advanced to the semifinals after several rounds of technical challenges and assessments. It was an incredible experience that pushed me to apply advanced skills in areas like network defense, threat analysis, and incident response, all while collaborating with talented individuals from across the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n This year, I\u2019ve returned to the program as a Technical Mentor, where I assist with curriculum development and coaching. I recently helped deliver a lecture on attack and defense fundamentals and supported the identification of open-source projects with exploitable vulnerabilities for the team\u2019s CVE<\/a> (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) exercises. It\u2019s rewarding to help shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while continuing to grow my own skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n Outside of work, how do you unwind from the demands of cybersecurity? Sam: I\u2019m passionate about giving back to my community. I\u2019m part of the Liberty Kiwanis Cub<\/a> in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, and I founded a nonprofit called the Marine Park Young Adults Association, Inc<\/a>. We host movie nights, trivia, karaoke, and game nights for people ages 18\u201335. It\u2019s an affordable way for young adults to connect and build community.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Finally, what advice would you share with students who are just starting to explore a career in cybersecurity?\u00a0<\/p>\n Sam: Don\u2019t be intimidated by how broad the field is; use it to your advantage. Cybersecurity has so many paths. Try to explore each area early so you can focus on what excites you most.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Three](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/img_7039.jpeg\")
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