The value of Microsoft certifications in Stefano’s education.
With a degree in industrial engineering, Stefano Perone, 23, is completing his master’s degree in Smart Systems Engineering at the Rome Campus Bio-Medico University.
“My interest in cybersecurity began during the last year of my bachelor’s degree and my thesis. During the first year of my master’s, I began to understand the importance of computer security in the current context and in particular for intelligent and industrial systems,” explains Stefano, who obtained an SC900 - Microsoft Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals Certification thanks to the collaboration between the university and the Fondazione Mondo Digitale as part of Project Ambizione Italia for Cybersecurity [see news: Certifying Skills].
“Studying to obtain this certification, allowed me to deepen my understanding of cybersecurity and acquire practical skills that will be fundamental for my professional career,” Stefano added. The aspects that Stefano like the most include the didactic material that he defined “well organised, updated, and rich in content missing in traditional academic programmes that allows one to develop new skills.”
“The material, in fact, allowed me to acquire skills and knowledge that will be directly applicable in corporate situations, bridging the gap between theory and practice. The resources cover fundamental and crucial aspects of cybersecurity that are essential to face daily challenges, also providing useful knowledge and practical tools to improve and manage the cyber security of corporate systems.”
How will this new knowledge help professionally? “The certification provided me with a base of solid knowledge in cybersecurity, covering both theoretical and practical aspects. I intend to apply this knowledge to better understand (and possibly improve) system security by integrating cybersecurity best practices into the various phases of software lifecycles and system management. Furthermore, the principles I learned further convinced me of the importance of cybersecurity and, in particular, of a culture of security. It is essential, in fact, to promote this culture within companies to orient them towards the protection of information.”
Stefano has no intention of stopping ... “I believe that both this certification and any subsequent certifications will provide me with greater opportunities for career advancement and new and more important roles in a company. The Microsoft certification is recognized internationally and therefore testifies my skills in information security. It is very important as it allows one to increase professional visibility and the attractiveness of a job profile. In fact, certification allows one to demonstrate command of the skills necessary to face cybersecurity challenges effectively.”
Stefano is also thinking about taking the Microsoft SC200 - Security Operations Analyst Certification. “I would like to learn more about managing the security of enterprise systems and Azure. In the future, I would like to investigate the possibility of obtaining a CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) and a CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) certification. The CISSP is one of the most prestigious certifications in the field of information security and would allow me to delve into a wide range of security topics. The CISM, on the other hand, focuses on information security management and would help me develop the skills necessary to manage complex security programmes and understand security strategies within a company. These certifications would not only improve my technical skills but would also provide me with a broader perspective on security management, making me a more well-rounded and prepared professional to face future challenges.”
