Anjan Neema

MSc Cyber Security, 2023
Cyber Security Engineer at Rotork

I work as a Cyber Security Engineer at Rotork, where my daily responsibilities involve developing and implementing security architectures for various product lines, including those still in development. I also conduct risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, I stay up to date with emerging standards and regulations, ensuring that our products remain compliant. Overall, I play a key role in evaluating and safeguarding the security of our products at multiple levels.

What were the best things about your course?

The entire journey was quite an adventure, filled with its fair share of ups and downs. I still vividly remember the challenges I faced during the Computer Aided Verification course. However, the highlight for me was the dissertation. It was the point where I got to apply everything I had learned, bringing it all together in the project I worked on. That experience was incredibly rewarding.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

I would say that teamwork and time management are the skills I use the most in my current job. These were key takeaways from my degree that have proven to be invaluable in my day-to-day work. 

Anjan Neema Photo

What are your top tips for securing a job in the United Kingdom or your home country?

Make sure to keep your LinkedIn profile updated, and maintain your resume regularly. Many students tend to overlook this or only update everything at once. Treat LinkedIn as part of your daily routine, just like you would with Instagram.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?

My career has developed gradually since graduating. The dissertation played a significant role in helping me understand how to apply the basics in real-world scenarios. I haven’t needed to take any additional training beyond my degree to progress in my career.

What advice would you give to current and prospective students looking to work in your sector?

Get acquainted with various standards and regulations; very few people truly understand them comprehensively. This knowledge can be a strong foundation for your career. A great starting point would be ISO 62443.

 

 

We Are Birmingham Alumni

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

My advice is to identify the area of cybersecurity you're most passionate about as early as possible, and focus your dissertation on that topic. Have a clear idea of your dissertation's focus before the topics are formally introduced. Cybersecurity is a vast field, and it's important to specialize in a particular area rather than trying to cover everything. Find your niche and work to become an expert in that area.

What would you recommend students should do at university, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?

I would recommend that students focus on building connections with professionals on LinkedIn who are already working in their field of interest. Engaging with them by asking about their experiences and seeking advice on how to get into similar positions can be incredibly insightful. Additionally, participating in career fairs is a great way to gain a closer understanding of the job market and the skills that employers are looking for.

Did you take advantage of support services offered by the University for example Careers Network and Wellbeing, and if so, what impact did they have on you?

Yes, I did. In fact, I landed my first part-time job in my field through the University’s Careers Network. It provided me with valuable exposure to the UK job market and insight into which skills I needed to develop further. Working on a security-related project also helped me refine my dissertation topic, which was an important step in shaping my future career.

What are your fondest memories of the University and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

Birmingham quickly became a second home for me. If I had to choose between Birmingham and any other city in the UK, I'd pick Birmingham every time. The city holds so many memories and friendships that have made it unique and irreplaceable for me. It has its own vibe and character that no other city can match.

What extracurricular activities did you get involved in as a student?

I served as a Student Representative for Cyber Security, where I connected with as many students as possible to gather their feedback and understand their expectations about the program. Beyond that, I’m passionate about dancing. Whether it was a party night, a house gathering, or someone’s birthday, I always found a way to hit the dance floor and enjoy myself!

Please tell us about your experience studying and living away from home

Living abroad away from home can be challenging, but for me, it became much easier thanks to the amazing friends I made during my studies. They truly became my second family, helping me through the toughest times. Together, we hosted parties, traveled around the UK, cooked meals, and spent endless nights watching movies, playing board games, and studying during high-pressure exam periods. Those experiences are unforgettable.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

I applied to several universities, but Birmingham stood out for a few key reasons. Its strong ranking, the well-structured Cyber Security modules, and the reputation of its professors in the field all drew me in. Plus Birmingham offered a more affordable cost of living compared to other cities, making it the ideal choice for me.

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