The shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals is a growing concern in the information technology industry, and the rapid growth of the field exacerbates this shortage. Employers express concern over the shortage of hands-on, practical skills and problem-solving abilities among recent graduates, leading to the "cybersecurity skills gap." A study was conducted to examine how students perceive cyber competitions and Capture the Flag (CTF) learning environments as effective tools for learning cybersecurity concepts. A mixed-methods study investigated the effects of age, gender, job experience, and years of experience on these perceptions. The results showed that job experience has a significant effect on the perception of CTF exercises, while age, gender, and CTF experience were not significant. The qualitative analysis revealed factors that hinder students from participating in cybersecurity learning exercises. These findings provide valuable insights into how to improve student involvement and address the cybersecurity skills gap through effective programs and initiatives. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]