DCG Students Take a Bold Step Into Cyber at The Roundhouse
Over 100 students and 32 speakers and exhibitors gathered at Derby College Group’s(DCG) Roundhouse for Step Into Cyber, an event dedicated to raising awareness of the exciting career opportunities within cyber security. With expert speakers, engaging discussions, and interactive exhibitions, attendees gained valuable insights into this rapidly growing industry and how they can practically apply their learning to future careers.
The event covered a range of important topics, including:
• The Importance of Cyber Security – Understanding the growing need for protection against cyber threats.
• Career Opportunities in Cyber Security – Exploring different career paths and industry opportunities.
• Life in the Cyber Security Field – A panel discussion with professionals sharing their experiences.
• Essential Skills for Success – Identifying the key skills needed to excel in cyber security.
• Education and Certifications – Entry-level pathways and professional development options.
Students had the opportunity to hear from and engage with leading organisations, including Practical Infosec, the University of Nottingham, Barclays, the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, UK Cyber Security Council, the Chartered Institute of Information Security, Queen Mary University of London, ISACA, Independent, The PC Security Channel, ISC2, NCSC, Derbyshire Constabulary, National Football League and many more. Each brought their expertise to inspire and inform the next generation of cyber professionals.
Interestingly, between December 2021 and March 2024, the number of cybersecurity professionals in the UK more than doubled, increasing by 128% from 28,500 to 65,000. This surge positions cybersecurity as the fastest-growing IT occupation in the country. This illustrates the need for greater awareness of careers in the cybersecurity industry.
By attending the event, students not only learned about cyber security but also discovered practical ways to develop their skills, seek relevant certifications, and gain hands-on experience through internships and apprenticeships. These insights will help them make informed decisions about their future careers and take actionable steps towards entering the industry.
Steven Furnell, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Nottingham, who organised the event, emphasises the critical need for cybersecurity professionals:
"According to ISC2, globally there is a shortage of millions of cyber professionals, whilst in the UK, the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology's annual labour market study underscores the urgent need for more cybersecurity experts."
He highlights the role of the Step into Cyber events in addressing this gap:
"Through our events, we inspire post-16 students in the East Midlands region to explore diverse career opportunities, from technical roles like security operations and penetration testing to understanding cybersecurity's business context."
Lorena Acosta, Student Experience and Pastoral Support Administrator and Sahira Ashraf, Team Manager Student Experience, coordinated the event at DCG.
Lorena expressed her enthusiasm for the impact it had:
“Cyber security is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, and it’s fantastic to see so many students engaging with industry professionals and discovering the wide range of opportunities available. Events like this are crucial in bridging the gap between education and industry, helping to shape the cyber professionals of the future.”
A huge thank you to everyone who participated, making Step Into Cyber a resounding success. With cyber security playing an increasingly critical role in today's digital world, initiatives like this ensure students are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to pursue careers in the field.
For more information about cyber security careers, visit www.stepintocyber.org.
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