Darlene Exum
NSWC Indian Head Explosives Ordinance Disposal Technical Division
Career Roadmap
Darlene's work combines: Writing, Travel, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Springan Senior High School
Bachelor's Degree
Information Technology
University of Maryland-University College
Graduate Degree
Computer Science
University of Maryland-University College
Certification
Homeland Security
COMPTIA
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be an Information Security Analysts:
Bachelor's Degree: Information Technology
Graduate Degree: Computer Science
Certification: Homeland Security
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Clerk-Typist - Navy.
2.
Secretary for the Forest Service.
3.
IBM - Telecommunications.
4.
Secretary - Marriott Corporation.
5.
Paralegal for the D.C. Bar Association.
6.
Intake Specialist for the Office of the Public Defender Service.
7.
Office Automation Clerk - Navy.
8.
Team Lead IT/Cyber Security Analyst - Fully Qualified Navy Validator.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I was recommended for the Technology Internship program. After I accepted the interview. My thoughts quickly reverted to: "They will not hire me. "I am too old".
How I responded:
After a discussion with the Branch Manager of the department where I was selected to work as an intern, her encouragement helped me to overcome my fear of being to old to accept the position. Her words made an lasting impression, she said: "You are not looking at the big picture, you bring a wealth of experience to the job". With that said, I accepted the position. Throughout my career, I have traveled extensively, worked with high raking officers, and the job gets better everyday.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
1997 was the worst year of my life. My only child passed away. I didn't feel I had a purpose to live and I had a job a truly disliked. I was recovering from Thyroid Cancer, depression, and grief. In-spite of the challenges; I kept going to school.