Follow Joshua's story as he shares how connections made at DoIT have shaped his career aspirations. Discover the impact of friendships and networking in his journey towards becoming a cybersecurity expert.

Image: Josh carrying a laptop in the AV workspace with tech supplies in the background. 

At the heart of any dynamic academic environment lies a myriad of opportunities for growth, both personal and professional. Joshua Cheeks, a senior computer science major at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), is a testament to this fact. His journey through academia, coupled with his role at the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), exemplifies how university experiences can profoundly shape one's career trajectory and personal development.

Joining the AV Department

Joshua Cheeks’s time at UMBC has been complemented by his work at the AV department under DoIT. For close to two years, he has immersed himself in the daily operations that keep the department running smoothly. This position has not only allowed him to apply his computer science knowledge in practical settings but has also rendered every day an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Building Meaningful Connections

One of the most impactful aspects of Joshua's journey has been the relationships he has built during his time at DoIT. He emphasizes the importance of these connections, stating that the friends and networks he has established with both his co-workers and superiors have had a significant positive impact on his life. These relationships have not only made his work environment more enjoyable but also extended beyond professional boundaries, fostering personal growth and development.

Team Bonding Moments

In recounting his experiences, Joshua highlights a fond memory: his team watching a movie in PAHB 132 after completing a project. Such moments of camaraderie underscore the importance of teamwork and the bonds formed in the collaborative efforts required in the AV department.

Advice for New Employees

Joshua has valuable advice for newcomers to the DoIT student workforce. He encourages them to engage actively with their colleagues and supervisors. Making connections, he notes, is crucial as these relationships can be beneficial in the future. The friendly and approachable environment at DoIT, according to him, is conducive to fostering these exchanges.

Pursuing Higher Education

Looking ahead, Joshua aspires to further his education by pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity. This advanced study will equip him with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape.

Career Goals

Joshua’s ultimate career goal is to become a Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst in the cybersecurity field. This role involves monitoring and analyzing an organization's security systems to detect and mitigate threats. It is a critical position within the cybersecurity domain, requiring a keen eye for detail, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of cyber threats and defense mechanisms.

The Impact of UMBC and DoIT

1. Personal and Professional Growth: Joshua attributes much of his personal and professional growth to his time at UMBC and his involvement with DoIT. The university environment has challenged him to become a better person and a more diligent worker, pushing him to strive for excellence in all his endeavors.

1. Networking Opportunities: The connections he has formed with a diverse group of individuals, from fellow students to faculty and staff at DoIT, have broadened his perspective and provided him with a supportive network that he can rely on as he advances in his career.

1. Skill Development:His responsibilities at the AV department have allowed Joshua to develop a range of skills that are directly applicable to his future career goals. From technical proficiencies in managing audio-visual equipment to soft skills like effective communication and teamwork, Joshua has gained a holistic set of competencies that will serve him well in his future roles.

Joshua Cheeks’s journey at UMBC and the Division of Information Technology is a prime example of how university experiences can play a pivotal role in shaping one's career and personal development. His story illustrates the value of seizing opportunities, building meaningful relationships, and continually striving for growth. As Joshua looks to the future, with aspirations of becoming a SOC analyst and obtaining a master's degree in cybersecurity, it is evident that the foundations laid during his time at UMBC and DoIT will continue to support and guide him.

Next on his journey, Josh will be graduating in May 2025 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, with a BS in Computer Science. Congratulations Joshua!

Watch his complete video here!

Join Sydney Kumordzie as he shares his heartwarming experience working in AV Services, forming friendships, and gaining valuable skills that shaped his future. Discover the importance of mentorship and building connections in the workplace.

Image: Sydney working on a laptop in an office workspace. 

Discovering the Hidden Gems of an IT Student's Journey

Building a career in the realm of IT is often seen as a journey filled with late-night code marathons, unnerving debug sessions, and an overall competitive atmosphere. But what if we turned this perspective around and looked at it through the lens of a fulfilling, community-driven adventure? Sydney Kumordzie's narrative provides a refreshing take on what it feels like to grow and thrive in the IT industry, especially through the supportive environment in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) and his invaluable experiences at AV Services.

A Family-like Work Environment

One of the foremost aspects Sydney highlights about his journey is the family-like atmosphere he encountered. Working in AV Services made him feel like part of a big family—co-workers felt more like friends, and every day brought opportunities to collaborate and create memories together. This relational warmth isn't something one typically expects from a career in IT, which is often thought to be a solitary and intensely focused field. However, Sydney’s experience shatters that stereotype.

The Importance of Mentorship

Mentorship played a pivotal role in Sydney’s developmental journey. He emphasizes how his mentors provided invaluable guidance, which helped him navigate the often-complex landscape of computer science and IT services. This guidance wasn't merely about technical skills but also about fostering the right mindset and setting career goals.

Gaining Diverse Experiences

Sydney didn’t confine himself to a single niche within the IT domain. His time working in different roles within AV Services was crucial for gaining a broad understanding of the field. He worked in PowerShell scripting and student administration in addition to AV Services, allowing him to develop a well-rounded skill set.

Versatility in Roles

Starting in student administration and managing accounts provided Sydney with essential back-end skills. This experience taught him the importance of proper data management and security, as he had to handle sensitive information and ensure its security.

Switching to AV Services introduced Sydney to the "person-to-person" aspect of IT. Here, the focus was not just on the technicality but also on user interaction and troubleshooting in real-time scenarios. It helped him develop strong communication skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

Building Personal Connections

According to Sydney, making friends and building connections are crucial elements often overlooked in a professional setting. He advises his peers to go beyond merely fulfilling job responsibilities.

Breaking the Routine

Sydney shares a cherished memory that epitomizes the joy of breaking routine to build camaraderie. After finishing work early in Lecture Hall 1, he and his colleagues decided to put on some music and have an impromptu rap session. This moment wasn’t just about taking a break; it was about enjoying shared experiences and building a supportive environment where everyone felt comfortable and valued.

Tips for Future IT Professionals

Sydney’s story isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a treasure trove of insights for future IT professionals. he offers practical advice for anyone looking to follow a similar path:

The start of semester is always busy, but especially during a global pandemic. We got through Spring 20, but since every student will likely have at least one online or hybrid Fall 20 course, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) strongly recommends that all students check they have the necessary technology setup to be successful. To help, DoIT is hosting 12 Sprint sessions for 10-minute, virtual walk-in consults or pop-up support groups on key topics that include the following:

1. Getting Online*

2. Getting A Computer*

3. Checking Your Blackboard Collaborate Audio Connection (essential)

4. Using Virtual Computing Lab & Software (recommended)

5. Using myUMBC Groups & Webex Teams for Student Clubs & Organizations (8/26, 8/31, 9/2 and 9/9 only).

The Sprints will occur across four weeks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

• Tues., 8/18 & Thurs., 8/20

• Tues. 8/25, Wed., 8/26, Thurs., 8/27 (1st day of classes)

• Mon., 8/31, Tues., 9/1, Wed., 9/2, Thurs., 9/3, Fri., 9/4

• Tues., 9/8 & Wed., 9/9

Due to the short format, these virtual support sessions are designed for quick consults, not deep dives or customized training sessions. Also, you will likely be in a virtual room with several people who also are interested in the same topic, and being helped by a DoIT support staff member. Often, you can learn by listening to this Q&A, but if you want a personalized consult, please use my.umbc.edu/help to open a Request Tracker (RT) ticket.

About the Sprint

The sprints will take place in a Blackboard Collaborate virtual conference room. Use the link for each event up to 15 minutes before the start time. While you can just “show up,” advance registration -- by indicating you are “Going” through the myUMBC event link above -- is appreciated and can help DoIT gauge how many support staff are needed in each breakout room. However, if you require live closed captioning, advance registration is required.

Prior to the session

If this is your first time joining one of our live sessions, please review the Getting Started Guide. You will also find additional helpful information for using Blackboard Collaborate at our extensive FAQs. 

For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome or a recent browser update. Closing any unnecessary browser tabs will help conserve your bandwidth. After joining the session, please configure your audio. 

* Note: As announced to all incoming students on 7/22/20, since UMBC requires all students to have a computer and Internet access, financial aid may be used to meet this requirement. To learn more, students should contact their financial aid counselor at financialaid.umbc.edu/contact.