Savannah Dockerty grew up in Queensland and is in the first year of study for a Bachelor of Information Technology degree at CQ University. SAVANNAH DOCKERTY Bachelor of Information Technology Student, CQ University
Suppose you met an old friend from your last year at school who, knowing nothing about cybersecurity or what you do, asks you what you are doing. How do you answer them to ‘sell’ them on the idea of a career in cybersecurity?
We hear all the time that the world of cybersecurity is changing rapidly, particularly with the rate of threat evolution. Do you feel your course is doing a good job of being current?
With all the coverage of the Optus data breach,
to be as up to date as possible. However, I recognise
cybersecurity is being discussed more on a basic
this is difficult to accomplish because of how fast
level. Whenever people have wanted to discuss this
cybersecurity is evolving. I think my course is doing
breach I explain I hope to pursue a career fighting
a good job of being as current as possible. I believe
cyber crimes such as this and being involved in the
we will always be learning new techniques, but this
teams tasked to track down those responsible for
is more likely to be in a job or a placement. There is
such breaches.
only so much content that can be covered in a general
I believe it is important for information on technology
bachelor’s degree course.
What cybersecurity role would you most like to be hired into when you graduate, and why? I hope to secure a role more focussed on cybercrime
What aspect do you find least interesting or useful?
and cyber criminals than other aspects of
Workforce specialised units are not too interesting,
cybersecurity. Given how technology is changing, it
in my opinion. Most of them discuss topics that
is not farfetched to expect most criminal activity to
I understand and have practiced in my previous
soon be online. This would mean cybersecurity being
work (such as teamwork and communication
prioritised and more people who can help track down
skills). Although these units are easy to pass, I do
such activity online being needed.
understand there is a reason for them being present. People who undertake study are often considered
What was the reaction from parents, peers or career advisors to your decision to get into cyber? Did you face any opposition, if so, how did you feel about this?
‘introverted’ (lacking effective communication skills), meaning it is important they understand how to work in a team environment. Hence these units are included.
Reactions were all very positive. Because IT is so heavily embedded into every workforce, everyone recognised how secure jobs would be.
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Is there any aspect of your studies you find particularly difficult or challenging, if so what, and why?
Who, or what, would you say has had the biggest influence on your cybersecurity career journey to date, and why?
A high percentage of people undertaking this course
In high school we had a guest speaker discuss their
I have moved to study on-campus and have struggled
job in cybercrime (specifically regarding cyberbullying
to form friendships in a new place while studying a
cases). After this talk I thought about getting a job
course that has only three other students present, on
in IT.
a good day.
W O M E N I N S E C U R I T Y M A G A Z I N E
are online students—on-campus students are practically non-existent—so it has been a bit isolating.
J A N U A RY • F E B R U A RY 2023
