How Our Cybersecurity Grad Turned ‘Where Do I Start?’ Into ‘I Made It!’
Graduation Day: A Celebration of Grit and Growth
The air on campus was electric — cameras clicked in quick succession, friends embraced with laughter, and proud parents scanned the crowd for familiar faces draped in graduation gowns. It was a day of milestones, not just for the graduates, but for every mentor, friend, and colleague who had walked alongside them in their journey.
Amid this joyous chaos, I had the privilege of conducting a brief Q & A with Saritha N ( M.Sc in Cybersecurity), one of our newly minted graduates from the M.Sc. in Cybersecurity program at REVA Academy for Corporate Excellence (RACE). Her smile said it all — a mix of pride, relief, and excitement for what lay ahead.
Career Leap: Saritha has made a remarkable transition — moving from Cloud Service Engineer at CloudThat Technologies to Inside Sales Engineer at Commvault Systems India Pvt Ltd.
Yet, she took a moment to share the story of how she reached this day, one that began with a question most working professionals know all too well: “Where do I start?”
The Search for the Right Beginning
For years, she had dreamt of pursuing her master’s degree. The desire was always there, but the path forward felt unclear.
“I’ve always wanted to do my master’s, but I didn’t know where to start. I had inquiries from multiple universities, but none of them felt right.”
That changed the moment she stepped into the RACE campus.
“I was spellbound. Meeting Dr. Shinu Abhi (Director – Corporate Training) and the academic team was the turning point. They didn’t just give me brochures — they explained the structure, the outcomes, and how the program is designed for working professionals like me. From onboarding to this very day, the journey has been smooth, thanks to the RACE.”
For her, this wasn’t just about enrolling in a program — it was about finding a place that understood her aspirations and challenges, and offered a clear, supportive path forward.
Cybersecurity: More Than Just Theory
Her choice of specialization wasn’t accidental. Cybersecurity had always fascinated her, but she wanted to master it in a way that went beyond academic concepts. She wanted to experience it.
The program delivered exactly that — and her favorite memory proves it.
The Cyber Range Activity
“The Cyber Range Activity was unforgettable. We were split into two teams: one attacking, one defending. The classroom turned into complete chaos. We were debating, strategizing, and outsmarting each other in real time. It was just like the real industry — an attacker on one side, a defender on the other. The adrenaline, the teamwork, the problem-solving… it was intense and eye-opening.”
This wasn’t a staged exercise; it was a simulation of the pressure, unpredictability, and quick decision-making required in real-world cybersecurity roles.
Mentors Who Went Beyond the Syllabus
She believes that while the curriculum gave her knowledge, the mentors gave her wisdom.
“I can’t single out just one mentor — they were all phenomenal. Even after class hours, they’d stay back and talk about their journeys, the challenges they faced, and what they’re doing in the industry now. They’d share industry stories that you’ll never find in textbooks. Those conversations gave us a real sense of what’s waiting out there.”
For her, these moments weren’t just about learning technical skills — they were about shaping the mindset needed to thrive in an ever-changing field like cybersecurity.
The Magic of Campus Learning for Busy Professionals
Like most working professionals, her schedule was already packed. Committing to a master’s degree was no small decision. But she says the on-campus experience made it all worthwhile.
“We rarely get time to step away from work and immerse ourselves in learning. Being on campus meant I could connect with peers from similar industries and age groups. We exchanged ideas during coffee breaks, discussed what went right or wrong in class, and even debated on the latest tech trends. That kind of peer learning stays with you long after the course ends.”
These informal exchanges — during lunch, in the hallway, or between lectures — became as valuable as the formal classes themselves.
Her Advice to Every Professional Considering a Leap
When I asked her what she would tell other working professionals considering RACE, her answer was immediate and heartfelt:
“Go for it. If you want to upskill and grow, this program is worth every bit of your time. You won’t just get a degree — you’ll gain confidence, industry-ready skills, and a network of peers and mentors that you can lean on for years to come.”
A Journey That’s Just the Beginning
Her story is more than just a student success tale — it’s a reminder that career growth is possible at any stage of life if you have the right environment, practical exposure, and the right people guiding you.
From walking into the campus for the first time in search of clarity to walking out with a degree, she has proven that with focus, persistence, and the right academic partner, you can prepare yourself to tackle the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow.
Ready to turn ‘Where do I start?’ into ‘I made it!’?
Join RACE – M.Tech/M.Sc. in Cybersecurity and take your career to the next level. Be our next success story and showcase your career transition!
