Mentee: Navenesh Kumar
Hi, I’m Navenesh Kumar, a cybersecurity-focused computer science student currently pursuing a dual degree at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) in Malaysia and De Montfort University, UK. Over the past few years, my journey has been shaped by a blend of academic learning and hands-on industry experience. Below, I’ll share my path through various roles, key challenges, and advice for those looking to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
My Career Journey
1. Part-Time Developer at Kurz Production Sdn Bhd
I started my career with my first internship at Kurz Production. I was tasked with creating a File Management System using VBA Excel. This project marked my entry into the world of software development. As I progressed, I collaborated with the Leonhard Kurz’s IT team to develop a comprehensive Maintenance & IT Request Portal, utilizing technologies like MariaDB, OTRS, and PHP. This internship was pivotal, not just for honing my software development skills, but also for giving me a solid foundation in IT.
2. Cybersecurity Mentee at Lateral Connect
I also began my journey in cybersecurity with Lateral Connect’s Cybersecurity Mentoring Programme. As a mentee, I was guided by industry experts and introduced to topics such as network security and ethical hacking. This experience deepened my understanding of cybersecurity and helped steer my career in that direction.
3. Technical Presales Intern at Senhasegura
Alongside my role at Lateral Connect, I took on a Technical Presales Internship at Senhasegura. In this position, I was responsible for preparing technical documentation, such as RFPs and proposals for clients in the APAC region. I also gained hands-on experience with Privileged Access Management (PAM) technologies. This role provided me with a unique perspective on how cybersecurity solutions are implemented in real-world settings and how to communicate complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
My Experience: First Month vs. Now
First Month: Learning and Adjusting
In my first month as a part-time developer at Kurz Production, I faced the challenge of quickly learning the company’s infrastructure and tools to develop the systems. The learning curve was steep, but it was incredibly rewarding to see my academic knowledge come to life in a practical setting. Same goes to Lateral Connect, I was diving into cybersecurity at Lateral Connect, where I began to explore the complexities of network security and ethical hacking. Both roles kept me on my toes, offering new challenges and a wealth of learning opportunities too.
Now: Gaining Confidence and Expertise
Now, into my Technical Presales Internship at Senhasegura, I’ve moved contribute to like drafting detailed RFPs and engaging with supervisor on PAM technologies. My understanding of how cybersecurity technologies fit into broader business strategies has expanded significantly. Similarly, my experience at Kurz Production has strengthened my programming skills and given me invaluable exposure to database administration, both of which are key to my work in cybersecurity.
Overcoming Challenges
One of my biggest challenges early on was translating academic knowledge into practical skills. Cybersecurity is an expansive and rapidly evolving field, and while my academic background provided a strong foundation, I quickly realized that real-world applications require continuous learning and adaptation. For example, at Senhasegura, my technical background was essential, but I had learned to adjust my approach to communicating complex solutions in a way that made sense to non-technical clients. This required developing soft skills such as communication and business acumen.
Additionally, adjusting to remote work in cybersecurity was another challenge. The fast-paced environment demanded strong time management and communication skills, particularly when collaborating with teams spread across different time zones. To overcome this, I worked on improving my organizational skills and learning how to effectively communicate in virtual settings.
Expectations vs. Reality
When I first entered the cybersecurity field, I anticipated a heavy focus on technical work, hacking, penetration testing, and vulnerability assessments. However, I quickly learned that cybersecurity is much broader. While technical skills are important, much of my work also involves creating documentation, working with business teams, and also the need of communicating with clients. Cybersecurity is not just about solving technical issues, but also about aligning security strategies with business objectives.
The level of cross-functional collaboration was another surprise. I didn’t expect to interact so frequently with teams, project managers, and clients during my roles. Now, I understand that cybersecurity is integral to business success, and my role is to ensure that security solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each organization.
Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
Based on my journey, here’s some advice for anyone looking to break into the cybersecurity field:
- Develop Both Technical and Soft Skills: While technical expertise is essential, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and business understanding are just as important. Cybersecurity professionals often need to explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences and collaborate with various teams.
- Gain Hands-On Experience: Cybersecurity is a practical field. Look for internships, part-time roles, or side projects where you can apply your theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. My internships at Kurz Production and Senhasegura have been invaluable in providing practical exposure.
- Keep Learning: Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Stay curious and continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge, whether through online courses, certifications, or hands-on challenges like Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions.
- Understand the Business Context: Cybersecurity is not just about protecting systems; it’s about safeguarding business operations. Understand how security aligns with business goals to provide more effective solutions.
- Ask for Help When Needed: Cybersecurity is a vast and complex field, and no one can know everything. Don’t be afraid to seek guidance from mentors or colleagues when you encounter challenges.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my journey so far, I’m grateful for the diverse experiences I’ve gained through my internships at Kurz Production, Lateral Connect, and Senhasegura. These roles have provided me with a solid foundation in both technical and business aspects of cybersecurity. While the beginning was challenging, I now feel more confident in my abilities to contribute to the field.
If you’re considering a career in cybersecurity, I encourage you to go for it. The field offers endless opportunities for growth and innovation, whether in technical roles, presales, or business-focused security positions. Stay curious, gain practical experience, and always be ready to learn.
Navenesh Kumar
Created by Navenesh Kumar as part of the Lateral Connect Mentoring Training Programme
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