Calvin Chiu

Information technology was always the area I wanted to go into. I originally wanted to teach IT, but with more research I discovered cyber security and digital forensics and I thought rather than teaching the future, I could protect the future through cyber security.

Studying this degree has really opened my mind to different areas of cyber security. Even within my subject specialism there are so many career pathways leading from it.

As part of the course, I did a sandwich year placement in industry which has really changed everything for me. I discovered so much about myself and about working in industry. I worked for a global virtualisation software and cloud computing company called VMware. I developed so much professionally, gaining technical and soft skills whilst on the job. It gave me a real insight into working life, and I got some great careers advice from my colleagues.

On a personal level, I’ve also made lifelong friends and experienced a different lifestyle. At home, I’m surrounded by farms so I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of city life. I felt in my element. I think I’m really a city boy at heart

Stepping out of my comfort zone and moving away from my family and friends for the placement was so worth it. Thanks to that extra experience, I’ve now got a place on VMware’s graduate scheme in Barcelona. Not many students get the opportunity to go and work in another country straight out of university but, thanks to the opportunities at Edge Hill, I’m ready for it.

Being here has really built up my self-confidence. When I first started at Edge Hill aged 18, I thought I was an adult, but you soon realise there’s so much more to learn. That’s been a big discovery for me. I’ve also realised that you’ll never discover anything until you take a risk. You need to look for the things that excite and challenge you and be open to everything.