Comp Sci. AI. Cybersecurity. And making the most of every day. Learn more about Future Leaders Intern Muhsin A. in this episode of MELE’s Five Questions series.
You’re heading into your junior year at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. What are your big takeaways from your first two years at UMBC and what are you looking forward to the most as you progress toward your degree?
My big takeaways from my first two years at UMBC was that I learned how important it is to make the most out of everything I’m doing. On both sides with school/social life and professionally, it makes all the difference to try not to coast and really live in the moment with everything I do. As I progress towards my degree, I’m looking forward to taking cybersecurity related elective classes, because those classes will teach me about things I’ll be doing in my career.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in cybersecurity and what is your favorite aspect of the field?
I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in technology, and of the different routes I could’ve picked, cybersecurity stood out the most to me. My favorite aspect of the field is that there is a direct impact on protecting people, data, and systems from a plethora of things.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping computer science and engineering. What is UMBC doing to prepare you and other comp sci students to enter a field that could be radically transformed by the time you graduate?
UMBC offers an AI/Machine Learning track on the computer science major, with a couple technical electives to choose from. There are also research opportunities so students can adapt to a changing field.
What are your top three favorite books, movies, or video games? Pick one category and explain your answers.
For video games, my top 3 is Dragonball Budokai Tenkaichi 2, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, and Pokemon SoulSilver. All 3 of these games were a huge part of my childhood. Dragonball was played on the Wii, Naruto on Xbox, and Pokemon was on DS. I don’t really play video games as much, but those 3 definitely have a special place in my heart.
Where do you see yourself personally and professionally in five years?
In 5 years professionally, I would be 3 years post grad. By then, I hope to have completed another internship in summer 2027, as well as a couple more certifications as well as graduating with honors. I see myself transitioning from an entry level cybersecurity position to a mid-level position. Personally, I would be 25 years old, so I hope that I’m saving to eventually buy a home and possibly be married or close to it.
