Monthly Archives: September 2024

Career & Leadership Readiness Institute

CLRI Kickoff Prepares Students For Career Success

“You’re all about to take off, even if you don’t fully realize it yet. Maybe you feel it, maybe you hope for it—that’s why you’re here. But remember, you’re the drivers of your own cars, the drivers of your own lives. The decisions you make and the preparation you put in will open doors for you.”  ~ Sedrick Settle, Co-Coordinator, CLRI

The Career and Leadership Readiness Institute (CLRI) launched its Fall 2024 session on September 19th at NOVA’s Woodbridge Campus, welcoming over 20 participants. Students toured the almost completed $5 million data center training facility, engaged in interactive activities, and learned about the program’s unique offerings.

Funded by grants, CLRI is a free initiative designed to help NOVA students become competitive candidates in the job market. Led by NOVA IET’s M. Andy Chaves and Sedrick Settle, CLRI is recognized for preparing students with career readiness skills and developing competitive applicants for internships and jobs in the IET industry.

The event provided students with a friendly and engaging introduction to the program, which has become a cornerstone of career development at NOVA. Throughout the session, students shared why they joined:

  • “I’m in the Data Center Operations certificate program. A friend who works at a data center recommended it as a great career path. I’m here because the CLRI program seems like an opportunity I should take advantage of.”
  • “I’m studying cybersecurity, but I feel a bit lost. I attend my IT classes, but I don’t have a community or know anyone studying the same thing. That’s why I’m here.”
  • “I’m in the Data Center Operations program. I’m here to meet new people and build my network.”
  • “I’m an IT student at NOVA, and I also work there as an IT technician. I’m here for professional development.”
  • “I’m studying cybersecurity and heard about the program from Mr. Chaves. I’m excited to be here and meet new people.”
  • “I’m studying to become a network engineering specialist, and I’m here to develop my communication skills.”
  • “I’m here for the opportunity to network and connect with others for my career development.”
  • “I’m studying computer science and general studies, and I’m graduating this semester. I’m here to develop job-related skills and expand my network.”

After a fun icebreaker, participants downloaded the NOVA Engage App to connect within the Fall CLRI group and with the broader NOVA community.

Mr. Chaves and Mr. Settle then outlined key program highlights, including an alumni panel where graduates offer feedback, site visits to local data centers, mock interviews with Amazon Web Services (AWS), and an executive networking event featuring vice presidents, directors, and CEOs from local industry partners. Participants will also learn how to create standout technical resumes, develop interpersonal skills, build personal brands, and more.

The evening wrapped up with a fun, hands-on activity where teams used mystery bags to create and market a product, followed by a pizza social.

For NOVA IET students, the CLRI program is a critical component in developing interpersonal (soft) skills to complement their technical knowledge. Many graduates have secured internships and job offers as a result of participating and learning key leadership skills during the program.

The next CLRI session will begin in February 2025. Interested students can fill out the Interest Form to be notified when registration opens. More information is available at www.nvcc.edu/career-services/clri.html.

Cybersecurity, Student Success

Cybersecurity Month Student Spotlight

Afraz Sakib, Cybersecurity Student

“One of the most fascinating aspects of digital security is the constant emergence of new attacks, vulnerabilities, and insights. We are always learning innovative methods for both breaching and defending systems against the varied strategies hackers use daily.”

In 2020, Afraz Sakib moved from Bangladesh to the United States, eager to build a career in cybersecurity. The following year, he began studying network administration and cybersecurity. For Afraz, choosing NOVA was a clear decision, thanks to several cousins who had graduated from the college and highly recommended its programs. By December 2022, Afraz had earned an Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity and a Career Studies Certificate in Network Administration.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Afraz shares his appreciation for the program’s hands-on approach. “I loved all of my digital security courses,” he says. “Most of my professors work in the industry, so they incorporated real-life examples and scenarios into their teaching. I would absolutely recommend NOVA’s program because it’s hands-on and builds a strong foundation.”

Beyond the classroom, Afraz took advantage of NOVA’s many extracurricular opportunities. He particularly enjoyed participating in cybersecurity competitions such as the National Cyber League, Virginia Commonwealth Cyber Fusion, a Microsoft Tournament, and Def Con—events that not only honed his skills but also expanded his network within the field.

While Afraz did not pursue a formal internship, he gained valuable real-world experience through a class project that involved conducting security assessments for two nonprofit organizations in Loudoun County. Due to a non-disclosure agreement, the names of the organizations remain confidential.

Afraz and his classmates collaborated with these groups to evaluate their security infrastructure. They found that the nonprofits, despite serving low-income individuals and managing millions of dollars in donations, had significant vulnerabilities in their systems. The project came about after a hacking incident at the parent company of one of these organizations, prompting them to reach out to NOVA for help. This experience further solidified Afraz’s practical understanding of cybersecurity risks and solutions.

It was through his experience at NOVA and the mentorship of Professor Kwabena Konadu that Afraz secured a role as a lab support specialist in the IT departments at both the Manassas and Woodbridge campuses. His day-to-day work involves assisting students in the labs and supporting professors with various projects and courses.

“NOVA played a huge role in preparing me for this position,” Afraz says. “I acquired most of my technical skills here. No matter where I graduate from in the future, the foundation was built at NOVA, and I respect that.”

As a seasoned student now offering advice to others, Afraz emphasizes the importance of perseverance. “Do your best and keep working until you solve the problem. Each challenge is the first step in overcoming a barrier—apply what you learn to the next.”

In addition to his part-time role at NOVA, Afraz balances two more jobs: serving as a lead instructor for CyberGuardian.courses and working full-time as a Data Center Operations Engineer at Amazon Web Services (AWS). His dedication to the field is reflected in his commitment to continuous learning.

Currently enrolled in an online program at Western Governors University, Afraz plans to graduate this year with two bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity and information assurance. He’s already setting his sights on the future, considering master’s programs at George Mason University or Georgia Tech to further advance his expertise.

Looking ahead, Afraz is excited about what’s to come. He will become a U.S. citizen next year, a milestone that will allow him to pursue a security clearance and fulfill his ambition to work as a cyber analyst for the government. In the long term, he hopes to complete his master’s degree and eventually return to NOVA, this time as a professor, where he can share his knowledge with the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Cybersecurity, Uncategorized

Cybersecurity Month Faculty Spotlight

Kwabena Konadu, Cybersecurity Faculty

“I feel like I’m called to help lead the next generation of workers, especially in IT and cybersecurity. I love seeing young people eager for knowledge. I’m always here for my students—they can ask me anything.”

Kwabena Konadu serves as the Chair of NOVA’s Cybersecurity A.A.S. program, alongside his roles as an associate professor at NOVA and an adjunct professor at The George Washington University. With a background in electrical engineering, he spent 13 years in the space industry working on space applications as a consultant. After the company he worked for closed, he knew it was time to explore a new path.

“The interesting thing is, I’ve always loved computers,” he says.“This is a story I’ve shared many times. The first time I saw a computer was when I was 13. Around 33 years ago, my family moved from Ghana to the United States. My dad nudged me toward engineering, but he also taught me how to build a computer during our first year here. I always knew I’d return to my passion for computers.”

In 2008, while working as a cybersecurity consultant, Kwabena began teaching part-time IT workforce classes at NOVA. He also founded a club that provides students with access to computers and training in various digital applications. By 2020, inspired by his participants and growing interest in digital security, he assumed the leadership role of the cybersecurity track at NOVA.

His responsibilities include course development, guiding competition teams, and instructing in hands-on, practical skills. He leads students in the Year Up United program, which helps them transition into IT fields, particularly cyber defense. After completing the semester, participants move on to six-month internships with companies and earn certifications. Kwabena has been committed to Year Up United for seven years. In addition, he leads courses on computer hardware, software, and information security.

In NOVA’s cybersecurity curriculum, students use cloud-based, open-source tools—resources commonly used by cyber attackers. “It’s vital for learners to understand the methods and tactics that attackers employ,” he says. The program also partners with major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, and students receive hands-on training with forensic tools to image hard drives.

The program’s designation as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) is a testament to its rigor. “Being CAE-designated grants us access to additional resources and ensures our learners are prepared for roles in digital security,” he explains.

The success of this initiative is clear. About a year and a half ago, Walmart’s cybersecurity department invited 10 NOVA students to interview, along with candidates from across the country. One of them, Sandra, advanced to a second interview and eventually secured a job offer.

Recently, a former student named Reza, who completed his master’s in cybersecurity and is now preparing for a Ph.D., returned to thank Kwabena for his mentorship and offered to volunteer his time. “I told him, ‘Please send me your resume. You’re exactly the kind of person we want teaching in our program.’ That was a moving moment.”

Kwabena offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals in cybersecurity: “Get involved. Collaborate with other organizations. You can’t learn everything in the classroom, but by joining clubs and networking, you’ll develop your skills and form connections. Most of what I know about cybersecurity came from engaging with others and participating in activities.”

Looking forward, he emphasizes the growing impact of artificial intelligence. “AI is about to revolutionize the world—and our academic programs. People should start learning about AI at an early age, including the ethical implications. AI’s role in cybersecurity is about to take off, and we have no choice but to prepare.”

With October marking Cybersecurity Awareness Month, he offers practical tips for staying safe online: “Make sure you have strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Don’t share your passwords, and always back up your data. Be cautious about sharing personal information online, and avoid using public hotspots unless you’re using a VPN. It’s critical to protect your digital footprint and avoid compromising your identity.”

Kwabena’s commitment to his students and the cybersecurity field is evident—he’s preparing the next generation not just for jobs, but for success in a rapidly evolving digital world.