Fajjar Manzoor, a BSc Cyber Security student at Staffordshire University London and former pupil of Caterham High School, has recently secured an internship as a Digital Technology - Endpoint Security Intern at Baker Hughes, a global leader in energy technology renowned for its innovative solutions. With over a century of expertise, Baker Hughes is committed to reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety across the energy sector. The company's services cover the entire energy value chain, from oil and gas exploration, production, refining, transportation, and storage, to newer, sustainable energy solutions. Operating in over 120 countries, Baker Hughes combines cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry.
As a Digital Technology Intern at Baker Hughes, Fajjar is gaining valuable industry experience. In her role, she provides daily support and works closely with management to ensure staff issues are promptly resolved. Additionally, she has been collaborating on cyber security initiatives with her fellow interns and the Endpoint Security team throughout her internship year. This experience is offering her an in-depth understanding of the cyber security challenges faced by a major organisation and the strategies employed to mitigate them.
Fajjar’s decision to apply for a position at Baker Hughes was significantly influenced by a video she watched featuring a female cyber security employee at the company. “After hearing her speak about the need for more women in the IT business, I became more confident in my desire to be part of that diversity,” she shared. Inspired by this message of inclusion and the representation of women in cyber security, Fajjar pursued a role at Baker Hughes. Since joining, she has connected with female colleagues from around the world, further reinforcing her commitment to contributing to the field.
Her interest in cyber security developed gradually through self-discovery and exploration. “I’ve always had trouble determining where my interests lie,” Fajjar reflected. This uncertainty led her to take the initiative to explore various fields by conducting her own research, reading publications, and attending open-access university events. It was during one of these explorations that she discovered Staffordshire University London. “It never occurred to me that Staffordshire University would have a London campus!” she recalled.
The turning point came when she attended an Open Day at the university and participated in a cyber security workshop. “Learning fascinating information about data breaches around the world, informative discoveries, and the modules on offer really caught my attention,” Fajjar explained. The experience was not only eye-opening, but here she first felt confident about pursuing a career in cyber security. Particularly inspiring was the realisation that women are actively contributing to the IT security profession, in this often male-dominated field. This revelation solidified her decision to dedicate her university years to gaining hands-on experience and expanding her understanding of the field as a cyber security student.
When it came to choosing where to pursue her cyber security studies, Staffordshire University London also stood out to Fajjar for the campus environment, with its office-like setting, offered a unique learning experience compared to traditional lecture halls, giving Fajjar a glimpse into the professional world beyond university.
“Being a part of a tight-knit community, I can now ask instructors for help and be socially open with other university students,” Fajjar explained. This supportive and interactive atmosphere was crucial for her, making Staffordshire University London the ideal place to study cyber security. Fajjar encourages anyone interested in information technology to consider enrolling at a university like Staffordshire University London, where the learning experience extends beyond the classroom.
Fajjar’s time at the University has been pivotal in preparing her for a career in cyber security. The university’s programme provided her with a strong foundation of knowledge, practical experience, and the confidence to seek guidance when needed. “The modules that particularly stood out to me during my semesters were Networking Concepts, Ethical Hacking, and Mobile Forensics,” she said. These hands-on modules offered evaluations and projects that deeply engaged her interest and enriched her understanding of cyber security principles.
Samuel Onalo, a Cyber Security lecturer at Staffordshire University London, expressed his delight at Fajjar securing a placement at Baker Hughes. "I was thrilled to hear Fajjar had landed a placement at Baker Hughes. Throughout her second year, she has shown remarkable aptitude and commitment to both her academic pursuits and personal growth. Her dedication to mastering the complexities of cyber security, along with her exceptional problem-solving skills, have undoubtedly contributed to this incredible achievement. I'm confident that this opportunity will provide Fajjar with invaluable hands-on experience and pave the way for a bright future in cyber security."
Beyond coursework, events such as AWS DeepRacer and Capture the Flag sessions further enhanced Fajjar’s learning experience. These activities not only captivated her interest but also provided her with practical skills directly applicable in the cyber security industry. Of all the modules she completed, Fajjar found Networking Concepts and Security, as well as Ethical Hacking, to be the most beneficial. “These two modules have made a significant contribution to my placement,” she noted. The practical strategies taught in these modules, such as protecting a business from intrusions or preventing misguided interpretations, have been invaluable in her role at Baker Hughes. The hands-on activities broadened her understanding and equipped her with the skills to effectively manage cyber security risks.
In reflection of securing her internship at Baker Hughes, Fajjar also highlighted the opportunities at the London campus, such as attending a Women in Tech event hosted by BrightNetwork in February 2024. “I took the opportunity to listen to talks from women in different industries,” Fajjar recalled. Armed with this information, she spent the year applying to jobs through websites like GradCracker and RateMyPlacement, though initially without much success. Despite feeling discouraged, Fajjar persevered in her attempts to secure a placement. It was through BrightNetwork that she first learned about the Digital Technology placement at Baker Hughes. Seizing the opportunity, she tailored her CV utilising the University’s Graduate and Employability team which helped prepare Fajjar for her interview, in showcasing her knowledge and passion for cyber security. Fajjar’s efforts paid off, leading to the offer of an internship and the chance to gain hands-on experience in the industry.
As Fajjar continues her studies at Staffordshire University London and gains practical placement experience at Baker Hughes, Fajjar is well on her way to building a successful career in cyber security.
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