From a very young age, I always knew I wanted to work with computers but it seemed that it was no place for a girl. People were shocked that I wanted to pursue a degree in computer science and I was often encouraged to consider something else - something more "traditional".
Stepping into my first lecture was a massive culture shock. Coming from an all-girls school, I suddenly found myself in a room filled with men and only a handful of other women in sight. It was intimidating and for a moment, I questioned whether I had made the right choice.
In my second year of undergrad, I took a module called Foundations of Cyber Security led by Dr. Ciara Rafferty. So far in my university career, I had never been taught by a woman in a technical subject and it was both exciting and inspiring. Upon completing this module, I decided that I wanted to learn more about cyber but I wasn’t sure it would become my career.
It was during my placement year as a software engineering intern at Instil that I really began to understand the importance of cyber. Security wasn’t something to be considered after development - it was actually vital that it was embedded from the very beginning. Without secure practices, even the best-designed software could become vulnerable. However, what really stood out to me was that cyber wasn’t simply just a ‘supporting' element, it was a massive industry in its own right. It wasn’t just about preventing attacks; it was a dynamic field filled with a diverse range of roles and skill sets far beyond that stereotype of lone hackers in dark rooms.
Keen to improve my cyber knowledge, I applied for the CyberFirst Bursary scheme run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to upskill university students in cyber and was offered a place in September 2022. The resources, support and opportunities I had access to were incredible. CyberFirst allowed me to meet industry professionals, get hands-on experience and engage with a network of like-minded people. It was a turning point - I started believing I belonged in this field.
In September 2023, I began my Master’s in Applied Cyber Security but despite already having a computer science degree, those old feelings of doubt crept back in. Again, I was only one of a small number of women on the course and initially I struggled with imposter syndrome.
Dr. Rafferty became my thesis supervisor for my MSc research paper. When I doubted myself, she reminded me of what I was capable of. She encouraged me, pushed me forward and ultimately helped me believe in my own abilities.
Today, I work as a cyber security consultant. Despite the fact it felt like there were more uncertain moments than certain along the way, I absolutely love my line of work and could not imagine myself doing anything else.
Cyber and tech in general need more diverse voices. We need more women, more girls bringing their perspectives and problem-solving skills to the table. We often hear the phrase “if you can see it, you can be it”. But what if you can’t see it? What if there’s no clear path ahead or no visible role models who look like you? In those moments and something my journey so far has taught me is that if you can’t see it, you can still be it. You can still create the path, can still be the trailblazer and your future is in your hands - it just starts with believing in yourself.
For girls considering a career in tech or cyber security - don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Don’t let the barriers whether internal or external discourage you. Your determination will get you through and you never know - you could be the change that this industry needs.
