The 26-year-old from Nigeria, currently living in Liverpool, did her undergraduate degree in Ghana but was keen to study cyber security in the UK, where the industry is more advanced. Racheal was impressed with Edge Hill right from the start.
“Edge Hill helped me secure my student visa, and that support continued.
“Everyone from lecturers to the wider computer science department has been there for me, helping me settle in and adapt.
“I’m also grateful to the University’s financial team, which offered me more time to pay my tuition fees when I was struggling.
“While I’ve been working part-time to pay my way, my family, who had committed to helping me, were hit by the impact of Nigeria’s economic crisis and rocketing inflation.”
As well as the great British weather being a culture shock for Racheal, she found studying at a UK university a very different experience from Africa. But her “grit and determination” have seen her pass with flying colours.
My first degree was all exams. There was little critical thinking and analysis which I needed to develop to be successful at Edge Hill.
“I took feedback on my assignments seriously, participated in the computer science research club and used the University’s learning service, which helped me with research methods, academic writing, and how to reference and critically present ideas. The sessions and online resources were so helpful.”
Her Masters complete, Racheal now has the skills, confidence and ambition to make it in an industry that safeguards all our futures.
“I’m looking in the UK for a role as a server security engineer or analyst, which is more about monitoring networks to stop incidents occurring. These would put me on the route to my dream job of becoming an ethical hacker or penetration tester.
“Cyber security is a global issue, and South Asia is at the cutting edge, so in the longer term, I could see myself in Japan; it’s a country that’s always fascinated me.
“Ultimately, I want to make an impact by becoming a leading female voice in an industry saturated with men. I follow several women in the industry and I’d love to be someone younger women can look up to.”
Racheal thanks God and her invaluable support network for helping her through her challenges.
It’s included her dear Uncle, who sadly passed during her studies, her family in Nigeria, her sister in Sheffield (who she’s also been supporting after the birth of her baby), Mencap colleagues, and church and university communities.
She advised any prospective students to seek help when they need it.
“It’s going to be challenging, but you can get through it when you have a support system around you.
“People want to help but they can’t unless they know what you’re struggling with. Don’t be afraid to speak to your tutors, university support services or people in the wider network you’ve built.”
Find out more about studying cyber security, the wider Department of Computer Science and postgraduate courses at Edge Hill University.
July 18, 2024
