From being an average engineering student to becoming an analyst at the police academy, Priya has come a long way. How did she manage to do it? Read it in her own words.
I do not know how one decides their career path! I would have preferred to study humanities in school, but I took up engineering because my brother said it is the best career path that I can choose for myself.
It was only after my multiple failed attempts at learning coding, that I got to know I am not cut out for engineering. I was writing assignments and doing laboratory work diligently, just so that I could get my degree. I would call it a stroke of luck that I got placed as an IT consultant in Bangalore.
After a year and a half, I left my job. I have had enough of the mundane life that I was living for so long and I wanted to prove that I can also excel in life. The best way I could think of doing so was to start preparing for the civil services examination. I don't know what I was running after, but I was relieved to have at least taken the first step.
When I started preparing for the examination, I remember feeling so energized and engrossed. I used to study 12 hours a day at a stretch and enjoyed my routine of reading the newspaper in the morning, polity in the noon and history in the evening; but it wasn't enough, I guess. I did not clear my prelims in the first and second attempts. I got exhausted reading the same study material repeatedly, but still decided to devote one more year to preparation for my third and final attempt. Sadly, even in the third attempt, I could not clear the prelims, and that's when I finally decided to put an end to this chapter of my life.
I was out of the sinking boat, but it took a lot of time to overcome the shock of my failure. But if not anything, in these three years I learnt the importance of being perseverant in life. Giving up was just not an option. I mustered all the strength in me and started looking for different avenues. Restarting my career in the IT sector made much more sense.
I do believe that the universe always conspires in our favor, no matter how bad the circumstances are. One day, when I came across DSCI's CyberShikshaa advertisement while skimming through a magazine, I took it as a sign of new beginnings. A part of me was excited to see this opportunity, but I wanted to be doubly sure that I was confident about this choice.
I moved to C-DAC Hyderabad only half convinced that a career in the cybersecurity field could be my calling. Classes started and I got into a regimented routine in no time. The subjects that I studied here really appealed to me and I never felt burdened or disinterested even for a day. Cyber Forensics was something that excited me the most. But my anxiety would flare up now and then, and I'd approach my instructors to ask if I'd even land up in a job? The obscurity about the future was real and daunting.
Six months had passed now, and it was time for the placements to begin. Thankfully, the wait was not very long, and I got placed at the National Digital Crime Resource and Training Center. I am responsible here for training IPS officers in cybercrime investigation. Isn't it amazing? Not so long back I was only dreaming to be in the shoes of the people whom I teach now. Life does surprise us in the most unexpected ways!
Right from my college days, I was always interested in studying a blend of cyber security, law, and policy; and this program was offering exactly that. I took a leap of faith and enrolled for the program, and it turned out to be a lifeline for me. Especially amidst the stressful chemotherapy sessions.
(from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir)CyberShikshaa is a great platform to learn advanced cyber security tools. This course has transformed my life and getting placed at HCL is like a dream come true. The webinars enhanced my knowledge in the field of networking, cryptography and cyber security. Apart from technical knowledge, it also helped in improving my communication skills. Girls can enhance their capabilities and grab the best opportunities in future.
(from Patharkandi, Assam)After B.Tech, CyberShikshaa course helped me in my professional career. This course has taught me online safety, security, and how to protect myself from cyber world. As new technology is coming, more cybercrime is increasing day by day. So I recommend CyberShikshaa training to all women.
(from Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh)CyberShikshaa is a good platform to learn cyber security and apply that knowledge in real time applications. Apart from this, it has helped me a lot to improve my confidence level, communication skills, teamwork, and ability to understand people.
(from Jalu, Amravati, Maharashtra)CyberShikshaa program has been a turning point in my life. It helped me a lot to lift my knowledge in cyber security and trained me to be more confident in life. For me, this course was the last hope to get a job.
DSCI and Microsoft are giving one of the best opportunities for girls who can't afford to pay lacs of rupees to build a career. So, girls go grab it!
(from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh)CyberShikshaa program came to me as a blessing as I was jobless for four years. The journey through out the training was very knowledgeable and helpful, apart from the technical knowledge, soft skills sessions were conducted regularly for overall grooming of the students.
(from Nagpur, Maharashtra)CyberShikshaa program really helped me improve my technical skills and confidence. Cyber security is a very interesting field to work at different levels. Thank you CyberShikshaa for helping me get this great opportunity at Aujas where I am working on Web Application Penetration Testing, Mobile and API Penetration Testing.
