Cyber studies: Jasmine Eyers
CASE STUDY
Final Rank: Communications systems specialist in the 21 Signal Regiment
Jasmine Eyers is currently serving in the British Army as a communications systems specialist in the 21 Signal Regiment. Jasmine is currently going through resettlement and is due to leave the military this summer after 13 distinguished years. She has completed a number of cyber-related courses, including IBM’s i2 training course through SaluteMyJob, which she describes as ‘the best yet’. She is incredibly ambitious and has firmly set her sights on making her mark in the cyber security industry.
Jasmine recalls one of her biggest achievements being early on in her career when she was a Lance Corporal and was sent to Morocco as a detachment commander, where as part of a team of five, she was in charge of all communications. It was huge achievement for Jasmine as it was her first experience of leadership with external agencies. The communications specialist says she is going to miss being in the military as it has been such a huge part of her life – but she knows it is time to move on.
Before Jasmine started resettlement she had two plans: to look at both project management and cyber – in particular, information assurance roles. She has and is in the process of completing management qualifications – as well as a range of cyber certifications – but feels cyber is the industry she really wants to focus her attention on. She explains: ‘Being in the IT sector within the Royal Signals, I already have some of the skill set needed for an information assurance role but now it’s about developing those skills and learning “civilian” qualifications in that area. It’s just something that personally I am really keen on going into.’ Jasmine says she has been finding resettlement ‘quite easy’ as she has been incredibly organised from the start. ‘I think being organised is a big part of it. Knowing what I wanted to go into, looking at the different areas within that field, as well as thinking about future promotion.’
Before Jasmine even signed off, she made herself a 12-month planner and looked at all the courses she wanted to do to get into the sector she was aiming for. She applied for courses that are relevant to what she needs – and her planner is now full up. Some of the courses Jasmine has completed, or is in the process of completing, include Cyber Network Foundation and Practitioner, Crucial Academy Information Assurance Course, Certificate in Management of Risk and AGILE.
Once you’ve seen a role that appeals to you, start networking, speak to people within that industry and get the qualifications you need
Jasmine believes she has gained a huge number of valuable skills, as well as experience, that will help her gain successful employment in the cyber industry. ‘Working within IT and security in my role at the moment, I work with cryptomaterial and have to make sure everything is secure. And it’s not just technical skills, it’s also the diversity of my skills. In the Signals we get trained on a lot of different equipment – so I have a diverse background on various systems. Also it is about the diversity of working with people. I get to work with different people from different organisations, different sectors, different levels and different backgrounds. I have learned quite a lot through diversity.’
Jasmine heard about SaluteMyJob, IBM and the Corsham Institute’s i2 training course through word of mouth. Individuals who successfully pass the course will be accredited by IBM as a certified i2 Analyst. She was full of praise for the course and would recommend it to other Service leavers. ‘It was really, really good! I highly recommend to anyone. The instructor was amazing. She made it really down to earth, really enjoyable to learn. The content and the whole course itself was pitched amazingly. It was just really interesting and was the best course I have done so far.’
With just a short time to go until Jasmine’s official last day in the Army, she is busy trying to gain as many qualifications as she can, as well as focusing on networking and trying to gain commercial experience. She says: ‘Half my time is about doing qualifications and the other half is working on networking, speaking to the right people within that environment, as well as organising work placements and insight days.’ She recommends attending Barclays Military Insight Day to Service leavers – she found it incredibly interesting and insightful. She offers this advice to other Service leavers going through resettlement who want to forge a career in cyber:‘Look into cyber itself as there are various roles within that sector. Once you’ve seen a role that appeals to you, start networking, speak to people within that industry and get the qualifications you need. Also, create a 12-month plan. I’m networking through people I know who have left the Army and have gone into that industry. I’ve also been on Project Fortis [ see uk.linkedin.com/company/project-fortis] and noticed some really good links there, and have done a lot through LinkedIn as well. It’s all about being proactive. Even though you have 12 months it’s not a long time really.’
Finally, when asked what value Service leavers add to businesses, Jasmine says: ‘They are always striving for more. Not only looking to do what their job tells them to do, they are so much more proactive – they will seek out more opportunities to make an impact. We are adaptable and always trying to improve.’
FIND OUT MORE
If, like Jasmine, you are interested in SaluteMyJob’s FREE cyber courses, you can find out more at www.salutemyjob.com/training
To watch a video interview with Jasmine about her experiences on the course, her background and why she wants to work in cyber, visit: https://play.buto.tv/PQZyB
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