IT Security Analyst, MDDUS
Hi, I’m Fiona!
I didn’t take the “usual” path into tech, but it’s the one that’s made me who I am today.
I grew up in the care system and left school with decent grades, but I knew traditional university wasn’t right for me. At 16, I took a change and applied for a modern apprenticeship with QA Ltd. That decision turned out to be life changing.
I started as a Junior IT Helpdesk Engineer in a fantastic company, where I discovered how much I loved problem-solving, helping people, and learning something new every day. That role gave me the confidence to grow, and step by step I moved into cyber security.
As of now, I’ve completed my modern apprenticeship, I’m working as an IT Security Analyst, and I’m studying towards a BSc (Hons) Cyber Security at Glasgow Caledonian University through a Graduate Apprenticeship. It hasn’t always been easy, but resilience and curiosity has guided me along the way.
Q&A Answers
What was your first career aspiration as a child?
An actress… which is a world away from cyber security, but both involve thinking on your feet!
What would you tell your teenage self?
Your background doesn’t define you or your future. You’re capable of more than you think.
What’s your superpower?
Resilience/determination, things don’t always come easy, but I keep going until I figure it out.
Does your mum know what your career is?
She says I “work with computers.” Close enough?
Anything else you’d like to share?
Tech isn’t just coding. It’s creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and people. If even one young woman sees my story and decides to give it a go, I’ll be proud.