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Cyber Security

As data and computing has become so instrumental and critical to our day to day lives, so has the need to protect our systems, data and networks from digital attacks.  Cyber threats include hacking, data breaches and falling foul of ransomware attacks, all of which have risen sharply.  Cyber Security is on work that goes on to effectively provide the people, systems and processes needed to prevent business disruption, data theft, financial losses and also reputational damage which can arise from an attack.  

With General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) now in place to ensure that sensitive information is seen only by those who need to see it, having skilled staff is becoming increasingly important for ensuringregulations are followed and that customer trust is maintained.  The sector includes roles such as security analysts, ethical hackers, and incident responders, and spans industries like retail, finance, healthcare, and government.

Computing is becoming increasingly intelligent, and with more complex threats appearing from AI and the Internet of Things, cyber security remains a critical and evolving field with strong demand for skilled talent to help prevent attacks.

The following role profiles on the Prospects website will help inform you of the day-to-day responsibilities in graduate level roles and will help inform the kinds of skills, experience and knowledge needed:

You may be interested to watch this recording on Panopto of an University of Exeter alumni panel on ‘Careers in Data and AI’ recorded in January 2025 and this recording from February 2024

If you are interested in these roles you might also be curious to read about :

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Skills employers look for

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in person specifications, job descriptions and adverts for each role you consider applying for.  In the cyber security sector, employers look for a mix of technical and soft skills.

  • Adaptability to cyber threats constantly evolving cyber threats
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Digital forensics
  • Knowledge of programming languages (like Python or C++)
  • Network security
  • Penetration testing
  • Problem-solving
  • Risk assessment
  • Threat analysis
  • Understanding of cloud security
  • Understanding of security frameworks like ISO 27001 or the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC - part of GCHQ, the UK's intelligence and security organisation)

In order to develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications. 

Gaining Experience

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs and societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider involvement in:

The Guild’s societies on the Exeter campuses could be an excellent way to demonstrate an interest in this work area: 

There are no current societies on the Cornwall campuses which relate to Cyber Security, but you can start one!

Student Digital Cyber Academy™ powered by Immersive Labs. It's free and easy to sign up, with just a university or college email address. No previous coding or IT experience is needed and at the end of it you will have developed the skills to apply for your first job in cyber security. You can learn on the go, anywhere, anytime with access to the platform used by Goldman Sachs, Deloitte and BAE Systems to train their staff.

Forage - Gain insights into a range of different tech companies with the Virtual Experience programmes at Forage including the following:

 Speculative applications and voluntary opportunities

Undertaking relevant work experience will allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively(link). You may find it useful to read our Researching employers page(link).  We suggest you consider a targeted approach and look at local employers to approach.  You can research and identify local companies online.  Also, members of Tech South West and Tech Cornwall will potentially be good places to start.  These are the sector leading Technology networks based in the South West. 

 Finding part time work

  • Learn about student and graduate employment on campus here. 
  • Find on-campus work using Handshake.
  • Search for part-time jobs on Handshake.

Finding advertised graduate roles, placements and internships

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers.

 For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.

Graduate schemes and internships

Recruitment Consultants – there are a wide range of recruiters who advertise IT roles and they often advertise graduate and entry-level positions.  See Agency Central for a list of specialist recruitment agencies and search by sector e.g. IT and Tech. Ensure any recruiters you connect with are members of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development or the Recruitment & Employment Confederation. 

Placements

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad. 

  • Here is a list of Cyber Security Industrial Placements on offer via Bright Network
  • Companies can offer a Year in industry – it’s worth looking at Prospects here

Further sources of support

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally.

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal. 

Further study and professional development

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to build their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications.  There are several postgraduate degrees in Cyber Security.  It is good to look for a professionally accredited course (look for NCSC-accredited) as this could have more value for employers.  Use the sites below to research your further study options.

Advice

If you are considering postgraduate or doctoral level study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study.

Here is a list of professional qualifications valued by UK employers:

It is important, before embarking on and investing in paid-for training, to understand what is most needed by your target employers.  It is important to have informational interviews and career conversations as some employers will pay for training and required certifications once you start with them. 

Information and links from professional bodies

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.