Future Skills Organisation Case Study: Hack to the future: How VET gave Daniella a secure career path
Choosing a VET pathway to kickstart a career in cyber security has been a game changer for Daniella Surya.
“The VET pathway has been extremely beneficial to prepare me for my future career,” said Daniella.
“VET equipped me with practical hands-on experience and skills, helped me understand what a career in cyber security looks like, and determine if it aligned with my interests.”
She started her tertiary studies with a Certificate III, IV and Advanced Diploma in Cyber Security. You can explore study options that are right for you on Your Career.
Gold medal winner
In addition to learning job-ready skills, her time at TAFE offered a series of exciting experiences. Daniella had the honour of representing Western Australia in Cloud Computing at the national level, where she achieved a gold medal.
She also had the opportunity to lead the South Metropolitan TAFE team in an Incident Response challenge, securing first position out of 25 competing teams from TAFEs across Australia.
“Participating actively in competitions exhilarated me because it allowed me to learn novel techniques and tools to tackle unique challenges,” she said.
Since winning a gold medal, Daniella signed up to become a VET ambassador through the Australian VET Alumni.
Cyber security intern
Daniella went on to complete a Bachelor of Science (Cyber Security) at Edith Cowan University before joining the Department of the Premier and Cabinet of WA as a Cyber Security Intern. She is now a member of the team, working as a Cyber Security Analyst, monitoring and responding to cyber security alerts.
“A typical day starts with checking emails and reviewing overnight alerts,” said Daniella.
“Every morning, we have a daily standup meeting where we discuss our priorities for the day and share any updates.
“On certain days I will be on shifts where I actively monitor and respond to security alerts. When I am not on shift, I work on projects or use the time for self-development.
“What I enjoy most about my role is that I get to experience different parts of cyber security, and that challenges my capabilities,” she added.
Using AI-enabled tech
One new capability she is learning quickly is how to use AI-enabled cyber technologies.
“AI identifies anomalies, predicts potential threats and assists me in responding to cyber threats more efficiently and more quickly.
“However, cyber criminals are also working out how to train AI to make incorrect predictions or decisions to evade detection, which is opening up new challenges to solve,” she said.
Kickstarting a career
For those thinking of a VET pathway to kickstart a career in the fast-growing cyber security industry, what advice does Daniella offer?
“Take your time to explore different areas of cyber security and explore different VET pathways that lead to cyber security.
“Then once you start the VET course, consider building your portfolio. Document all your achievements and projects as well as building your professional network through connecting with peers, lecturers and cyber security professionals.”
Learn more about studying cyber at Your Career here.