In this series, Bob’s Business Apprentice Jess explores her journey into cyber security.
I had always been interested in computer science, but when it came to my future career, I had no idea where to turn. That’s when my teacher introduced me to cyber security. I was hooked immediately, delving into the basic principals of cyber security and joining the Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster.
Jessica Kirk, Bob’s Business Apprentice
From there, I attended a YCSC Introduction to Cyber Security course at the Digital Media Centre in Barnsley. During that week, I learnt the basic principles of cyber security from Gary Hibberd and Alex Martin, from the YCSC steering committee. It was a great opportunity to develop my skills and learn more about the industry with other people my age. We played games, watched videos and heard real life cyber security scenarios which piqued my interest.
After that, the YCSC gave me mentors and a week of work experience with awareness and training company, Bob’s Business. There, I learnt a lot about the different aspects of the industry and chatted to experienced professionals about my career options. After spending a weekend to consider my future, I decided to pursue an apprenticeship with Bob’s Business.
So far my apprenticeship has been a challenging but a great learning experience. The course is a tech based programme with AWS, providing constant opportunities to learn in this ever changing industry. There are difficult concepts and sometimes it takes a few tries for me to wrap my head around concepts like network traffic. But overcoming these challenges and expanding my knowledge is paying off.
In my role I am part of the tech and phishing team. This means I test and send out phishing campaigns, send reports to clients, create email templates and assist the tech team. I really enjoy my role, it’s really rewarding to receive client feedback and know you have made an impact keeping people and their organisations safe.
As I develop my career, my mentors have been invaluable. Matthew Spiers, former Project Manager at the YCSC, has helped me to develop my networks and relationships in the industry. Meanwhile Tanmoy and Max from Bob’s Business have helped me get my head around difficult topics. Having mentors has helped me to make sure I am heading on the right track and their guidance paired with the hands on industry experience has been a great support in my cyber security journey.
Jessica at the YCSC taster session
In the future, I’d love a career I enjoy in which I get to learn and support my community. So far, cyber security has provided that opportunity so I look forward to finishing my apprenticeship and perhaps progressing to a degree-level.
Throughout my career I would love to see the community of young people in the industry flourish. I think providing opportunities to network is important to show those new to the industry that making the jump into the tech industry is possible.
I look forward to seeing where my career takes me, meeting lots of interesting people in the industry and supporting the YCSC.
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