Avery O’Neill is a fourth-year Cybersecurity major from Elgin, Illinois, who has her sights set on working at the intersection of criminology and technology. Before Purdue, she hadn’t heard of cybersecurity or realized the wide range of career paths connected to it. Now that she’s in the final months of her program, she’s applying for jobs and excited to put her skills to work as an analyst.
Q: How did you decide to study cybersecurity?
O’Neill: I have known since early in my high school years that I was interested in technology and coding, but I was also interested in criminology. I actually discovered the cybersecurity major when I was applying to Purdue, and it immediately caught my attention.
Once I got here, I began learning more through my classes, professors, and hands-on labs, which confirmed my interest in the field. Getting involved with student organizations and connecting with others in the major also gave me a clearer picture of what cybersecurity at Purdue looks like and the many opportunities it offers. The fact that there are so many areas of work within cybersecurity also interested me because I knew I could apply my major to several areas.
What do you hope your degree will equip you to do?
My degree will equip me with both the technical skills and the problem-solving mindset needed to address real-world cybersecurity challenges. I hope to be prepared to protect systems, investigate threats, and design solutions that keep organizations secure. My experience working in teams has also strengthened my collaboration and communication abilities, which will help me explain complex ideas clearly and adapt to new technologies as I grow into a well-rounded professional in the field.
What jobs interest you most as you plan for life after graduation?
I am still looking for jobs, but my goal is to work in a defensive role as a cybersecurity or security operations center (SOC) analyst. I am really interested in being on the front lines of protecting organizations by monitoring threats, investigating incidents, and helping strengthen security defenses.
What motivates you to work hard?
What motivates me is the challenge of solving complex problems and knowing that the work I do can make a real impact. In cybersecurity, every day brings something new to learn, whether it is defending against emerging threats or finding creative solutions to protect systems and data. I am also motivated by the idea that the skills I build can help safeguard people and organizations, which makes the effort I put in feel meaningful and worthwhile.
How have Purdue professors made a positive impact on you?
I have had several positive experiences with professors at Purdue, but some of the best have been getting to connect with them outside of class. During office hours or after lectures, we often talk not only about coursework but also about career paths and opportunities in cybersecurity.
These types of conversations give me valuable perspective and advice that goes beyond the classroom, and they help me feel more confident about the direction I am heading. It is encouraging to know that professors are approachable and genuinely want to support their students’ success, which has made my time at Purdue feel even more rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone who's considering your major?
My advice to someone considering cybersecurity as a major is to be curious and willing to learn beyond the classroom. The field changes quickly, so getting hands-on experience through labs or side projects can make a huge difference. It also helps to build a strong foundation in networking, operating systems, and programming since those skills carry over into almost every area of cybersecurity. Finally, do not be afraid to get involved in student organizations or ask questions, because connecting with peers and professors is one of the best ways to learn and grow.
What's the most valuable experience you've had as a student at Purdue, academic or otherwise?
The most valuable experience I’ve had at Purdue has been the combination of serving as a teaching assistant (TA) and a Polytechnic Ambassador. Being a TA for CNIT 24200 System Administration has pushed me to strengthen my technical skills and learn to explain complex concepts in a way that makes sense to other students. Seeing their progress and knowing I played a role in their success has been one of the most rewarding parts of my academic journey.
In addition, working as a Polytechnic Ambassador has given me the chance to connect with prospective students and their families, and some have even shared that my conversations with them played a part in their decision to choose Purdue. Together, those experiences have shown me how I can make a difference both in the classroom and in the broader Purdue community.