“The fellowship was especially challenging
because my undergraduate degree was in
accounting and Chinese, so transitioning
to a different field was a big adjustment
for me.”Dzorgbenyui Dordor’s
My name is Dzorgbenyui D. My interest in cybersecurity was sparked by a personal experience when my mother nearly fell victim to a vishing attack, which could have potentially resulted in a financial loss. That incident made me realize the importance of safeguarding individuals and organizations against cyber threats. In 2022, I participated in a tech fellowship, where I received beginner training in cybersecurity. One of the friends I made during the fellowship shared the CyberGirls 3.0 application with me and encouraged me to apply; the rest, they say, is history.
One of my biggest challenges during the fellowship was balancing the fellowship with my master’s studies. It was especially challenging because my undergraduate degree was in accounting and Chinese, so transitioning to a master’s program in a completely different field was a big adjustment for me. I also had to juggle the rigorous training, projects, and courses during the fellowship. However, through determination and discipline, I completed both the CyberGirls fellowship and master’s with flying colours. After all, as a CyberGirl, excellence is our hallmark. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I drew strength from a portion of the CyberGirls mantra: “I am a voracious learner, so nothing is too difficult for me to master.”
Indeed, nothing is too difficult for me to master, and although my training was in GRC, I currently work as an NOC analyst. The skills I developed during my prerequisite training have been immensely beneficial in my current role. During my job interview, my ISC2 certification in cybersecurity, sponsored by the CyberSafe Foundation, captured the attention of the interviewer. Additionally, I impressed them by explaining a project I worked on during the fellowship, particularly the process of creating an access control policy and its significance for organizations. This demonstration of my skills and expertise helped me secure my position.
Following my participation in the CyberGirls program, it has been a continuous journey of learning and self-development. From preparing for certifications to assuming the position of assistant lead for the ‘GRC Learn a Tool community’. Being part of the CyberGirls community has been truly amazing. Having a supportive network of sisters to rely on has been incredibly valuable. Each celebration of a CyberSister’s achievement serves as a reminder of my potential. In the words of CS, “Ladies, please do not dim your light for anyone.” I am immensely grateful to Cybersafe for this incredible opportunity, and I eagerly anticipate what the future has in store.
We need your support to turn the potential of 500 young girls and women like Ikponke across Africa into today’s cyber talent and tomorrow’s cybersecurity leaders.
