Keleigh
"The University of Surrey stood out as one of my top choices because of its strong reputation in cybersecurity, its close links with industry, and the opportunities available to students."
Course
Cyber Security MScWhy did you choose to study your course at Surrey?
When I was working in the start-up world, I was part of a fast-moving culture where shipping products quickly was the priority. It challenged me professionally and helped me grow as a software engineer, but I also noticed that security was often treated as an afterthought rather than a fundamental responsibility.
That realisation made me want to deepen my knowledge of information security—not just from a technical perspective, but by developing a security-first mindset that could be applied across technology and business. I wanted to study somewhere that would prepare me for a meaningful career in cyber security while also providing opportunities beyond the classroom.
The University of Surrey stood out as one of my top choices because of its strong reputation in cyber security, its close links with industry, and the opportunities available to students. I applied for the part-time MSc in Cyber Security, and I was thrilled to receive an offer. Although returning to university mid-career felt like a big step, it was also an exciting opportunity to make a purposeful career pivot.
What are the best things about Surrey and your course?
One of the best things about Surrey is that it encourages students to grow far beyond their academic studies. The course gave me a strong technical foundation, but what really made the experience special was the range of opportunities available outside the classroom.
I was involved in launching the WiCyS Surrey Student Chapter, becoming the seventh chapter in the UK and the first serving the Surrey region. I was then elected President twice, which allowed me to develop my leadership skills while helping build a vibrant cyber security community.
Through Surrey, I also connected with initiatives such as the Surrey Cyber Security Cluster, the UK Cyber Security Council, and the Agent X programme. These experiences expanded my professional network and exposed me to different areas of the cyber security industry.
I also volunteered at the Surrey Centre for Cyber Security, where I was immediately welcomed onto a project. That hands-on experience allowed me to contribute to real research while continuing to develop as a cybersecurity professional.
What are your career plans?
My background is in software engineering, and I enjoy building technical solutions. However, I also enjoy understanding the bigger picture—working with people, designing systems, and bridging the gap between technology and business needs.
My goal is to become an engineer and architect who delivers secure, practical, and people-focused solutions. I believe security should be built into systems from the very beginning rather than added later, and I want to help organisations adopt that mindset.
The knowledge and experience I've gained at Surrey have given me the confidence to bring security into every stage of technology development. Whatever role I take next, I want to help build technology that is both innovative and secure by design.
National Cyber Awards 2026
One of the highlights of my journey at Surrey is being selected as a finalist for Student of the Year at the National Cyber Awards 2026.
The National Cyber Awards recognise individuals across the UK who have demonstrated exceptional promise and made significant contributions to cyber security through education, innovation, research, leadership, and community engagement. Being shortlisted was a tremendous honour.
I believe this recognition reflects not only my academic work but also everything I was able to accomplish through the opportunities Surrey provided.
This recognition also reinforces something I deeply believe: cyber security isn't only for those who started their careers in it. Whether you're a student taking your first steps, someone already established in another field, or simply curious about making the leap, there's a place for you. It's never too early to begin, and it's never too late to start. So my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Surrey, for providing a platform where students, of all walks, can dare to be bold and courageous.
