University offers more opportunities for women in cyber
As part of International Women’s Day, Glasgow Caledonian University has established a student chapter of a global organisation aimed at promoting opportunities in cyber security.
Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity. The Glasgow Caledonian Student Chapter is just the fourth to be established in the UK.
Dr Jackie Riley, the University's Head of Cyber Security and Networks, said: “The gender balance across the cyber industry remains a challenge, but here, at Glasgow Caledonian, we are pushing those boundaries and working hard to encourage and support women in cyber security. The WiCyS Chapter is yet another avenue to make students aware of the opportunities globally, to secure mentors and to understand the support available across the sector.”
Anyone interested in joining the WiCyS Student Chapter is welcome at 4pm in M618 on Wednesday, March 8.
The establishment of the student chapter comes as Women Do Cyber announces 40 new scholarships to offer more women cyber security career-development opportunities from May 2023.
Women Do Cyber is an industry-led upskilling and reskilling initiative for mid-career women looking to get into cyber. Glasgow Caledonian University, in partnership with Cisco and Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT), supported by funding from the Scottish Funding Council and the National Transition Training Fund, offers an accessible fast-track pathway to Graduate Apprenticeships in cyber.
The scholarship opportunity also offers women in cyber mentoring support from established women cyber practitioners and technology leaders through the Cisco and SWiT networks.
To date, the programme has successfully created more than 20 women graduates, kickstarting their cyber journey and preparing them to take on cyber jobs, apprenticeships, and further learning.
Each module carries academic credits and, on completion, these count towards the entry criteria for Glasgow Caledonian’s Graduate Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, should they wish to continue into further studies as part of a paid position.
Claire Young from Glasgow Caledonian’s Institute of University to Business Education said: “We welcome all women who would like the opportunity to develop cyber security knowledge and skills, which we know are in such high demand. We’re very keen to encourage those with no prior experience, including women returning after a career break and those whose role may be at risk, in addition to women looking for a career change.”