• Author / Uploaded
• Izzy Liddament

Citation preview

Personal Statement 1 – MSc Computer Security and Resilience (Newcastle University) After completing my BSc (Hons) in Information Technology, I was successful in joining HP Enterprise Services (formerly known as EDS) on a graduate programme to train as an Information Analyst. I hoped that joining the company would aid me in enhancing the skills and knowledge I gained whilst studying at university. Through work-based training, I have been able to enhance the skills learnt in university, and I have gained a valuable insight into how the theory learnt in university is applicable to commercial environment. For example, I have been able to use Structured Query Language (SQL) to extract the data necessary for delivering in management reports. I have thoroughly enjoyed the two years that I have spent with HP Enterprise Services. However, after doing research into the options available to advance my career, and which field of IT I would like to work in long-term, I have decided I would like to build on my existing skills and knowledge by studying further. Due to the exponential growth in the number of company’s conducting their business over the internet, using information systems and various other applications, it is a given that there will be individuals and organised crime groups that attempt to unlawfully access information for criminal purposes. It is because of this reason I believe that there will be a growth in the computer security jobs market. This is the primary reason for my interest in studying for the MSc Computer Security and Resilience. I also feel that by studying this course I would be able to acquire new skills as well as an understanding and familiarity with Computer Security to allow me to fulfil an ambition of working within the security industry. In terms of my interest of Computer Security, it stems from previous study of Computer Forensics in a Computer Systems module at university. Tasked with writing a technical report on the subject, I discussed the background of Computer Forensics, computer crime activities, computer crime methods and forensic technologies, and possible future developments. This was my most enjoyed assignment whilst at university, and my most successful. A second reason for my enthusiasm of Computer Security is reading current articles on the threat of global cyber-terrorism, and the flaws of security in information systems. I realised that I would feel fulfilled if I were to be working on the forefront of aiding fellow Computer Security professionals in combating these threats. I would enjoy the challenge of analysing systems and identifying how computer security methods help to prevent and resolve malicious attacks on corporate systems. I have chosen Newcastle University as I find the modular structure of the programme appealing, given that it encompasses a variety of modules that bring together both engineering and business. It leads me to believe that the programme offers the opportunity to gain a distinct and unique insight into the field of Computer Security, something that separates this university programme from others that I have researched on my journey to finding a relevant Masters degree. In addition, it excites me that the programme also gives the opportunity to complete either an individual project, or a project in collaboration with an industrial adviser. This would be a great opportunity to encompass all the other skills learnt throughout the rest of the programme. I feel that I possess the qualities to complete this programme, which I have learnt through life experience, university, and my career within HP Enterprise Services. One of the skills I have, which I feel, is paramount to completing this course successfully is my research skills. For every assignment I completed whilst at university I had to do a

great deal of individual research, most importantly I had to write a literature review when completing my dissertation on the Use of Institutional Repositories. It involved me having to look at several different mediums, such as scholarly peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and professional body publications in order to represent an unbiased literature review. Throughout my time at university, and now at HP Enterprise Services, I believe that I have been able to demonstrate that I am a determined and self-motivated individual that strives to complete work to the best of my abilities using the knowledge and skills learnt both through studying and work-based training. This has been despite unexpected and challenging events within my personal life, which I have had to deal with, in order to complete my degree programme successfully. Other qualities that I have gained through employment include the ability to work under little supervision in terms of completing change requests, resolving incidents, and producing management information on both a daily and weekly basis. In addition, I feel that through my studies and career progression within HP, I have been able to communicate effectively and demonstrate that I am adaptable to learning new concepts and embracing them in order to work more efficiently. I would like to finish off this, my personal statement, saying that if given the opportunity to study with yourselves I would be a hard working, enthusiastic, and conscientious student, and will always strive to complete every assignment given to the best of my abilities encompassing life skills learnt through university and work. After all, it would be the first step on the road to fulfilling my ambition of working within the Computer Security field.