Securing a Future in Cybersecurity

Vestine Musonera's journey into cybersecurity began in 2003 when she worked at a high school in Rwanda, overseeing computer systems and networks. Despite recognizing the growing cyber risks, she didn’t have the specialized knowledge to protect the school's IT infrastructure. She says this experience ignited her passion for cybersecurity and sparked her desire to delve deeper into this field.

Vestine moved to the United States in 2013, determined to further her education in cybersecurity. Her first step was an associate degree in cybersecurity networking from Nashua Community College, and she’s now pursuing a master’s in cybersecurity engineering at UNH Manchester. She says UNH Manchester has given her the knowledge and skills for her future in cybersecurity.

“I now have my cybersecurity toolbox and skills needed to perform my tasks as a future cybersecurity engineer,” Vestine says. “I had the opportunity to extend my professional network, improved my communication skills and learned how to work as a team for the school projects.”

With our ever-growing reliance on technology, the need for cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical. For Vestine, cybersecurity is not just a career path—it's a mission to protect the data of individuals and organizations.

“I understand well how technology has become a common tool for theft, whether it involves money, information or simply wasting people's time,” she says. “I feel passionate about keeping individuals or companies safe from these technological threats.”

Vestine's journey is not just about her personal growth—it's also about inspiring others to pursue their passions in cybersecurity and beyond. Her advice to fellow students is to be a lifelong learner.

"Embracing learning will help you thrive in a career you’re passionate about. In technology, like any other field, continuous learning and adaptability are very important," she says. "With rapid advancements and changes, staying updated on the latest technological developments and being open to adopting new tools and methods are crucial."

Vestine's story is a testament to her passion as well as the transformative power of education. As she continues her academic and professional journey, she’s committed to making a positive impact in the field of cybersecurity, one safeguarded network at a time. 

Interested in cybersecurity? Learn more about the cybersecurity engineering master’s degree program at UNH Manchester.