Aadam graduated from Fordham College Rose Hill with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Cybersecurity. As a student, he was part of the executive boards of the Muslim Students Association and the Arabic Club for 3 years and 2 years respectively. Currently, he is completing a Masters in Cybersecurity at Fordham while working as a Cybersecurity Analyst at Fortress Investment Group in Manhattan.
How did you find this opportunity? Is it related to your major?
- I found this opportunity while batch applying to many different places.
- Yes, it is related to my major. I majored in computer science, and I minored in cybersecurity. My major was my foot in the door to cybersecurity
What are/were you most nervous/excited about as you start(ed)?
- Honestly meeting new people and going into a completely different from what I am comfortable with was my most nerve wrecking moment about starting a new position. However, I was most excited about the opportunity I was presented with and the ability to learn more about something that will be of my benefit in the future.
What were your most valuable resources at Fordham?
- Career Services helped with resume review and interview prep when I was first getting on track and applying to different places and additionally facilitated the career fairs which allowed me to get comfortable with speaking in a more professional setting.
- My professors helped me develop a liking and a niche for what I studied. A few of them made learning cybersecurity fun and it allowed me to create a connection with them beyond just school and going to class twice a week.
- The friends and connections I made at Fordham were arguably one of the most valuable resources at Fordham. The people that you surround yourself with can inspire you to achieve more, stay determined, stay disciplined, and provide criticism whilst still putting a smile on your face and something to laugh about. I credit my friends and other connections I made at Fordham to my personal growth.
Did you do internships during your time as an undergrad?
- Yes, I interned with Fordham’s IT Security department for a summer (Applied through student employment) and ING Bank as an IT Intern and JR. Automation Engineer (Which I got through Handshake)
What advice would you give others for the job search and application process?
- Don’t let rejection letters or a lack of responses from employers deter you or make you lose motivation. Keep applying whilst bettering yourself and brushing up on your interview skills so you can seize the opportunity once it’s given to you no matter how long it takes. Wayne Gretzsky once said “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” … so keep shooting!
In general, what are your future career goals?
- My goal is to continue learning and to take advantage of every opportunity I’m fortunate enough to be granted to me. Eventually, I would like to own my own practice in the cyber realm.
Optional: Fun fact or anything else you want to share!
- Surround yourself with people that understand you and may have the same aspirations/goals in life so that you will be motivated to be and do better
