“From learning hair styling, to getting into CyberGirls Fellowship, to landing her first role as a Tier-2 SOC analyst, straight out our doors”
Oluwamayowa Agoro
“My name is Oluwamayowa Agoro, an alumna of the transformative CyberGirls Fellowship, now working as a Tier-2 SOC Analyst.
I turned down an admission to study a course in university i didn’t like and ended up spending 2 years stagnated. I was later admitted to study Information Technology and because I wasn’t keen on it, I just went into the routine of, read, study, and write exams with no plans for my future. For the fun of learning a new skill, I learnt hair styling…but in 2022 I attended a conference that now marks a turning point in my life.
At this conference hosted in my school, the speaker, Segun Ebenezer Olaniyan spoke about cybersecurity and it piqued my interest. I went back home did my research and found out about Confidence Staveley and her tremendous impact on girls interested in CyberSecurity and that was it for me! I saw that CyberSecurity was it for me.
I waited for CyberGirls Fellowship call for application, applied and got accepted after what was nerve wracking waiting period. I soldiered on, combining university work with this very demanding cybersecurity fellowship program. I went from not having cybersecurity knowledge to Performing forensics investigations to collect and analyse digital evidence, using SIEM platforms to investigate malicious activity, performing log and network traffic analysis including malware infections, conducting threat actor research and so much more.
I had challenges with my learning because I didn’t have a laptop but that quickly got sorted, thanks to Mr. Emmanuel Asika for gifting me a laptop during his MannyVille Webinar Series. It was timely and very helpful gift I remain grateful for.
What would I tell a woman, lady, or girl looking to start any career whatsoever in tech or anywhere? I’ll say trust God, do your own research, and don’t give up or be distracted from whatever good things you’re striving to achieve. Keep pushing and don’t listen or let anyone discourage you. It might get dark but truly I believe that good things happen to those who wait, persevere, and strive to achieve it.”
Congratulations Mayowa, we are super happy proud of you. I also want to thank CyberSafe Foundation‘s board member, Dr Iretioluwa Akerele for recommending Mayowa for this role.
CyberGirls Fellowship is Africa’s largest #cybersecurity training and mentorship program for women.
