At the end of April, 22 students from Sheffield Hallam University came together to deliver this year’s Cyber Career Pathways event, an initiative designed to inspire younger learners to explore opportunities in cybersecurity. As well as broadening participants’ understanding of cyber careers, the event also helped strengthen leadership, confidence and community engagement among the university students involved. Nine schools attended the event, each eager to learn more about the opportunities available within the sector.
Delivered by Sheffield Hallam students working with CyberFirst, the event built on the initiative developed last year and offered an engaging experience that helped bridge the gap between higher education and school learners considering digital careers.
Aimed at GCSE students, the event gave attendees the chance to take part in hands-on cyber security and digital forensics workshops, hear from cyber specialists, and learn more about careers in cyber security and digital forensics. Students also explored the different pathways into these professions and heard directly from regional employers about the cyber skills needed across a range of industries in Yorkshire and Humber.
The cyber security and digital forensics workshops were designed and delivered by second-year Cyber Security and Cyber Security with Forensics students. Visiting pupils were also able to speak with current university students about their courses, their interest in cyber security, and what student life at Sheffield Hallam is really like.
Throughout the day, university students shared their personal journeys into cyber security and reflected on how their interests had developed over time. No two stories were the same, but a clear theme emerged: there is no single route into the sector. Their honesty and openness reassured the Year 10 pupils that it is okay not to have everything mapped out yet, and that flexibility can play an important part in finding the right path. Hearing directly from students was one of the most impactful parts of the day.
Attendees heard from students who had followed more traditional routes into university, including taking the expected GCSEs and A Levels to study cyber security, but who had not always achieved the grades they originally hoped for. Others shared less conventional journeys. Alex, for example, spoke as a mature student who had changed careers several times, while Sel reflected on how the pandemic forced him to alter his study plans when he was unable to return home. Each story highlighted how plans can change, and how those changes can still lead to rewarding outcomes. Talah, a student at Sheffield Hallam, also spoke about “decision fatigue”, an important point that resonated in a day focused on choices and the many opportunities available to Year 10 students.
Student feedback:
“I liked Cybersecurity before today but now I really like it. It’s really interesting and I liked listening to the students.” - Student from UTC Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park
“I liked listening to the students on how they got to where they are today” - Student from Beverly High School
The keynote speaker for the day was Victoria Speight, Founder and Director of CyberFit. She quickly captured the students’ attention as she spoke about leading four different businesses. She had also been invited to bring along her six-month-old daughter, whom she carried while delivering her keynote, a moment that made a strong impression on the room. Victoria reflected on her own career journey, explaining that from an early age she knew she enjoyed solving problems and wanted to become a businesswoman.
Claire Swallow and Bryony Cooke from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU) also spoke to students about making the right choices and shared their own journeys into the roles they hold today.
Sheffield Hallam staff also played a key role in delivering the event, including Myles Dempsey, course leader for the BSc (Hons) Cyber Security with Forensics degree, who helped bring the day together. He was supported by Paul Thornley, Senior Lecturer, and the second-year cyber security students. Together, they developed the cyber challenges for the Year 10 pupils to complete and were impressed by how quickly some participants were able to analyse the information provided and solve the tasks. In addition, STEM Ambassadors Chris McLaughlin and Dave Timlin supported throughout the day.
Teacher feedback:
“Brilliant initiative to help young students into cyber” - Teacher from Carlton Bolling School
“Students were consistently engaged and the passion to cyber security was evident in those running the event. I would highly recommend this for any school to experience” - Mrs. Blackburn – Teacher from Sheffield Springs Academy
“Fabulously inspiring for girls in tech” - Mrs. Williams - Teacher from Tapton School
The Cyber Career Pathways event demonstrated the power of collaboration, storytelling and student leadership in helping to shape the next generation of cyber talent.
By creating opportunities to share personal journeys, build confidence and inspire younger learners, the initiative delivered real impact and for the student contributors, it was also a valuable experience that will continue to shape them both professionally and personally.
