A Computer Security graduate who joined De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) through Clearing celebrated a new career in cyber security before even receiving his diploma.
Barnaby Stewart, who graduates today with a First class honours, has already started his new role as a security consultant testing the safety of clients’ IT systems and finding ways to prevent weaknesses.
With previous experience in computer programming, Barnaby wanted to a career shift and DMU’s Computer Security BSc (Hons) offered just what he wanted.
The 43-year-old said: “The course offered an introduction into an area of IT which was new to me.
“It allowed me to both apply my existing skills and learn and develop new skills which have helped me to secure work even before completing the course.”
DMU also provided Barnaby with the chance to get work experience and earn money at the same time as studying.
He said: “I was lucky enough to work as the technical developer on a web platform for the Centre for Computing and Social Responsibility at the university.
“The role lasted well over a year and gave me an opportunity to put into practice aspects of what I was learning.”
Coming to DMU as a mature student, Barnaby was initially apprehensive about fitting in and being treated differently.
His perception soon changed when he discovered that “DMU is a welcoming university with a diverse student body from many age ranges and cultures.”
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Joining DSU’s Mature Student Society also gave Barnaby the opportunity to meet and socialise with other mature students from across the university.
Having gone through Clearing to join DMU, Barnaby found the process very different to how he imagined it would be, saying: “It was a straight-forward process and a quick response with a positive approach.”
Barnaby has a lot to be proud of, not least managing to fit his studies in around working and family commitments.
He said: “Despite being a parent, I juggled both looking after my children along with my studies and working and managed to make it to the end.”
Posted on Thursday 21 July 2016