Key Takeaways
- Kaylee Dodson transitioned from an undecided finance major to a cybersecurity professional through Columbus State University’s Cybersecurity Nexus Program.
- Mentorship from faculty and staff, especially Armando Fernandez, Elke Brumbaugh, and Honors College advisor Kristi Rehrauer, was pivotal to her success.
- Extracurricular leadership—including presidency of the Women in Technology Club and roles in debate and honors organizations—helped her build confidence and communication skills.
- Mock interviews and networking events within the Nexus program directly facilitated her co‑op position and subsequent full‑time role.
- As an Information Governance Analyst at Aflac, Dodson safeguards sensitive data, ensures regulatory compliance, and promotes cybersecurity awareness in both professional and personal circles.
Early Academic Uncertainty
When Kaylee Dodson first enrolled at Columbus State University, she intended to study finance, unsure of her career direction. The initial lack of clarity left her searching for a field that felt meaningful, prompting her to explore various options before finding a fit. This period of indecision reflected a common experience among students navigating the transition from high school to higher education, where interests can shift dramatically.
Discovery of the Cybersecurity Nexus Program
A turning point arrived when Dodson was introduced to the university’s Cybersecurity Nexus Program. Despite having no prior technology background, she embraced the challenge, describing the initial experience as “a complete culture shock, and my brain kind of melted at first.” The program’s immersive curriculum sparked her interest in protecting digital information and set her on a new academic trajectory.
Returning to Campus and Extracurricular Involvement
After a brief hiatus from college to work various jobs in search of purpose, Dodson returned to Columbus State with renewed focus. She balanced two part‑time jobs while diving deep into campus life, serving as president of the Women in Technology Club for five semesters, participating in the International Public Debate Association team, working as an Honors College student assistant, and acting as communications officer for the Information Systems Security Association. These roles honed her leadership, teamwork, and public‑speaking abilities.
Mentorship and Support
Dodson attributes much of her growth to the consistent mentorship she received from faculty and staff, particularly within the Nexus program and the Honors College. She highlights Armando Fernandez and Elke Brumbaugh, lecturers in the TSYS School of Computer Science, and Honors College advisor Kristi Rehrauer—whom she affectionately calls her “campus mom”—as instrumental figures who made themselves available and opened resources whenever she needed guidance.
Professional Development and Mock Interviews
The Nexus program’s professional development components proved crucial. Mock interviews and networking events gave Dodson the confidence and communication skills necessary to stand out to employers. She recalls that “those mock interviews 100% got me here,” emphasizing how the practice transformed her interview performance and directly contributed to securing a co‑op position around graduation.
Early Work Experience at Synovus/Pinnacle
Following her co‑op, Dodson worked as an information security analyst at Synovus Bank (later integrated into Pinnacle Financial Partners). This role provided hands‑on experience in cybersecurity operations, allowing her to apply classroom concepts to real‑world threat monitoring, incident response, and data protection practices. The experience solidified her technical foundation and prepared her for larger‑scale responsibilities.
Current Role at Aflac and Data Governance
Today, Dodson serves as an Information Governance Analyst in Aflac’s Global Security Department, a Fortune 200 company. Her work involves classifying data, determining ownership, establishing retention periods, and ensuring that sensitive information is protected in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. She succinctly captures the importance of her mission: “You don’t have a company if you don’t have data.”
Advocacy for Cybersecurity Awareness
Beyond her day‑to‑day duties, Dodson is passionate about raising cybersecurity awareness, especially among those lacking exposure to the field. She frequently discusses online safety with family and friends, encouraging them to question suspicious messages and think critically about potential scams. Dodson also stresses the need for balance in a tech‑driven world, reminding loved ones to “touch grass. Go outside. Experience something outside of a computer.”
Advice and Future Outlook
Reflecting on her journey from academic uncertainty to a thriving cybersecurity career, Dodson emphasizes the power of persistence, mentorship, and finding the right path. She advises prospective students: “If I can do it, you can do it.” Looking ahead, she hopes to continue working at the intersection of technology and human connection, and she wishes future students to benefit from the same opportunities and support that shaped her own success.