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When Eri Aiba started studying cybersecurity, she knew that coursework alone wouldn’t be enough to prepare her for her first IT role. She began looking for ways to gain hands-on experience that she could point to when talking with employers.

That led her to cybersecurity competitions.

Aiba, a ���Ĵ�ý (���Ĵ�ý) student working toward a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology, joined ���Ĵ�ý’s cybersecurity competition team soon after starting the program. That led her to compete in the National Cyber League (NCL) Games, which simulates real-world cybersecurity scenarios and technical challenges. 

“NCL gave me guidance and, through tutorial videos, I learned from scratch where to look and what tools people actually use in cybersecurity,” Aiba said.

Aiba began her studies in August 2023, and even as a newcomer, found the competition environment accessible, structured, and confidence-building. A few semesters into her studies, she was already working with tools and scenarios prospective employers are seeking.

A cornerstone of that story is an NCL Games Scholarship that she received in 2025, which includes a $5,000 scholarship and a career development package through the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA). For Aiba, the recognition reinforces her commitment to career advancement. 

“Getting the scholarship really validated that cybersecurity is the right direction for me, especially as someone who is still early in the field,” she said. “Receiving it felt like recognition for putting myself out there and doing the work.”

Embracing education as a first-generation learner

Aiba is a first-generation college student who came to the United States from Japan through a study abroad pathway. Before pursuing cybersecurity, she worked in childcare, a role she enjoyed but felt offered limited opportunities for advancement. 

“I was looking for something that I could build into a real skill,” she recalled. “Something that would let me earn a living and support myself.”

Curiosity about artificial intelligence and concern about how automation might reshape the job market ultimately shifted her focus to IT. Rather than feeling intimidated by the pace of change, she decided to learn more about the technologies and trends.

“I thought, instead of fearing AI, why don’t I study it? I didn’t want my job to be taken by technology; I wanted to be the one using it.”

As her life changed through marriage and relocation, flexibility became an important factor in her education. She said being able to continue her studies while managing those transitions helped her stay focused on her goals, even as circumstances shifted.

Looking ahead: Building cyber careers one step at a time

Aiba plans to begin her career in a help desk role, with the goal of moving into IT audit or cybersecurity operations. She is currently preparing for the CompTIA Linux+ certification exam and taking an ethical hacking course as part of her degree program, with each step bringing her closer to her goal.

“Now, when I interview for IT jobs, I have a story to tell,” said Aiba. “Even without [cybersecurity] job experience yet, I can talk about what I’ve done in competitions and what experience I’ve gained.” 

The National Cyber League Games Scholarship is open to eligible students at universities nationwide. Scholarships are awarded through a partnership between Cyber Skyline, a cloud-based skills platform, and the ISACA Foundation, which helps professionals and organizations advance in IT audit, risk, cybersecurity, governance, and privacy. 

The next scholarship application deadline is May 5, 2026. 

Learn more about additional scholarship opportunities available to ���Ĵ�ý students.