From Research Scientist, to Cyber Security Consultant
“Switching to a career in cyber security, specifically in GRC, has opened up new opportunities for growth and development. I now have the flexibility to work from home, which wasn’t an option in my previous career. The flexibility has greatly improved my work-life balance and overall well-being, giving me more time to spend with my family and pursue personal interests”
Meet Dr Arathy Jose.
Having started her career in medicinal chemistry, she is now a Junior Information Assurance Consultant at Cyro Cyber, having retrained through CAPSLOCK’s academy. Excelling in her new role, Arathy’s success exemplifies the need for diverse opportunities in today's job market.
We sat down with Arathy to understand her journey into governance, risk, and compliance. Arathy discusses her motivations for changing careers, the challenges she faced, the support she was given, and the fulfilment she has found in her new role.
This transition is supported by a new strategic partnership between Cyro Cyber and CAPSLOCK to remove barriers for individuals entering the cyber industry, increase diversity, and reduce the cyber security talent gap.
What was your previous career before transitioning into cyber security?
I completed my PhD in medicinal chemistry and then took up a role as a scientist in the biotech industry.
What motivated you to change careers and enter the field of cyber security?
During my time in the biotech industry, I struggled to find job satisfaction and a clear path for career progression. I felt stuck - my career seemed stagnant. As I explored options for a career switch, I initially considered fields like data analytics or data science. However, I was sceptical about the numerous bootcamps available for these fields.
My sister introduced me to CAPSLOCK, and their accredited program backed by the government. I was worried about my non-IT background, but she had already completed the course and assured me that a technical background wasn’t necessary. I gave the pre-coursework a go, to get a taste of cyber security and understanding of what the course would entail. This initial exposure sparked my interest in Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Can you share your experience with CAPSLOCK’s training program? What aspects of it were most beneficial?
CAPSLOCK provides a comprehensive, hands-on learning program. I was part of a cohort of around 30 students, which was further divided into smaller groups of 4-6 working on real-life problems. We were provided with reading materials before each topic and were quizzed on the material both individually and as a team. A scoreboard tracked the scores of the different teams, fostering a bit of healthy competition!
The most beneficial aspect for me was working on real-life problems, which allowed me to gain experience. When I began working as a cyber security consultant at Cyro Cyber, I was more than prepared for tasks such as writing policies and conducting gap analyses.
And talk me through the hiring process with Cyro Cyber. How did you hear about the role and how did you get the job?
The hiring process with Cyro was very efficient. I applied through LinkedIn, and a couple of days later, Shannon Simpson, Cyro’s CEO, reached out to me to arrange a video call with Cyro’s CISO.
During our call, we discussed my knowledge, experience, and expectations for the role. Following this, he invited me to the London office for a face-to-face interview. There, we had an in-depth conversation about my experience with client interactions and consultancy. I immediately had a clear understanding of what it would be like to work at Cyro. They were friendly, supportive and knowledgeable from the start – the tone was set immediately.
What is your current role at Cyro Cyber and what are your primary responsibilities?
Currently, I am a Junior Information Assurance Consultant. My primary responsibilities include maintaining and improving Cyro’s cyber security posture, reviewing our policies and procedures and identifying gaps. Additionally, I help clients achieve their desired security posture by conducting security risk assessments and gap analyses, as well as implementing security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST. This involves thoroughly analysing existing cyber security policies, addressing vulnerabilities and threats, and ensuring compliance with industry standards to enhance overall security measures.
How have Cyro Cyber supported you in your career transition?
Cyro have fully supported me in my transition into cyber. I’m particularly grateful to my fantastic line manager, Peter Lane, who consistently provides me with new opportunities to gain a variety of experiences, always encouraging and guiding me along the way.
From day one, Cyro have involved me in various projects where I’ve had the chance to shadow more experienced colleagues, and I’ve participated in incident response tabletop exercises. I’ve been able to get some real-world glimpses into the processes and challenges faced during actual incidents.
Cyro’s trust and encouragement from the get-go has provided me with a hands-on approach, allowing me to take charge rather than merely observe. It has greatly enhanced my learning and development.
How have the skills and knowledge you gained from CAPSLOCK helped you in your role at Cyro?
I received a solid understanding of ISO 27001 while at CAPSLOCK which has been essential from the beginning of my career at Cyro. At CAPSLOCK, we were trained to deliver several reports such as risk assessments and maturity assessments, which has immensely helped me in my role. Mainly, however, it’s developed my confidence hugely. When the team trust me to get the job done, it makes it a lot easier.
How has your career change impacted your professional and personal life?
Switching to a career in cyber security, specifically in GRC, has opened up new opportunities for growth and development. I now have the flexibility to work from home, which wasn’t an option in my previous career. The flexibility has greatly improved my work-life balance and overall well-being, giving me more time to spend with my family and pursue personal interests.
I was concerned by the lack of a career trajectory I previously had. At Cyro, however, I’ve never felt more confident – I have clear pathways for advancement and the chance to continually expand my skills. Engaging with clients has been particularly rewarding, as it allows me to leverage my knowledge and skills to help others, which I find very fulfilling.
In what ways do you think the partnership between CAPSLOCK and Cyro Cyber will benefit future cyber talent?
CAPSLOCK students are known for their dedication and willingness to go the extra mile in their learning journey. Yet, one of the primary challenges faced during a career change is the lack of work experience and lack of opportunities to gain it. CAPSLOCK however, addresses this issue effectively by providing students with comprehensive training and hands-on experience. The curriculum is designed to equip students with practical skills that are immediately applicable in the cyber security field.
This partnership will help to bridge the gap between training and real-world application, providing students with opportunities to apply their skills in a professional setting. I’m proud to work at a company who takes giving back to the industry seriously, and to see the dedication from everyone in the business to this commitment is refreshing.
And, of course, this collaboration doesn’t only benefit the students - it also enhances the quality of Cyro’s cyber security services by bringing in a range of fresh and diverse perspectives and ideas. I’m super excited to see what comes next!
