Esther Pearson

Esther was looking for a course that offered employability and involved doing something she loved. Below, she tells of her experience at the School of Computer Science and Informatics.

Why did you choose to study MSc Cyber Security and Technology?

I’d worked in a bank before university and only started studying when I was 25, looking for a course that offered employability, progression and variety. Computer Science is relevant to every sector, and every part of our life so I took the plunge. After graduating I was looking at post-graduate options, unsure where they might take me.

What did you learn?

While I’d covered cybersecurity as an undergraduate, the detail of the master’s programme, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills in subjects like forensics and malware and cryptography was something else. You have the chance to do research in collaboration with industry partners and a university supervisor – and there are internationally recognised cyber security researchers based in the school.

Where did it lead you?

To Airbus as a graduate engineer. The Master’s was a tough, challenging course but it wasn’t long before I was hooked. It was like a light bulb moment. I could hardly believe this was something I could do every day of my life and so to land in Newport with Airbus was amazing. Before I had even begun my new role, I was given the warmest welcome. I was allocated a buddy who got in touch with me, as well as several other points of contact who all told me to get in touch if I had any questions. It did not take me long to settle in after I’d started and to feel like a valuable member of the team.

Tell us more

There is a higher percentage of women than average in the master’s course, and that’s growing and incredibly important to the university. This is about equality and diversity but not tokenism. The skills needed in this arena aren’t just technical. It’s creative and people-centered. It’s about understanding the audience, and the user, and working with a diverse mix of people enhances that. My dissertation focused on how we motivate people to be cyber aware and develop cyber secure habits. It was fascinating. But it’s also clear if all the people designing a product or system are male, you’re excluding half your customers.

At Airbus, I am part of a team that focuses on researching and developing brand-new and innovative solutions that can withstand the tests of time. With cyber threats evolving almost daily, it is important to remain one step ahead of these risks, and it has proven to be very fascinating work. Being part of a team that is mostly male, I am lucky to be working alongside many brilliant women who are excellent role models. I have never felt out of place or that I don’t belong in the environment. I always feel comfortable enough to make a suggestion or offer some input, without fear of being belittled or not taken seriously. I think the company culture and values help a lot in this case and Inclusion and Diversity are part of Airbus’ DNA.