Scholarship unlocks Dana’s cyber security career

"It felt a bit surreal, to be honest," Dana said.

Having navigated life with major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder, she applied for an Access and Equity Scholarship through TAFE Queensland’s Scholarship Foundation with the goal of studying the Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22603VIC).

The TAFE Queensland Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to transforming lives by providing inclusive and equitable opportunities for students to unlock their potential.

Whether through applied learning, emerging technologies, or reskilling for new careers, the foundation empowers individuals to pursue their passion and purpose.

Sponsored by Orro, TAFE Queensland’s Access and Equity Scholarships support students who strongly commit to their chosen careers while facing personal or financial challenges.

Recipients, like Dana, come from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians, carers, people with disabilities or long-term conditions, the long-term unemployed, sole parents, and those facing financial or social barriers.

They are designed to help students overcome challenges and achieve their career goals by reducing financial stress and increasing access to education.

More recently, Dana was also diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder - an insight that helped her recognise how her strengths align with the cyber security industry.

"The tech and cyber security industry seeks qualified professionals with strong computer literacy, teamwork, and communication skills,” Dana explained.

“They also value strong analytical and logical thinking, common among neurodivergent individuals, including those with autism and ADHD.”

"That realisation led me to study cyber security and pursue a career in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry."

Studying at TAFE Queensland's South Bank campus, Dana’s classroom was inside the Cyber Security Training Operation Centre and Robotics Lab.

As well as industry-standard computer labs, the world-class facility uses a Lego City simulation to train students in cyber security, offering a hands-on, real-life experience.

The course also taught Dana essential technical skills, including network security implementation and breach detection.

These were complimented with critical soft skills such as stakeholder engagement and problem-solving needed to thrive in the industry.

A major highlight of the course was forming a project team with her classmates to assess and test an Incident Response Plan for an Incident Response Threat unit.

“This assignment was the best bit of my course. Over five months, we tackled real-world challenges, forming project teams to assess and test an Incident Response Plan.”

“From conducting penetration tests to analysing logs and refining our strategy, it was an intense but rewarding experience. The teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on learning made it an unforgettable journey,” said Dana.

Using her scholarship funding, Dana attended cybersecurity and hacking conventions and joined industry groups like the Australian Women's Security Network and the Australian Computer Society, further enhancing her knowledge.

Now a graduate, Dana has a strong foundation in IT network testing and cyber security, preparing her for junior cyber analyst or operator roles.

She aims to work in either the state or federal government or a well-established cyber security organisation where she can help protect Australians’ sensitive data.

She’s also excited to see more women transitioning into cyber security from other industries, bringing fresh perspectives and skills to the field.

Reflecting on her experience at TAFE Queensland, Dana credits her educators for their passion and encouragement.

"They were the lifeblood of the faculty, always passionate and pushing us to strive for greatness," she said.

For anyone considering a career in cyber security, Dana has one message:

"What's stopping you? The industry needs skilled professionals now more than ever, with businesses working to protect customer data and safeguard vulnerable communities."

She’s grateful for the opportunities TAFE Queensland provides and Brisbane's thriving ICT and cyber security community.

"Through scholarships, hands-on training and supportive teachers, TAFE Queensland helps people like me pursue careers that make a real difference," concluded Dana.