Timofei is a class of 2024 MSc Cyber Security graduate. Timofei completed a Bachelor of Computer Science and Masters of Cyber Security in Russia before relocating to Ireland. Timofei secured work with Okta and is now a Product Security Engineer.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I work as a Product Security Engineer, and I really love my job. I graduated from NCI with an MSc in Cybersecurity. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, jogging, and I recently started surfing.
What made you choose Ireland as a place you wanted to work?
I saw that many big IT companies are based in Ireland, and it looked like a great place to develop my career. I have also always been interested in Irish culture. I love Irish folk music, and green is my favourite colour. Ireland is also very well located, between the US and continental Europe, which makes it a great place to travel from.
What was your most memorable experience from your time at NCI?
I really liked our lectures, especially those delivered by people who came from industry and had experience working at the IT companies I wanted to be part of. I also liked that the process was not linear and that you could shape the programme a bit around your own needs.
How did you hear about your role? (Was it a jobsite, a contact, a recruitment agency, some you met at a careers event etc?)
I saw an advertisement on LinkedIn and applied. I also reached out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Luckily, they were actively looking for someone for this particular role, and they invited me for an interview.
What did the recruitment and selection process involve and how did you prepare for it?
It was a long process, with a series of interviews — about five in total. I usually take notes during my interviews and prepare for the questions I was asked. After some time, you realise that the questions often repeat, which makes them easier to answer.
Can you describe the visa process you underwent? (Did you get Stamp 1G or Critical Skills – has that changed since joining etc)
Yes, I got Stamp 1G, and it helped a lot because I could start working straight away without the company having to wait. After I was employed, my company applied for a Critical Skills Employment Permit for me, and I then applied for a Stamp 1 visa.
What is a typical day like in your current role?
Most of the time, I read code, look for vulnerabilities, perform penetration testing, and do threat modelling. I also explain to engineering teams why certain parts of their code are insecure. It is pretty fun work.
What do you like most about working in your current role or profession?
I like that it is not a mainstream path. Cybersecurity is a bit of a niche, but it is still a pretty in-demand profession. You need to think about how a program can be used in ways that were not intended by the developers. I think it is a very creative job.
What are your Top 3 tips for current students and graduates who are looking to enter the job market in Ireland.
- Be patient — it is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Do not neglect your social life and sport while searching.
- Believe in yourself and never give up.