Alumni

Jinson Varghese Behanan

Career Path: Information Security Analyst, Astra IT
Location: Delhi, India

Studying Computer Security was not just a childhood dream come true, but also a second chance at having a career I love. Having had to study a course of no interest to me previously, it was unbelievable when I was presented with the opportunity to pursue education on a subject I spent a large number of hours on whilst growing up. Choosing the course offered by Northumbria University turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life as it set me up well for my career. Having completed my Bachelors degree, I now work as an Information Security Analyst handling multiple responsibilities, hoping for more and enjoying every part of it.

What are you doing now?

I am an Information Security Analyst at Astra IT, Inc. My primary responsibilities include performing vulnerability assessment, penetration testing of web as well as mobile applications and malware removal from websites.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

I had been presented with cyber security courses from multiple universities, but looking at the curriculum, none attracted me more than Northumbria. The modules covered were the ones that I needed to get started.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

The lecturers were highly knowledgeable on the subject and highly engaging. The course covered multiple domains of cyber security as well as computer science in general. The assignments and projects were appropriately demanding, helping us to learn further through a practical approach. The feedback on each submission was constructive and ultimately helpful in helping me graduate with First Class Honours.

How connected was your course with industry?

The course introduced us well to the industry, the various modules in cyber security gave us training in both blue team and red team activities and trained us on the tools used in the day-to-day job in the field as well.

What was the best thing about your course?

The best thing about my course was getting to study something I truly loved. To not deviate, but learn about topics that are required for anyone wanting to work in Cyber security, to be given opportunities to learn through a theoretical as well as practical approach.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

Studying at Northumbria University and getting good results helped me stand out during the job interview process. The interview questions were easy to answer because we had the question topics taught to us during the course and we were made familiar with the security tools via assignments. I was only phone-interviewed twice, and I was selected for the second round for both. The second company looked like the right one for me, and so after a couple more rounds of interviews, I was offered my job. I was initially posted as an Executive Information Security Analyst. After eight months during which my Bachelors degree from Northumbria University proved to be invaluable, I was promoted to Information Security Analyst.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

I was introduced to the concept and tools used in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing, which proved to be highly important in getting me started. Even to this day, I depend on the skills and knowledge I picked up during the course on a day-to-day basis.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

The course and support from the lecturers. They helped and supported me throughout the course, as well as afterwards, this stood out for me and I have enjoyed studying at Northumbria because of it.

What advice would you give somebody who is considering studying at Northumbria?

Well, it's going to be a fun ride. Take in all the knowledge given to you, and practice and take up on all assignments or practicals you can. Feel free to ask the lecturers, they are highly helpful and truly has your best interest in mind.