This story is one within a multi-part series highlighting the aspirations, hopes and dreams of a few of Rowan University’s international students. Read the other stories.
Meet Sultan from Hyderabad, India and Joseph from Sierra Leone, two graduate students pursuing masters’ degrees in Cybersecurity.
What is your long-term professional goal or dream career?
“To help people fulfill their needs through the advancements of technology and security.” – Sultan from Hyderabad, India
Are you involved in internships, clubs, networking, etc. here at Rowan? If so, please share what they are and how they support your goals.
“I am currently working with IRT as a security analyst under the SecOps department. It’s my passion to be in the space of cybersecurity so giving the opportunity to learn and collaborate with experienced individuals is a great boost into me achieving my dreams.” – Joseph from Sierra Leone
What Rowan professors or Rowan classes have been most helpful and enlightening to you, and how?
“I have completed my first year at Rowan. The faculty is very helpful and coordinating. In my personal experience, the professors taught the subjects in a practical manner, so that the students get to know the topics clearly. And lastly, the best thing I found out about Rowan professors is that they always ask for feedback from the students to ensure a good teaching and learning environment, where both students and professors themselves improve in all aspects.” – Sultan
“There have actually been two professors thus far. Prof. Scott Patterson exposed me to real-world analytic situations involving cyber situations, and Ms. Sally Tarabah is the other. She was remarkable for her ability to combine the management aspect of cyber with the vulnerability of a system with inadequate policies.” – Joseph
How will this degree support your dreams and goals?
“The cybersecurity courses will allow me to gain in-depth knowledge of current security measures and methods used in various organizations. It will boost my profile and help me connect with people with same interests and share their experience and work. I’m excited to be on this path!” – Sultan
“It exposes me to the concept of cybersecurity and provides me with the required skills to fight against recent vulnerabilities out there.” – Joseph
Could you share your thoughts on the international student community here at Rowan? Were you able to connect with people from home? Meet new friends? How?
“The international community is massive here at Rowan. I got to meet many friends from my home country. And also I met many new friends from different countries in my classes and shared some good moments to cherish upon. Again I would like to say that International student community makes Rowan University more special as it unites all and promotes a happy and helpful environment.” – Sultan
“The atmosphere at Rowan has been welcoming, with lots of events being organized for students. I was able to meet and make friends with people from other parts of the world, and met with an old friend whom I had known since my undergraduate studies in my country. I would love to bond the more to understand cultures and ideals of others.”
Why did you choose Rowan?
“To witness diverse culture of students and staff from different of the globe. And Rowan also offered courses in cybersecurity that I was looking for that would help me gain more knowledge in various topics which would boost my professional profile. Can’t wait for graduation coming year! Wish me luck!”* – Sultan
[*Editor note: Best wishes, Sultan!]
“This campus has many great offerings that are helping me reach my professional goals, and setting me up nicely for my future in cybersecurity.” – Joseph from Sierra Leone
Written by: Jordyn Dauter, junior double major in dance & elementary education