Real Story: Robbie Katzberg
Robbie Katzberg
CSM Class of 2024, Cybersecurity
Current Job Title: Civilian employee, U.S. Army Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR)
Transfer Institution: University of Maryland Global Campus
Accolades, Accomplishments, and Highlights: Student Speaker, School of Professional and Technical Studies
I attended CSM full time for two years while also working full time, not only to improve my skill set, but to develop the expertise required to advance my career.
My time at CSM was quite transformative for me professionally and personally.
I mostly stuck to online classes, but I did take my entire networking track in person. During that class, I was able to help other students a lot as I already had some networking experience both in and out of the classroom. Not only did I not expect to become a mentor/tutor, but I didn’t expect to like it so much! But throughout all my classes at CSM, I learned that if I put my mind to it, I can do anything–help others–and eventually start to like it!
I want to thank all the instructors I had throughout my time at CSM, but especially Professor Pam Mitchell. Being in three straight classes with her as my professor basically comprised most of my pathway. Getting to know her better was one of the most fun parts of my college career at CSM. Not only did I learn more about networking, but I also learned a great deal about myself thanks to the personal, professional, and technical advice she gave all her students.
The road that brought me to the College of Southern Maryland and to pursuing higher education has been a long one. When I graduated from Leonardtown High School 15 years ago, I never pictured myself as a college student. I always had the thought in the back of my mind that attending college would be useful, but I never had the right mindset to go after it.
After getting into the cybersecurity industry and realizing the ability I had with only one certificate under my belt, I saw how useful continuing my education would be.
But make no mistake. I was intimidated coming back to school after being out of the classroom for such a long period of time. I was nervous going into my initial classes, but I kept my focus. After my first couple of classes, including an English class where I wrote papers for the first time since high school, I gained a lot of confidence because I learned that, if I put in the time, the work got easier and even fulfilling.
My goal going in was just to get my associate degree and move onto my bachelor’s, but the more classes I took, the more confidence I gained in my ability to do well and succeed in my education. With that confidence, I became more confident in other areas of my life, including at my job. I became more willing to branch out and take on different tasks. Each and every one of my cybersecurity-focused classes taught me something I could use on an everyday basis at my own job. I have gained imperative skills to support our military, and I can’t explain the sense of pride I feel that I am able to contribute to the success of the U.S. Army in this capacity.
I plan to continue my studies with a bachelor’s degree program at University of Maryland Global Campus, and my end goal is to obtain my master’s degree.
My own self-confidence, after years of not really existing, has now propelled me forward through college and wanting to see just how far I can go.
Last updated: 5/9/24