Sapphire has recently graduated from Anglia Ruskin University with a degree in Criminology and Sociology and is in her first year of the Cyber
PATH programme.
“During my second year at university, I studied a cybercrime module and was fascinated – I felt like it really was my niche. A few months later, my lecturer, who is part of the Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre Advisory Group, shared some information about Cyber PATH and I was instantly intrigued.
“My experience in the programme so far has been excellent. Throughout the application process there was a real focus on it not being about showing what you know but showing how your mind works and your work ethic. I was slightly hesitant about applying as I didn’t have a cyber security background but I have felt so supported since the moment I started.
“The team has given me so many opportunities to learn and grow so I have really been able to bring myself up the learning curve from a technical perspective.”
To ensure students have the skills and knowledge they need to deliver high-quality services to small and medium-sized enterprises, they are provided with a broad range of training.
“All students do mandatory training at the beginning of the programme and then we receive specific training in each of the nine services we may be delivering to clients. Students and their development are made to feel very much like the priority and our Cyber PATH supervisors are always there to lend their support.
“So far, the main service I have provided has been security awareness training to businesses – having both the knowledge and confidence to do this was a huge milestone for me. At university I hated any sort of public speaking or presentation giving, so to go from not being able to speak in front of peers I knew well to meeting new clients and delivering this training has been fantastic. If you had told me a year ago I would be able to do that I wouldn’t have believed you!
“Likewise, to receive such positive feedback from clients has been amazing. It feels like I am really making a difference.”
For Sapphire, Cyber PATH stands out as a unique progamme and is something she encourages other university students looking to enter a career in cyber to apply to.
“Cyber PATH is definitely an initiative that stood out to me. It felt, and continues to feel, fresh and new. I would encourage students to apply to the programme. It is an opportunity to be part of a brilliant work environment and be surrounded by people who want to invest in you – and will believe in you before you believe in yourself.”
Looking to the future, Sapphire has ambitions to continue advancing in the cyber industry.
“Through this opportunity, I have realised that the cyber security field is where I want to stay. Having seen the positive impact of Cyber PATH first hand, one of the things I would love to explore is becoming a Cyber PATH supervisor myself. I am also really interested in the investigation side of cyber-enabled crimes so would like to learn more about roles in that sphere.
“I am still very much at the beginning of my journey and want to keep growing and learning. I am excited to see where it takes me.”