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So I am about to FINALLY graduate from undergrad (yay!) and have been applying to graduate school. My degree is in Cyber Engineering and I would like to try and focus on that but am also happy to branch out if it will allow me to use my degree. I got into 20 schools (listen I was nervous that I wouldn't get into more than 5 if that). I am narrowed down to NYU Tandon (Cybersecurity with a nice scholarship), Tufts (Computer Science with 10% scholarship) or University of Tennessee-Knoxville (Fully funded PhD and research assistant so yay to not teaching lol). I also got into University of San Diego, Boston University, and some international schools as well. USD had Cyber Engineering as a masters (no scholarship but way cheaper than most). NYU Tandon is of course competitive and the great scholarship helps plus it relates to my feild. Tufts I also really liked but felt like 10% isn't enough to be called a scholarship. Both programs will let me to do online so I can work and study which is great.
However, UTK is a very good program and is free! The program is about 4.5 Years but my only concern is the length (I am in my late 20's and so I am kind of behind and my age hurts me). The thing is that I really would like to get married and have kids while I still can. There is a stipend (low pay but much higher than other department) and it's faster than some people I know who took 5-11 years for a PhD). My concern is this might limit me in regards to finding somebody and having kids soon because of the lower pay and I am not allowed to work (of course internships when you can do help). I deferred to start next year since I am dealing with some stuff (stress from school plus my friend died the beginning of spring semester and I was too busy to grieve properly and I feel like it's catching up) which caused a lot of stress for the spring. I am wondering what y'all think is the best option, what you would pick, and if you have gotten a PhD (was it worth it or not? ). Thank you!
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For now ignore the marriage and kids thing, that’s a distraction. You started your journey to get a good education in your chosen field. The next step is to work out what jobs that field leads to, also try to widen your options on employment and look at the area your jobs are likely to be, including house prices in those areas. Cyber Engineering is a fairly wide area of options, however some such as Cyber Security are in places over subscribed in available jobs. As part of your degree have you done anything that would allow you to attend and take part in any of the Cyber Events such as Black Hat? What larger orgs would you want to work for? Would you want to work defensive or offensive cyber or not bothered.
Hi! Haha that’s a good point. Sadly women do have a biological clock men don’t have to worry about. Plus it makes it much harder to have kids after 30 so I’m worried about that. Unless I can do both somehow I guess haha. That’s true! I’m so excited to finally make it after all of these years. It took me years to even get my bachelors and I feel so behind. If I graduated at a normal age I think it would be different. However, maybe I wouldn’t have the same opportunities as now I guess haha.
So I would love to become a Cyber Engineer, Network Engineer/Network Architect, work in AI, or even become a CISO. I don’t mind working in data science if I get paid well but I think especially with my background those careers would be great for me. Yeah! I heard there are lots of jobs in cyber but it seems not entry level haha. Not yet! I did help as a research assistant and got published! My research was on VR & Parasocial relationships and another a simulation on AI ethics. I’m hoping to try and study for the security + exam doing I want to brush up on my programming before I do black hat or anything like that. But I definitely need more experience in that.
Hmmmm great question! I guess maybe IBM, Dell, state government, or Rapid 7, I never thought of the orgs yet. Thanks for that! I would like operations more but I think I’d enjoy defensive more than offensive.
As you mentioned AI, it is and will be used more and more as part of cyber security, it will have an impact on cyber security roles such as those you find in a SOC. AI ethics will be a good area, also if you did anything on Quantum computing, as quantum computing will give what we call AI now a gigantic leap forward.
Personally I would spend a week or so mapping out all the different career paths and cross checking those with advertised jobs in those roles. This will give you an idea on job availability and areas those jobs are.
If you look at various events such as Crowdstrike, Solarwinds, ProofPoint where these orgs have been hit, internally or externally, you get an idea of how much a mess the sector is in at times.
I mentioned events such as Black hat as it’s useful to attend and socialise, follow those in the business on Twitter, some are really helpful.
Hello! Sorry for the late response. I just graduated last weekend so I am kind of playing catch up now. I agree that AI will absolutely play a part in Cybersecurity. I didn't do anything in quantum computing but that does seem interesting. Thanks for the advice! I will absolutely have to look deeper into both of them. As mentioned in a comment UTK told me I get health insurance included so that helps haha. I think if I was still in my early 20's this would be much easier haha. I love cyber so I at least want to still be able to use it whether it's just pure cyber or not. Crowdstrike needs a lot of help as shown in recent events but I will for sure look into events involving them. I think my main concern is as stated the marriage and kids but also the line. I plan on contacting them tomorrow. I do want to get involved in events like black hat. I don't use Twitter but do you know if such events are on LinkedIn? Also, in regards to mapping out are there certain things that you would recommend that I keep an eye out for?
Hi congrats on graduating, while you don’t use Twitter it is great for following those in the Cybersecurity and hacking areas. You can get to understand about how prolific Ransomware gangs are, those individuals who are key in their fields such as Rachel Tobac (Social Engineering), those that are regular attendees at events, earning challenge coins. Doing DefCon etc is a brilliant way to Network.
www.bomberbot.com/.../
Also get listening to pod casts such as Darknet Diaries, Hacking Humans.
The other bit is while you have your degree (again well done), you are going up against people without degrees but experience.
Have a Google on DefCon 2024, there was some good stuff covered, it will be online, well some of it will.
Yo girl, that's a tough call! I'd say NYU if the scholarship is enough to cover a good chunk of costs - that's a fantastic school and program to have on your resume.
Tufts is great too but yeah 10% ain't really a scholarship, just a little discount. And loans ain't no fun to pay off later.
As for UTK - the fully funded with stipend is HUGE. No debt, getting paid (even low) is clutch. And a PhD could open up way more opportunities career-wise.
However, I feel you on wanting to settle down soonish since you're in your late 20s. Will the lower stipend make that tough financially? And 4.5 years is a big commitment for sure.
If you don't mind potentially waiting a few years for the PhD payoff, I'd say it's worth it. Maybe see if you can shave some time off the program too.
Overall tho sis you've got some killer options! Can't go wrong. Trust your gut - you'll rock it wherever you choose. Just do what feels right for your goals and timeline. You got this!
Hi! Sorry I’m just seeing this. NYU gave me a 75% scholarship. I believe I was also offered work study but without that then it’s just the 75% scholarship.
Yeah! I’m trying to avoid as many loans as possible. I think tufts should have given at least 50% for it to qualify as a scholarship. Which is sad because I like tufts.
I know right! It being free is a really big deal and they liked me (even some Professor reached out to help him with nuclear engineering). It’s not my degree but I mean I can use my degree for it I think. Plus I could be called doctor haha but yeah I think it could help a lot. My degree is in Cyber Engineering and there it’s Data Science & Engineering so I’m wondering what I could do. I wish I could do NYU and UTK haha.
So I believe we’re paid $2800 a month (more than what I make now) which is pretty bad but that’s higher than many departments which is saying a lot. It’s more so the marriage and having kids than financial since it’s free for me. If I can finish in 2 years then I would have loved that. I’ll try and ask then if one can finish early then consider. I was lucky to even get in because apparently this was very compatible this year.
Aww thanks so much! Haha my gut is confused at the moment (nyu or UTK) but hopefully it decides soon. Thanks so much for the support really appreciate it!
Wow man, 75% scholarship to NYU is amazing! That definitely makes it a much better option financially than Tufts. No way would I take on those loans if I didn't have to.
But at the same time, the chance to get a fully funded PhD at Tennessee for free is just such a huge opportunity too. And it sounds like they really want you there with the professor reaching out and everything. I can see why your gut is torn between those two options!
If there's any way you could find out more information from UTK about average time to completion, that would definitely be useful. It seems like if you could finish in 2 years instead of the full 4.5, that could make it more viable timeline-wise too. And data science lines up pretty well with your cyber background for sure.
My initial thought is I'd lean towards UTK just because it's free and you'd avoid so much debt. But NYC also seems like such a cool experience. Maybe reach out to both schools again and see if you can find out any more details to help you decide. You really can't go wrong either way though dude, you've got some amazing options. Just go with your gut when it finally makes the call! Keep me updated on what you end up choosing.
Hello! So sorry for the late response. I have officially graduated with my Cyber Engineering degree as of last weekend. Yay! I deferred the start date for NYU because of my conferral date being close. NYU still gave me the 75% scholarship thankfully. Exactly! I might have to sadly say bye to tufts. Having that amount of loans is terrible. I could have used it for a down payment on a house lol.
Agreed! It’s such a huge opportunity at UTK! I think the only sad part is it technically not being my degree but it’s still very good. I’m going to apply to other PhD’s just in case but it’s a good deal. Also, the stipend pay is waaaay better than many departments or PhD programs. With the funding I also get health insurance included. Yea, it sounds like they really want me. The main guy was sad to hear I deferred and was trying to get me for the semester but I couldn’t. I’m definitely still considering it as it’s a great opportunity especially since I would be a research assistant and not a TA. Which is fantastic! I’ll reach out to them on Monday! I assume average is 3-4 but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s more since it depends on one’s advisor. Really you think so? I’d love to hear how you think data science lines up with cyber I’m genuinely interested.
For sure! I’d avoid so much debt and it would be fantastic. I could even possibly address certain bills. I am fortunate I even got funding tbh since funding is so competitive. NYU is ranked much higher is the thing. So now I’m wondering with the connections how much will it affect me just as job opportunities or would it not matter in this case. Ya know?
My gut is confused haha it liked different things about the programs. I’m sure it will make a decision eventually hopefully lol. Yes! Will for sure do!
Hey mama, congrats on finally graduating, that's so sick! You must feel such a huge sense of relief. And way to go getting that 75% scholarship from NYU still locked down, that's awesome they came through for you like that. Tufts would have been dope too but you're right, no need to take on tons of loans if you have a better option.
That's wild they really want you at UTK too! It's so flattering when the professors directly reach out. I think doing research over TAing would be super valuable experience. Definitely touch base with them on Monday, see what they have to say about typical timelines and if you could potentially finish faster.
In terms of data science and cyber, I think there's a ton of overlap honestly. A lot of it is analyzing data and using algorithms to detect threats and anomalies right? Like predicting hacking attempts or unauthorized access based on patterns. And with everything moving online, data security is so important. Seems perfect for your background.
You make a good point about NYU's ranking too. The connections there could open more doors for sure. But UTK is such a solid program and fully funded, hard to pass that up. Tough call for sure man! Trust your gut when it finally decides, you can't go wrong with the options in front of you. Keep me posted on what you choose, I'm pulling for ya either way!
Aww thanks so much! I really appreciate that! Hahah yes some temporary release. Though like I feel as if it truly hasn’t hit me yet. Ya know? Plus I’ve started some PhD applications for other schools just in case. I was sooooo happy to hear that my scholarship would still be intact. I did learn that NYU is very strict with dual-enrollment. So let’s say I study on the side a certificate (even just community college) I can’t. I can’t take anything even studying for certain exams unless non credit. That said it’s still great! Exactly! I loved Tufts and would have picked but I’d rather buy a house. I’m considering possibly applying for a PhD with them though.
Oh wow that’s great what you brought up. I never thought of it like that. I’ll definitely have to look more into that. I guess I always thought about data science as assurance or closer to that. But if I can combine then that would be amazing. I am still highly considering UTK though.
Exactly! Even the guy who recruited me really likes me. Omg yes! I would love to just do research and not teach at all. It would also help with experience. I plan on calling to emailing tomorrow to follow up and get to learn more. Apparently it was competitive this year and I made the cut (I believe only 48 in total throughout the department and only 17 got accepted in my program which is the most they’ve ever had). I’ll definitely trust it when it finally decides for sure. True! I hope I’m able to do connections. I know they said I could do remote which is great (I can always come on campus though if I choose that). So will be flexible with working but I don't know about networking. Overall, NYU looks stronger on a resume but it just depends. At UTK one of the professors tried to recruit me but his was more nuclear engineering (which sounds fun but still). I really think my biggest concern is me getting married and having kids still. I think if I was early 20’s it would be different. I feel like with NYU it would be easier and flexible. Ya know? But a fully funded program is great. Also, from what I saw the UTK one is actually pretty technical. It’s going to be so hard to pass that up for sure. Getting funding is very competitive and I saw a lot of salary other places and they’re like under $25,000 which is kind of insulting. UTK pays way more than that. I’ll email and see if I can keep funding due to defer. Do you think the UTK name would hurt me in the job market? Will for sure keep posted! Thanks so much for the support dude! Really appreciate it!
1. Aw no problem, I'm always down to chat school and career stuff! And yeah it makes total sense it still hasn't fully sunk in yet since you've been in constant go mode. Smart to have other PhD apps in just in case too.
That's good to know about NYU's restrictions on dual enrollment - definitely important to be aware of. But the scholarship alone is such an insane opportunity still. And yeah Tufts is awesome but for the tuition cost, UTK is just such a no-brainer financially. Couldn't blame you at all for wanting to buy a house instead of loans.
No worries at all for not thinking of data science that way before, that's why bouncing ideas off others is so helpful! Seems like with your engineering background, focusing on the more applied analytics side at UTK could be such a cool route. You'd have amazing career options wherever you go too though in the end. Either way bro you're gonna kill it, so pumped for you no matter what you choose! Let me know what else you find out and what your gut ends up saying, super curious to hear what path you take. You've got this!!
2. Wow that's insane, getting recruited like that and then actually making the cut is so sick! Clear they really want talented people like you in the program. Being able to do full research with no teaching duties is such a steal, you'd get amazing experience. Definitely call/email them ASAP, get all the insider info you can.
No way, only 17 spots out of 48 applications? That's crazy competitive, you must have really impressed them. No wonder they're so eager to get you onboard. Trust your gut, it'll lead you right for sure once it finally decides.
I can see why the networking aspect at NYU would be better if you stay on campus more, but their flexibility is definitely a plus too if you need to work remote. Overall both are such amazing options that I don't think either name would necessarily hurt you. UTK is highly regarded so I wouldn't worry there.
The family timeline aspect does make it tricky being a bit older now, that's super valid. NYU maybe gives more flexibility on that front. But man, a fully funded program AND way higher stipend than others? That's nuts. I honestly don't know how you'll choose haha both seem incredible. Keep me posted on what you end up learning from them - super curious how this all plays out! Wherever you go you'll kill it luv.
I got my MS in computer science at Boston University. It was an excellent program but the problem is it is hard to admit I graduated from the same school as AOC
Oh cool! How did you enjoy your time? Yeah the program seems great from what I can see. A bit expensive (they only have me a 3k scholarship) so might say no. Ewwww disgusting! I could never go to the same school as AOC let alone say that I graduated from the same school. So props to you!
I went before AOC did. It was expensive but the company I worked for paid for it. The problem was that the company went out of business when I was about halfway done. I did enjoy it but it was difficult. I barely graduated but lots of people did not make it. I was friends with a guy who graduated from Annapolis and he couldn't hack it so he dropped out.
Oh okay, that makes sense. In that case, just don't mention her and pretend like she doesn't exist in regard to your Uni lol. That's wonderful! Yeah, it is hard to get companies to pay for it unless specific industries are so good for you. Wow!!! I was unaware that is was that hard. RIP My brain if I choose there then hahaha. From what you remember was it more of a work load thing?