My life as a cyber security student: placements, projects and progress

Hi, my name is Samir and I'm in my final year of BSc (Hons) Computer Science for Cyber Security.

A bit about me

I’m a Faculty Representative for the Engineering and Digital Informatics department, and I’ve also been a Student Ambassador since the beginning of my studies. Between my second and third year, I completed an industrial placement working as a Software Engineer for BAE Systems.

What's my course like?

For me, most of my course up until this semester has been of modest difficulty. However, I’m currently in my final year with the most difficult module I’ve ever taken. 'Cryptography' combines the complexity of maths (which I’m not the best at), and key theories of cryptography. It’s an interesting module, and I’m doing my best to stay on top of it.

For the most part, we get marked on our coursework. It reduces the pressure of having to memorise everything and allows us time to consolidate our knowledge. There are still a few exams throughout the course, but we are always given plenty of time to revise. I don’t particularly like exams, but it is a useful way of examining knowledge without all the coursework, which I appreciate and understand.

My personal development

I have excelled personally, academically and in my professional career during my course. Personally, I feel like I've learned more about effective communication, social skills, and staying up to date with numerous things going on (timekeeping).

Academically, I have learned the significance of writing reports, why research is important and how to conduct research in a good academic manner.

As for my career growth, my placement experience helped me significantly. I have learned a lot in the workplace, especially relating back to the industry in which my degree is based.

Take those opportunities

There have been loads of opportunities I’ve taken up during my course. As mentioned earlier, I’ve been a Student Ambassador since my first year (2021), helping with open days, campus tours, and external events.

I was also a student representative in my second year, liaising back and forth between students and staff. Now, I’m a faculty representative (a step higher than student rep), representing the entire faculty in important meetings.

On top of that, I’ve also worked as an IT service champion and a lab demonstrator. I also went on a Quantum Summer School funded by GCHQ, which was provided by the University. There were plenty more opportunities I could have gone for, but I feel as though I've done plenty.

What are my plans for my future?

My aim is to go back and work as a software engineer once I have graduated. However, I am open to gaining my Master's in cyber security in the future. In the meantime, I am focusing on finishing my studies before I begin a four-week study programme in Egypt over the summer.

Unfortunately, this will mean I will miss out on my summer graduation, but I’m planning to attend the winter graduation instead.

Inspired by Samir’s journey?

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