5 minutes with… Monika Mathur, cyber security graduate

Based at our new Cyber Security Training Centre at St Albans Campus, Monika Mathur successfully completed her Certificate IV in Cyber Security 22334VIC (superseded by Certificate IV in Cyber Security 22603VIC).

Monika already holds a Master of Computer Applications, and chose to study at VU Polytechnic to gain the essential cyber security skills she needed to break into the fast growing industry.

Currently, Monika is undertaking work-experience with the VU Cyber team and shared with us her insights into the industry and her training.

Image of Monika Mathur

Q&A with Monika

What do you enjoy most about working in technology/cyber security?

The most exciting part of the cyber security space is the breadth of new challenges and threats that companies face each day. This could include phishing, ransomware and data breaches. But it’s also exciting to see how these issues are resolved by teams. I enjoy the opportunity to network with and learn new things from highly-skilled professionals.

How did your training at VU Polytechnic in the Certificate IV in Cyber Security help prepare you for work in the tech industry?

I found the course very interesting. The Cyber Project was the most exciting part. We had an opportunity to work on it in a real-world environment.

Assignments and tasks were challenging and helped us learn new terms every day. This experience prepared us to be work-ready in the tech industry. The teaching staff were very knowledgeable, approachable and always there to help.

To help us understand concepts, we had hands-on training on various units. VU Polytechnic allowed us to meet various industry experts and learn from their experiences and career journeys.

In your opinion, what do you think are the most important skills needed to work in cyber security and technology?

In my opinion, having a positive attitude, passion towards your goal, desire to learn, and attention to detail are some of the skills that are vital in this field. Being aware of events also helps to keep you updated on the latest industry trends.

Cyber security has a responsibility to keep the digital medium safe and secure. With the hackers getting smarter day by day, there is always a demand for cyber security professionals to be one step ahead. This sector has tremendous opportunities to grow and career opportunities are in-demand.

I would like to be an active contributor in this journey and help the various organisations to cope with these threats. Cyber hygiene is more important than ever in today’s changing digital landscape.

What are your top tips to current or prospective students who are trying to secure a role in cyber security or tech or who are looking to commence training?

The cyber security industry needs passionate, committed people who have the appetite to learn new skills every day, and not fear challenges. Below are some of my top tips:

  • Networking is the key. Always try connecting with people in the industry and those that share the same interest.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
  • Communication and teamwork are paramount.
  • Keep up to date with the latest trends.