Meet Cyber PATH Student, Chief Adofoh

Tell us a little about yourself, what you are currently studying at university and your ideal job once you graduate.

I’m Chief Adofoh, a student currently enrolled in the BSc Cyber Security program at Aston University. Upon graduation, my ideal job would be to work as a Cyber Analyst or Penetration Tester.

What excites you about “Cyber”?

What excites me about cyber security is its ever-evolving nature, which presents a constant mental challenge that keeps me engaged and motivated. The field offers endless possibilities for growth, spanning various disciplines within cyber security, such as network security, cryptography, and ethical hacking. It’s this dynamic environment and the opportunity for continuous learning that fuels my passion for cyber security.

How long have you been on the Cyber PATH program?

I’ve been part of the Cyber PATH programme for nine months.

What attracted you to apply?

I decided to apply to the Cyber PATH program because it seemed like an excellent opportunity to dip my toes into the cyber world while also gaining some real-world experience. The idea of working with actual clients and providing cyber services to smaller organisations sounded like a cool way to see how things work outside of the classroom. Plus, I liked the idea of being part of a program that focuses on delivering quality services tailored to the needs of smaller businesses.

All of the students are asked to train to deliver Security Awareness Training, presenting to up to 50 people at once. Was this a daunting thought for you?

Yeah, to be honest, it was a bit daunting at first. Communication isn’t exactly my strongest suit, so the idea of presenting to up to 50 people all at once definitely made me a bit nervous initially. But, I saw it as a great opportunity to challenge myself and grow personally.

How did the supervisors help prepare you for delivering SATS?

The supervisors were instrumental in preparing me for delivering SATs. They dedicated a lot of time and effort to ensure I was fully prepared. They provided me with invaluable guidance and support, investing numerous hours to help me build confidence in my presentation skills. Their encouragement and dedication helped me discover strengths I didn’t even know I had, and I found myself becoming more confident surprisingly quickly. Their commitment to my development truly made a difference in my readiness to deliver effective SAT presentations.

What other services have you delivered/in the process of delivering?

I’ve delivered an Internal Vulnerability Assessment & an Individual Internet Discovery.

What benefit do you think the companies have found from the services that you have worked on?

The companies we’ve worked with have likely benefited from the services we provided in several ways. For instance, through SATs, employees become more vigilant against cyber threats. Internal vulnerability assessments help identify and fix weaknesses in their systems, while individual internet discovery tasks reveal potential risks to their online presence. Overall, these services contribute to bolstering their cyber security defences and protecting their sensitive data.

Is there anything that you have learnt that you wouldn’t have been able to do from university lectures?

Definitely! While university lectures provide a solid foundation, the hands-on experiences and real-world challenges I’ve encountered through the Cyber PATH program have taught me invaluable lessons that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom setting. For example, working directly with clients to deliver SATs and conducting vulnerability assessments has sharpened my problem-solving skills, enhanced my communication abilities, and given me a deeper understanding of the practical applications of cybersecurity concepts. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and learn from their experiences has provided insights and perspectives that go beyond what can be taught in lectures alone. Overall, the practical experiences gained through the Cyber PATH program have been essential in complementing my academic learning and preparing me for a successful career in cyber security.

What would you say to a fellow student considering applying to Cyber PATH?

I would say go for it! Cyber PATH offers an incredible opportunity to dive into the world of cybersecurity and gain hands-on experience like no other. You’ll work on real-world projects alongside experienced professionals, learning valuable skills and making meaningful contributions to cyber security. The mentorship and support you’ll receive are invaluable, helping you grow both personally and professionally. If you’re passionate about cyber security and eager to make a difference, I highly encourage you to apply to Cyber PATH. It’s a decision you won’t regret!