Meet Sein: From Graphic Communication Designer to Cybersecurity Professional

In a remarkable journey that spans continents and career fields, Sein shares her inspiring transition from a graphic communication design graduate to a cybersecurity professional. Born in South Korea and recently relocated from the UK to the Netherlands, Sein's passion for making a positive impact led her to explore new horizons. She stumbled upon the Women in Cybersecurity program - of which the second edition will start in September. Despite her non-technical background, Sein has successfully obtained certifications and secured a job in the cybersecurity sector. In this interview, Sein shares her motivations, challenges, and the invaluable support she received.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background 
"I am Sein. I was born in South Korea, recently moved to the Netherlands from the UK. In the UK, I completed my Master’s in Graphic Communication Design at the University of the Arts London, and had worked as a Product Designer in various tech startups. I’m passionate about making a positive impact in the world with my skills, so I’ve done side projects to raise awareness about social issues I care about."

How did you first come across the Women in Cybersecurity program and what were your expectations? 
"Well, I stumbled upon the Women in Cybersecurity program while I was browsing through Meetup event pages. It was a total random find. I’d seen so many cybercrimes in Korea affecting my friends and wrongly handling user data at the startups I worked at, so I wanted to find some answers and hoping the program might help.

The program is really well-organized, even for someone like me with no cybersecurity experience. I got my first security certificate, Microsoft SC-900, which covers the basics of cybersecurity. It helped me figure out which path to take next. After graduating the program, I continued studying on my own and got the SC-400, which focuses on data protection and implementing data loss policies in the Microsoft environment.

The program not only helped me to obtain certifications, but it also gave me the knowledge I needed. Plus, the program helped me build a network in cybersecurity, which has been invaluable for finding job opportunities."

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during the program and how did you overcome them?
"The hardest part was understanding all the cybersecurity terms at first. Everything sounded foreign to me. But I kept studying and attending other cybersecurity meetups, and eventually, everything clicked. I call those my “Aha!” moments and maybe this drawing can show how I felt back then."

What are your future plans and ambitions within the cybersecurity field?
"I’ve come across so many great opportunities and met amazing people through this journey. I plan to keep building my career in cybersecurity and eventually want to use my experience to help victims of cybercrimes."

Lastly, do you have any tips or advice for women considering enrolling in the Women in Cybersecurity program?
"Get involved and participate in as many sessions and events as you can. You never know when the right opportunity will come along!"

Are you interested in stepping into the world of cybersecurity but unsure where to start? Don’t worry—we have designed a comprehensive program just for you! The Women in Cybersecurity program introduces and supports women from diverse backgrounds to thrive in this exciting field. Throughout the journey, you will receive: 

• SC900 Microsoft Security Certification: Achieve your first certification with our guided support.
• Professional Network: Connect with a network of professionals and companies ready to guide you.
• Community of Women: Engage with other women who share the same goals and interests.
• Access to Mentors and Role Models: Learn from experienced mentors and role models in the cybersecuritysector.

The new edition kicks off in September, so sign up now and take the first step towards becoming a cybersecurity professional. More details and signing up here!