Security scholars amazed by opportunity
June 20, 2024
When Dakota State students Maci Kasuske and Jackson Heiberger were invited to attend the RSA conference in San Francisco as RSAC Security Scholars this spring, they knew it would be huge – 650 speakers, 25 tracks, 425 sessions, and 600 exhibitors. They did not realize they would recognize the “thought leaders and industry luminaries” mentioned in promotional materials.
“Some of the people we were talking to were people I was learning about in my classes right now,” Heiberger said, amazed by the experience.
They were nominated to attend as RSA Conference (RSAC) Security Scholars, which brings the next generation of cybersecurity professionals into the conversation, where they can share in the knowledge, experience, and connections available at the conference.
The RSA Conference – named for the three men who founded the company – brings together members of the cybersecurity community to share knowledge, consider trends, identify best practices, and explore the latest technology so they are better equipped to face existing and evolving cyberthreats. Students are encouraged to attend to deepen their understanding of the issues and threats facing the cybersecurity industry.
“It’s so exciting to see our students get these world-class opportunities to improve their education and network,” said Dr. Mary Bell, Dean of The Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. “This opportunity allows them to network with industry leaders, enhancing their professional development and future career prospects. For example, attendees can explore the newest technologies and strategies in cybersecurity, which is crucial for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving domain.”
Kasuske and Heiberger took advantage of all of the opportunities provided. They explored the Expo floor and were intrigued by problems vendors identified as future threats.
“We got to talk to them about what they are currently doing,” Kasuske said.
They attended sessions on topics of interest to them, including one on security infrastructure from the hacker’s perspective, which was so popular they stood in line to get seats.
“There were so many choices, it was difficult to narrow down,” Heiberger said, noting that one of the time slots offered five different speakers that interested him.
They networked, attending events where scholars mingled and a dinner where scholars were seated with industry leaders. They appreciated the importance of these events.
“The cyber field is an incredibly small world,” Heiberger said. “The people you meet you’ll run into again. Everyone reiterates how important those connections are.”
They also learned more about career options. Kasuske and Heiberger are DSU graduates working on master’s degrees at the university. Heiberger also earned a degree in cyber operations, but is working on a degree in computer science with a specialization in cyber operations. He received a CyberCorps® scholarship, and knows he will be working at the Idaho National Laboratory, where he will be involved in developing security measures for critical infrastructure.
With an undergraduate degree in cyber operations, Kasuske is working on a degree in cyber defense and is not sure which avenue she will pursue.
“There are so many options that are so interesting,” she said. At the RSA Conference, she learned about even more.
But she also learned her uncertainty isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Industry experts talked not only about finding their niche, but also about responding to new opportunities where they could use their expertise in new ways.
Both scholars are extremely grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference and are honored to have been chosen. They recommend it to anyone given a similar opportunity.