Scott Mitchell
Cyber Security - BSc (Hons)
Scott wanted to study Cyber Security to put a stop to cyber criminals, but wasn’t sure if university was the right environment for him. After getting stuck into his course and finding his community in the neurodiverse society, he’s helping other students face the challenges that can come with university.
"There’s a huge need for Cyber Security in the modern world and I knew I wanted to be one of the people putting a stop to cyber criminals and the affects they have on people and businesses.
Originally, I wanted to do a Degree Apprenticeship as I thought the practicality of it would be better for me. However, I decided to visit a BCU Open Day and realised that BCU had great facilities and links with industry, so I could still get that hands-on experience at university.
That’s one of the best things about my course, the links with industry and the practicality of the classes. We have great links with companies such as Microsoft and Cisco and there are lots of work experience opportunities. I’ve been able to improve my career prospects massively during my time at BCU.
A role that I’ve gained a lot from is the role of Demonstrator for first-year students on my course. The role involves helping first-year students during their programming and operating systems modules. It was a great experience learning how to help people with different skill levels and adapt my teaching styles to different students. It’s made me realise that I really enjoy teaching and helping others overcome challenges. I’ve struggled with certain aspects of university due to my autism and dyslexia. I’ve been able to learn from all these challenges and use them to help others who may be struggling.
BCU have provided a lot of support for me as someone who is autistic and dyslexic, and I’ve also found a community in the Neurodiverse Society at BCU. I got involved with the society during my first year. Talking to other neurodivergent people helped me deal with some of the struggles I faced due to my autism and dyslexia. After seeing how much it helped me, I knew I wanted to be involved in a bigger way and I’m now the treasurer of the society.
The society provides a place for people who might be struggling at university or who just want people to chat to. We have an online chat on Discord and run some in-person events. The chat function is always really active and it’s really great to see people supporting one another. I used my computing knowledge from my course to make this a group that’s only available to BCU students, not to everyone on Discord, making it a safe environment for people to vent or ask for advice.
Along with others in the society, I’ve been able to open a sensory room at BCU’s City Centre campus for people who become overstimulated and need a place to relax. We hope to open one at the City South Campus too so there’s a calm space away from the stresses of a busy campus in both locations.
It’s been great during my time at BCU to feel like I’m making a real difference to people. I’ve seen people who aren’t able to talk to anyone at university become more sociable, confident people.
Considering I didn’t think university was for me before I came to BCU, I’ve settled in really well and it’s great to help people who are also worried that they won’t belong.
To me, ‘I am BCU’ means being a part of a community of friendly students who are there to help each other. It feels like one big happy family."