Hear from our Alumni

Dale Sutherland

Computing Network Management and Design Alumnus, now Director of Aberdeen Cyber Security

What attracted you to study at RGU?

I attended North East Scotland College and undertook a HND in Computing Technical Support. This course was part of the Degree Link programme that allows students to jump into Year 3 of the BSc (Hons) in

Computer Network Management and Design (now Cyber Security

and Network Management). The course RGU offered was perfectly aligned to current industry requirements.

What do you consider the biggest benefit of studying at RGU?

I was lucky enough to undertake a placement which allowed me to align myself with industry working practices whilst being a student. The fact that my course was two years and that I was able to complete a placement for one of those years felt like it was a no-brainer to go to RGU. I gained a huge amount of confidence and RGU accelerated my personal development.

What are you doing now?

I am the owner and Director of my own company, Aberdeen Cyber Security, which provides IT support, cyber security services, cloud solutions, managed services and educational sessions besides many other professional IT services. I help business owners understand their needs, implement a solution and keep the IT and cyber security of a business compliant and locked down.

Having gone through RGU’s Widening Access and Degree Link programmes, what advice would you give to prospective students?

Having the right support is crucial in regards to being successful. Try to leverage the fantastic resources that the University offers you such as CV workshops, employment events and one-to-one time with your tutors. University isn’t just about the course and technical aspects, it’s also about personal development which is often more important.

The key to your success lies within yourself. I grew up in the care system, so looking at statistics, I shouldn’t have applied to college or university, let alone finish the course, gain a job, start my own company and be an entrepreneur. Do what you can and be happy!

www.rgu.ac.uk/alumni -in-focus

For more information on our

Degree Link and Widening Access, turn to pages 16 and 17.