Shalu Madan has drawn praise for helping her fellow students – while achieving top marks
A mum-of-two has spoken of her pride after returning to Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and starting her journey on a new career path.
Shalu Madan previously studied and taught at ENU – but after being made redundant from her job as an architect during the Covid pandemic in 2020, she decided to begin studying for a cybersecurity degree.
Now she is celebrating her graduation from the BEng in Cybersecurity & Forensics programme, where she became an award-winning student.
Shalu, who is from Edinburgh, received the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student award at this year’s Herald Higher Education Awards, which was recognition for her commitment to supporting her student colleagues.
During the last four years, Shalu has been a widening access ambassador, a lab demonstrator, and volunteered at many Edinburgh Napier events.
She has also won the NVT Group Security & Networking Prize, for achieving highest average marks across cybersecurity and networking degrees at Edinburgh Napier.
Shalu said: "Lockdown was quite a difficult time. It was around then that I realised I needed a different direction.
"I was told cybersecurity was an up-and-coming field. Professor Bill Buchanan's talk at an event inspired me to join.
"I'm quite self-motivated and ambitious. Because I've taught before, I think I have a basic need to help people, and I got a lot out of that.
"The first thing I did after lockdown was make a study group. We all motivated each other and helped one another.
"I'm really proud to be part of the Edinburgh Napier community. Everyone's making such a big effort to support students, they organise so many events. I've loved being a part of it."
Having now celebrated her graduation, alongside colleagues from Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment at the Usher Hall today, Shalu can focus on her new career.
She has already started working at banking giant Lloyds in their cybersecurity team.
Shalu added: "I did my internship at Lloyds and got the chance to see all the specialist areas of cybersecurity.
“I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It's been so good to put all the knowledge I've gained to use.
"Getting this degree feels like a big accomplishment. I wanted to learn as much as I could, and get the best grades possible, so I could take those skills and feel confident applying for a job.
"It feels like all the effort that has gone into it has brought good results."