Graduated with MSc Mathematics of Cybersecurity in 2019

Current role

Software Programmer at iDAS Global

I had really enjoyed my coursework so kept a lookout for roles where I could build on my knowledge of data science and cybersecurity. My current position requires developing and applying machine learning algorithms for image analysis – it’s extremely interesting. I applied, was invited for an interview and given a coding assignment before being offered the position. 

My favourite part of the job is that it offers me the chance to get involved with the latest advancements in my field and try them out first-hand. Since machine learning is a subject where a lot of research is taking place, quite a bit of my time is also spent reading papers and trying to figure out ways to apply those ideas to the problems we are working on. There’s tremendous scope for learning and increasing my practical skills.

Each day is slightly different, but usually I spend a majority of the day writing code and analysing data. The results I obtain are used during meetings with clients to help make key decisions.

The Data Science Toolbox module of my degree gave me the machine learning skills I need, but it also gave me the ability to analyse and solve open-ended problems. Often when you are working on a new data set, you don’t know the extent of the information you might be able to extract from it. My degree has given me the skills and the confidence to handle such data and produce useful results.

To current students, I would say that reading a lot, and especially beyond what is required for coursework is a massive advantage. I don’t necessarily mean academic books, research papers or even things directly related to your subject, but any resource you can get your hands on which you find interesting. It might not come in useful immediately, but it will definitely help somewhere down the line and give you a different perspective on how to tackle problems. I’ve been a subscriber of Nature magazine for years, and found that techniques being used for imaging in brain scans have applications in the problems we are working on now. Given how closely linked every subject is these days, you never know where you might get your inspiration from.