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Loyce Pailen

Loyce Pailen

University of Maryland University College

Career Roadmap

Loyce's work combines: Education, Technology, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Professor, Director - Center for Security Studies

Teach graduate-level cybersecurity; Lead and support the university's CAE curriculum, community and outreach activities.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

    Wingate HS

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Management Information Systems, General

    University of Maryland-University College

  • Graduate Degree

    MS

    University of Maryland-University College

  • Doctorate

    Livestock Management

    University of Maryland-University College

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary:

Bachelor's Degree: Management Information Systems, General

Graduate Degree: MS

Doctorate: Livestock Management

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life has been direct

  • 1.

    Overcame issues as a single parent.

  • 2.

    Get as much education as you can (degrees, certifications, etc.).

  • 3.

    Find creative ways to pay for your college education - apply for scholarships.

  • 4.

    Learn from your mistakes.

  • 5.

    Overcome racism and gender bias.

  • 6.

    Become financially savvy.

  • 7.

    Don't let others define what you can and cannot accomplish.

  • 8.

    Set measurable attainability goals, monitor progress, and readjust when needed.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Peers:

    After taking a Computer Aptitude Test in the 1980s (when "Data Processing" was new) I was told that my test scores indicated that I should NOT seek critical thinking, programming or systems analysis types of careers or positions.

  • How I responded:

    Luckily, aptitude tests are rare today for those entering technology fields. However, if anyone or any instrument indicates that you should steer away from activities or professions for which you have a passion - don't buy in and don't be discouraged. Maybe I had a bad day when I took the aptitude test, "or something," but I never gave up my goal to become a computer professional. Brought up to have confidence in my abilities, I worked hard and studied hard regardless of initial test results!

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • As a young, single parent during my career growth, it was often difficult to make financial ends meet. Use those struggles to aspire to be more and to do more academically and professionally to increase your earning potential.