Roxana Avirvarei

If you’re thinking about studying on our Computer Networks and Security course, then you might be interested to know where the course can take you after you graduate and what opportunities you’ll have while studying with us.

One of our Computer Networks and Security graduates, Roxana Avirvarei told us why she chose BCU and how a placement year with the University helped her to gain confidence. Now, with her own YouTube channel, she wants to bring awareness to the importance of cyber security to others.       

Why did you choose to study at BCU?

I moved to the UK from Romania to study a security-related course. When choosing the right one for me, BCU just felt like the right place. I was able to find work while studying and although it is a big city, it did not feel overwhelming. BCU became my home away from home and I have very much enjoyed studying here.  

How did your course prepare you for the work place?

My course prepared me for employment in a number of ways. I completed a placement year with the CEBE faculty and it prepared me for an office job. From collaborating with different members of staff across the faculty and within the IT department, to gaining confidence and trusting my decision making. I gained many professional contacts during this time and I’m sure I will be working with them in the future. I strongly believe that I grew as a person during my four years’ at BCU, and this is due to the guidance that I received from staff on my course and through placement.  

What roles have you secured since you graduated?

I’m working as a Junior DevOps Engineer for the mobile games company, Kwalee. I began working here after graduating in July 2019 and I'm still here now!   

What is your favourite thing about your current role?

I love the fact that I can be a valuable part of the team. Everyone has their strong skillset and we all play to our strengths, which allows us to work amazingly well together. In my role, I am able to lead innovation, introduce new concepts, write policies and help people across the company. 

Did you always know what you wanted to do after the course?

In a way, yes. I began my studies within the intention of it contributing to an end goal. So far it has worked out immensely well and even though I don’t currently work in security, my present role provides me with insight into how business works and allows me to gain valuable experience for the future.

What are your future plans?

I plan to move into a cybersecurity related role as I am very passionate about the field. To help me reach this goal, I created ‘Rocks Security’ and formed a presence online. I want to build this project to more than just a YouTube channel, I want it to become part of a movement that brings cybersecurity to the forefront of everyone’s life. By doing so, I am hoping to educate people and create opportunities for students to be able to work in the field that they are studying while providing them with valuable experience along the way.     

What advice would you give to students starting the course?

Find your passion and stick with it. It can be really hard to know exactly what career you would like in 5 to 10 years, but it’s not about the specifics, it’s about doing what feels right to you. There will be days when you don’t feel as motivated but stick with it. Learn from every experience and job that you have, they will all teach you something.

What did you enjoy the most about studying at BCU?

The community. When I started the course, we had to write an essay about our first experiences at BCU ‘our home away from home.’ This phrase has stuck with me throughout the years and I still consider BCU to be my home away from home.