By Jasna Suresh, Cyber Security MSc
“Going back to studying after working for over two years? What made you take that decision? How are you finding it so far?”
These are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked as a student returning to academia after working as a Security Engineer for over two years. And I know I’m not alone in this journey! Transitioning from corporate life to academia wasn’t an easy decision, and trust me, I debated it for months – weighing the pros and cons, thinking about career growth, and wondering if I was ready to swap structured workdays for lecture halls again. But here I am, living the student life in London! Here’s what motivated me to make the switch, the steps I had taken prior to making this transition and how the change has been so far.
Why I Took the Leap
The biggest driving factor for me was my constant thirst for learning. I’ve always been highly enthusiastic about expanding my knowledge, and from a young age, I was encouraged to follow my passion and pursue what truly excites me. While working as a Security Engineer was an incredible experience, I realized I wanted to specialize further and expand my opportunities in the field, and pursuing a postgraduate degree would certainly allow me to do that.
Choosing the right university and course was equally important. I spent weeks researching, comparing programs, and making lists of universities, and King’s College London was on top of that list. Ranked among the world’s top 50 universities and offering a highly technical and hands-on cybersecurity program, it checked all the boxes for me, and made it my dream choice. Just reading through the modules got me excited to study again – something I hadn’t felt in a while!
The Reality of Going Back to Student Life
Returning to the student routine after a structured work life was challenging. No more paychecks at the end of the month, no structured work hours, and suddenly, I had to keep up with coursework, take notes, and actually study for exams again. It took some time to get back into the rhythm – daily reading, attending lectures, and juggling assignments. On top of everything, managing my own health and well-being as an international student in London was an even bigger hurdle. I planned ahead – brushed up on the fundamentals before the course started, created a rough schedule, and decided to stick to it. This helped me manage my time effectively.
Financial planning was another critical aspect. Before moving, I ensured my funds were in place and explored part-time job opportunities to support my living expenses. Speaking to senior students and ambassadors at King’s was a game-changer. This helped me understand London’s cost of living – accommodation, transport, and food expenses – all of which were essential to factor into my plan.
Corporate life was structured, with clear deliverables and a set workflow. University? It’s a lot more self-driven. You have to manage your own time, keep up with coursework, and proactively seek out networking and learning opportunities. But, let’s be honest, that is what makes it truly exciting, and the rewards at the end of this journey pushes you forward everyday. Finding like-minded peers and building the right support system made a big difference in adapting to this new phase.
The Rewards of This Transition
Despite the challenges, the rewards have been immense. If you ask me, personal growth and intellectual stimulation have been the most fulfilling aspects for me from this transition. The opportunities for research, projects, and skill development are invaluable, and the career prospects that come with a postgraduate degree are incredibly promising.
Studying in the heart of the London also gives you exposure like no other, where you get to collaborate and interact with people from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, and the overall environment has contributed significantly to developing both my technical and soft skills.
So, now let me answer just one question, was it worth it? Absolutely!
Looking back, this journey has been challenging yet deeply rewarding. For anyone considering a similar transition and if you’re on the fence about taking the leap, I would say plan well, stay curious, and embrace the learning experience!
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