Rachel quit banking to fight cybercrime

“I saw firsthand how fraud and scams were evolving,” said Rachel.

“I wanted to understand the technical side of the attacks I was dealing with, and more importantly, learn how to stop them.

That curiosity led her to TAFE Queensland’s Coomera Creative Campus, where she enrolled in the Certificate IV in Cyber Security.

For Rachel, the decision was about shifting into a new career that was future-focused, relevant, challenging, and made a tangible impact.

What stood out about TAFE Queensland, she explained, was the hands-on learning.

“We didn’t just read about cyberattacks, we were building networks, running attack-and-defence simulations, and creating playbooks for real-world scenarios,” she said.

“Everything had a direct application in industry.”

She describes those high-pressure simulations as collaborative and energetic, with every student playing a crucial role.

The experience taught her not only technical skills but also teamwork, communication and confidence under pressure - qualities she leans on daily.

Rachel is now working in IT and cybersecurity as a Reactive Support Expert with a Gold Coast managed service provider.

“The portfolio I built at TAFE, combined with other industry certifications also obtained through TAFE, gave me the confidence and credibility to apply for technical roles,” she said.

Still, the transition wasn’t without challenges.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, where female representation in Australia sits as low as 17 per cent, Rachel recognises the importance of visibility.

“Instead of seeing it as a barrier, I saw it as an opportunity. Women bring valuable skills like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking that the industry needs.”

Her advice to others considering cyber?

“Don’t wait until you ‘know enough’ - just start. The skills can be learnt and the industry needs diverse perspectives. Be curious, ask questions, and take every opportunity to practise.”

Rachel is excited by the endless opportunities in cybersecurity.

“There’s always something new to learn and solve,” she said.

“And knowing I’m contributing to protecting people and organisations from cybercrime - that’s incredibly powerful.”