MSc Cyber Security student, Muhammad Ahmad, pursued a degree at Staffordshire University London, embarking on a transformative experience and laid the foundation for a successful career in cyber security. Muhammad’s story highlights his academic journey, challenges faced, and invaluable experiences that shaped his career path, culminating in a role as a Cyber Researcher at Trustwave, a globally recognised cyber security leader.
Muhammad chose Staffordshire University London due to its comprehensive course design. He stated, “The course design comprehensively covers high-end skills essential in today’s market. The curriculum includes advanced topics such as forensics, research, and the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) module. These areas are crucial for mastering End Point Detection and Response (EDR) and Network Detection and Response (NDR) products”. IT positions remain among the most in-demand job roles globally, according to ManpowerGroup’s recent Employment Outlook Survey. By ensuring that Muhammad had the foundation and key skills, the course helped to ensure he was more employable in today’s dynamic and continuously evolving tech and information sector.
Muhammad also noted the campus’s location within “London’s thriving tech community and professional opportunities, offering exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry leaders.” The Here East campus hosts a vibrant mix of innovators and visionaries, from software developers to data scientists, making it an ideal place to push the boundaries of business and technology.
Throughout Muhammad’s time at the university, he recalled several aspects of the Cyber Security course which significantly contributed to his professional development.
Muhammad recalled, “The CCNP Module was instrumental in teaching me how to design and build robust networks, filling critical knowledge gaps and offering hands-on experience vital for real-world cybersecurity challenges. The Research Component module helped me analyse existing solutions and apply them effectively, avoiding redundancy and streamlining problem-solving processes. Additionally, the Forensics and Pen Testing module provided in-depth knowledge of forensic analysis and penetration testing, enabling me to efficiently detect, investigate, and mitigate security breaches.”
As a Cyber Researcher at Trustwave, Muhammad’s responsibilities are diverse and dynamic. He regularly analyses security events using EDR technologies to address escalated incidents, ensuring timely resolutions and enhancing the overall security posture. A key aspect of his job involves refining endpoint protection policies and tuning threat detection devices to proactively mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities.
Incident response and investigation form a crucial part of Muhammad's duties. He participates in incident investigations, applying forensic analysis techniques to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions. Additionally, mentoring analysts and fostering a collaborative team environment is a rewarding part of his role, contributing to the overall growth and effectiveness of the team.
Muhammad also participates in on-call rotations, providing continuous support and immediate responses to critical security incidents. The dynamic nature of the work and the opportunity to continuously learn and evolve alongside emerging cyber threats and technologies are aspects that he finds particularly enjoyable in this role.
Before joining the Trustwave team, Muhammad faced several setbacks as an international student in the United Kingdom, especially due to the requirement for security clearance, which typically demands five years of residency. He said, “To overcome this, it was essential to target roles that did not require security clearance and to seek employers willing to sponsor the process. Additionally, extensive networking was crucial in navigating these hurdles.”
The skills and knowledge gained from a Cyber Security degree were crucial in securing Muhammad’s employment at Trustwave. He advised other students, “Proficiency in network design, forensic analysis, and Linux hardening based on the MITRE framework can help graduates stand out during their job search and continue to be essential in their roles.” Participating in London Tech Week was a pivotal experience, allowing students to network with professionals from leading companies such as Microsoft and CrowdStrike. The advice from these professionals to pursue the Microsoft AZ-500 certification significantly boosted job prospects, resulting in frequent job offers and successful careers in the field.
For international students concerned about visa sponsorship, Muhammad suggested, “Read International Hustler by Farhoon Asim, and look into his LinkedIn strategy. I would also suggest using Apollo.io for targeted job searches, which can be incredibly beneficial. Optimising LinkedIn profiles, engaging in industry networking, and crafting tailored cover letters that emphasize key skills and enthusiasm were key strategies for me.”
Muhammad also expressed gratitude for the support and guidance from the Cyber Security academic staff, especially those who facilitated Capture the Flag (CTF) events like the BEA CTF. “Their mentorship not only enhanced technical skills but also fostered teamwork and problem-solving in practical cybersecurity challenges,” he said.
Dr. Maryam Shahpasand, a Senior Lecturer in Cyber Security who stands out as a key influence in Muhammad’s journey. Dr. Maryam stated “During the course, Muhammad demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a remarkable commitment to his personal and professional growth. His diligent approach to studying and active engagement in coursework were evident through consistently high grades and a thorough understanding of the material. Muhammad's enthusiasm for learning was matched by his eagerness to apply new concepts, often going beyond the standard curriculum to deepen his knowledge and skills.”
Muhammad brings invaluable lessons and experiences from Staffordshire University London as he continues his cyber security journey at Trustwave. A journey which has included substantial growth through group projects, refining his teamwork and leadership skills. In addition, he demonstrated heightened confidence and maturity, addressing challenges with resilience and demonstrating unwavering commitment to excellence and proactive self-improvement.