Why did you decide to join SECCLO?
I decided to join SECCLO after spending some time working in Information Security. During that time, I realized the importance of robust security practices in software development and the advantages of using cloud services for infrastructure improvement. Wanting to transition into a development role and enhance my skills, I began searching for a master’s program that aligned with my career goals. SECCLO was a great fit because it covers Security and Cloud while offering specializations in fields like Development, Big Data, and more. Furthermore, my role as a teacher at my university played a significant part in my decision to study at SECCLO. It presented an exceptional opportunity to not only enrich my own knowledge but also to bring my valuable experience back to my students.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far?
My first year at SECCLO has been an exciting journey. I got an internship at a great company, studied fascinating topics at Aalto, and, most importantly, built strong friendships with my fellow students. We have become a fantastic study group, always ready to support each other, share our diverse backgrounds, and even cook together, adding a fun twist to our learning experience.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO?
Studying at SECCLO comes with several perks. First, the program has high standards, and the reputation of the affiliated universities makes graduates highly attractive to employers. They appreciate the quality of education we receive and our dedication to our career goals.
Moreover, SECCLO offers a unique chance to expand your global network. Meeting people from around the world not only enriches your personal life but also broadens your professional horizons. The friendships we form last well beyond graduation, as we continue supporting and assisting current and former students with their academic and career pursuits.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO?
I found SECCLO on the Erasmus+ webpage. I was looking to study abroad, and I had heard about the Erasmus Mundus scholarship from a friend. I was looking for a topic related to cloud technologies, that’s why SECCLO caught my eye. When I researched the partner universities and the program syllabus, I decided it was a opportunity for me.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far?
SECCLO is not easy but is always rewarding. Courses are demanding and intense, but there’s always someone willing to help, either a professor, a TA or a fellow student. The courses cover all kind of security topics, and the electives allowed me to look into the topics I’m most interested in. Aalto had a wide variety of courses where you can find almost any topic. Now on my second year in KTH I have also found a many interesting courses that align with my professional goals and will help me achieve them. Nevertheless, the student life in Aalto doesn’t mean you are only studying, the student life is the best in the world for a reason. Activities, events, and clubs are always there and constitute a big part of the experience. No matter what you like, sports, board games, cooking or sauna, there’s always some activity you can join and enjoy.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO?
I believe SECCLO has given me great academic skills, the opportunity to interact with people from around the world, and a new perspective on the cybersecurity world. I’ve had lectures with professors that contribute to protocols we use today, met with people who work developing cutting edge products, and on top of all I have experience Finland to its fullest. But definitely the biggest advantage of studying in SECCLO is the great academic preparation, and the close contact with the industry.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO?
I decided to join SECCLO because the program’s curriculum perfectly resonates with my career aspirations and interests to create safe and efficient methods to securely compute bigdata over the network which I believe will have a positive impact on technological society. SECCLO covers both the fields of Security and Cloud Computing, making it an ideal fit for my goals. I was particularly drawn to the opportunities to learn from leading experts in the field. Additionally, the international nature of SECCLO, with its multiple partner universities, appealed to me as it provides a truly diverse and collaborative learning environment.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my SECCLO studies, especially during my first year at Aalto University. Finland gives me a warm welcome, and It’s truly been one of the best decisions I’ve made in this post-pandemic era. During my first year here, I’ve been exposed to a diverse range of courses and teaching styles. The professors at Aalto are highly knowledgeable and incredibly supportive, creating an environment where learning is both challenging and rewarding. Furthermore, Aalto student community is exceptionally active, offering numerous student events and activities to participate in. I’ve had the chance to make friends from all over the world, which has not only enriched my academic experience but also broadened my horizons culturally. As I transition into my second year, where I will be at Eurecom, I am excited about the new opportunities and perspectives that this change will bring. Overall, my SECCLO studies have been a remarkable journey, and I look forward to the continued growth and learning with SECCLO.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO?
In my opinion, SECCLO offers a range of compelling advantages. Firstly, the program offers a well-rounded education in security and cloud computing, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. I particularly enjoy the hands-on lab work and exercise sessions, which have enriched my learning journey. Secondly, SECCLO’s strong industry connections open doors to valuable careers opportunities. Personally, I’ve had the privilege of pursuing my internship at Ericsson, which has provided me with real-world insights and a direct pathway to a meaningful career in the field. Moreover, the international aspect of SECCLO fosters cultural exchange and global networking, which is invaluable in our increasingly interconnected world.
These advantages collectively make SECCLO an excellent choice for anyone passionate about security and cloud computing. For better and safer cybersecurity!
What did you learn during the internship?
My internship gave me the opportunity to meet like-minded people and led to my entry into the Finnish job market. Using my technical skills and improving them was a very rewarding experience for me. Since my internship was in a relatively small company, I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility and get to know people more easily. Being treated like a regular employee instead of a summer intern has given me the confidence to be more active.
Where are you doing your second-year studies, and what are your expectations? How has it been so far?
I am studying at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway, for my second year of study. I am looking forward to learning more about Information Security and getting to know Norwegian culture. In terms of landscape, Norway is quite different from Finland, so I’m looking forward to exploring mountains, fjords, and watching northern lights from my window.
My expectation is that the high-quality course structure will continue here as well. My courses so far have been enjoyable. Having a balanced course load allows me to spend time exploring Trondheim and Norway as well. This is particularly exciting since SECCLO isn’t just a Master’s program but also a cultural experience.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
This is a great program with many benefits. Applicants who have a background in computer science and are interested in learning more about security should definitely apply! For the future, it will provide a great network as well as open up a lot of doors in Europe. Studying at SECCLO will not only lead to a master’s degree, but also to a new SECCLO family.
What did you learn during the internship?
My internship was with Amazon in Spain and I worked as a software development engineer. My job was to develop internal automation tools for our data scientists building machine learning models for the search function on Amazon marketplace. I got to learn plenty about working in the industry, mainly what a “true” Agile workplace is, how to talk to our customers and define requirements according to their necessities, how to work in a team with people having different seniorities and across timezones (part of the team was in the US west coast and part was in Spain). Of course, I also learnt about internal processes and technologies used in Amazon, as well as some cloud technologies used on AWS.
I also learnt Spanish, which is always useful. Finally, the other fellow interns in my team and I were lucky enough to be the first ever European interns to go on a business trip to San Francisco to meet the other half of our team!
Where are you doing your second-year studies, and what are your expectations? How has it been so far?
I am studying in Tartu, Estonia and I’m enjoying it so far. I like how the evaluation process works for most subjects and that there is a very practical mindset – I’m learning how to do stuff, not the theory behind it. This is something that I value highly in the last year of my studies before I go to the industry. The professors here are very kind and available towards helping you build a more personalized academic curriculum. For example, the reason why I got into cryptography were blockchain and cryptocurrencies, and I was allowed to take two blockchain courses even if originally they weren’t part of the core curriculum. This motivates me highly and helps me learn about things that I always cared about.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
First of all, contact someone who is participating to it now, or has recently graduated, so that you can get dive deep into the programme and ask all of the questions you might have, whether practical or just curiosities. I personally believe that the strength of SECCLO relies in its network. SECCLO (and its predecessor NordSecMob) have been around for a while, so there is a network of companies that know about it and, most importantly, there is a network of former students around the world. In my opinion the secret to success in this field is having a great network, because if you do, you can always find someone who can help you. And the SECCLO network isn’t just a network, it’s more of a family, as different batches keep in contact and help each other out. Finally, the consortium’s universities are among the best ones in Europe for this field and offer top notch education; pair it up with great student life… what more are you looking for?
What did you learn during the internship?
My internship with Ericsson was a great learning opportunity for me. It started quite early as a part-time internship during the spring semester, which later turned into a full-time internship during the summer. The chance of working part-time as an intern while studying taught me a great deal about time management and accountability.
As a software developer intern for Ericsson, I was mostly responsible for the backend development of ESM (Ericsson Security Manager). In this role, I got to practically implement the concepts I learned during my first year at Aalto while getting a chance to broaden my technical repertoire. My tasks were assigned in such a way that they align with my interests, and I would learn the most from them. I was also given a chance to host meetings and stand-ups, which boosted my confidence and honed my presentation and communication skills. In addition, I learned to better fit in a cross-cultural team and improve my overall team working abilities. I have enjoyed my internship experience and I remain quite amazed and fascinated by the Finnish working culture.
Where are you doing your second-year studies, and what are your expectations? How has it been so far?
For the second year of my studies, I chose to study at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. KTH has some really interesting courses, many of which are very hands-on and offer a lot to learn from. I got particularly interested in the subjects Ethical Hacking, and Communication System Design Project while applying to KTH, as they had new topics for me to explore. I gained a lot of new expertise regarding a field I was oblivious to, and I am still learning. There’s room for everyone to grow in KTH.
Besides studies, the courses here for SECCLO are very well-balanced, and there is enough time to explore the city and its vivid culture, which is the best part for me. I love roaming around the city streets and exploring new cafeterias, malls and sometimes just enjoying the view and fresh air of the Swedish east coast. Sweden and Finland feel so similar, and yet are very different in so many ways. But in both of the countries, I am enjoying a very beautiful Nordic lifestyle.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
SECCLO is such a broad program and yet is very welcoming to students from many backgrounds. It presents you with possibilities that could pave your way for a successful career in a booming industry. In fact, SECCLO is more than the courses and the master’s degrees it offers. When you join SECCLO, you become part of a unique family, with an immensely helpful alumni network, and classmates who turn into friends for life. The courses, covering advanced topics, can be challenging and overwhelming at times, but it is equally rewarding as you get to closely learn about state-of-the-art technologies.
For me, SECCLO provided a holistic experience of studying and graduating from two of the world’s finest universities alongside brilliant and talented individuals from around the globe and growing around a student culture unlike anywhere else. It is an experience I will cherish for my lifetime, and I want every aspiring student to have a similar experience. To all the students considering applying, I’d suggest, “Just, Go for it!”. I know you’ll have your doubts, as I had mine too. But the hustle is definitely worth it!
What did you learn during the internship?
During the internship I got to work at a world leader in cybersecurity: Withsecure (based in Helsinki), at their “Detection and Response” team. My tasks were mainly related to backend development and DevOps but in a very complex big data system.
Courses taken at Aalto gave me the theoretical background and skills needed for my internship. I learnt mainly about technologies related to big data systems, such as Kinesis, SQS, CloudWatch, CloudFormation and CDK. I also got to apply my previous knowledge in backend development in a new environment.
Where are you doing your second-year studies, and what are your expectations? How has it been so far?
I am currently during my second year at EURECOM in south France. The student life here is amazing, as the physical location (and weather) of the university are great and most students are international. The courses are interesting, yet intense and demanding, but so far every SECCLO student has been able to keep up with it.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
Don’t event think it twice, it might get stressy from time to time, but it is worth every second.
What did you learn during the internship?
While working at Nokia as a DevOps trainee, I got the opportunity to work with the latest DevOps tools and technologies. It was an ideal opportunity to make use of the knowledge I gained from studying interesting courses at Aalto and implement it to solve real world problems. This experience made me familiar with the test automation for a large-scale telecommunication product. Furthermore, I got a chance to integrate automated security testing of the product into its CI pipeline and provide support to the testing engineer by fixing critical bugs. This internship not only made me familiar with the Finnish working culture, but also greatly enhanced my networking skills.
Where are you doing your second-year studies and what are your expectations?
I will be joining KTH Royal Institute of technology for my second-year studies. I am excited to start off this new journey and experience living in Stockholm. I am also looking forward to learning interesting courses related to my specialization and gaining hands-on experience by working on a project that will help me grow personally and professionally.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
Don’t spend too much time thinking. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will open multiple doors of opportunity for you. SECCLO is an ideal program if you have an interest in security and cloud computing. It offers a perfect balance between theorical studies and practical implementation. By being a part of this program, you will experience high-quality education from well reputed universities, get familiar with Finnish working culture, make new friends from different backgrounds, and explore many countries.
What did you learn during the internship?
My summer internship in a Finnish company was a great opportunity to experience what work life in Finland can be – engaging and peaceful at the same time. In my experience, Finnish companies were eager to hire a student from Aalto, so I could choose what company and field to work in. All in all, during that time I grew a lot, both professionally and personally, and I will definitely adopt some of the concepts of Finnish culture into my life.
Where are you doing your second-year studies and what are your expectations?
I am doing my second year at DTU, Denmark. It is quite different from Aalto, and I am grateful for such an opportunity to explore different universities during my masters. This experience is indeed priceless, as it shows that education in Europe can be very different and everyone can find what they are passionate about. For me, courses and studying processes at DTU differ a lot from what I had during my bachelor’s and first year at Aalto, so I am looking forward to learning new concepts and growing professionally during this semester.
A nice surprise: even though we are currently living in Corona-times, all the studies here at DTU are held on campus with no restrictions, so we are lucky to be able to meet the professors and other fellow students face-to-face every day.
And, of course, living near stunning city of Copenhagen and exploring it during the weekends is a huge plus! 🙂
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
If you like exploring the world and meeting new interesting and intelligent people, not afraid of learning, passionate about Cyber Security and IT in general – SECCLO is a great opportunity to get it all! Not only you will get to study in one of the most high-ranking European universities, but also gain a network of international students and professors all over the world.
What did you learn during the internship?
In contrast to my peers, I had a very easy time receiving an internship position. I wasn’t some magical super-student but simply employed already at the Finnish company Smartly.io. Initially, and before SECCLO, I was hired as a full-stack software engineer. However, for my internship, I wanted to do something different and perhaps more in line with the studies at SECCLO. So I proposed to Smartly that I’d do an internal rotation to the DevOps team, which they excitedly facilitated.
I can honestly say that the most important thing I learned from my internship was how helpful, flexible, and understanding Finnish tech companies are. I’m not the only one with a similar story, you’ll find plenty of students on campus with similar experiences with “the industry”. If you’re looking for a highly engaging and, simply put, chill working environment, then an internship in Finland is nothing to miss. (Quick remark: this is not to say that I gained no technical skills; quite the contrary, I learned so much about actual DevOps workflows and even got to work/lead a project affecting the whole engineering department at Smartly!)
Where are you doing your second-year studies and what are your expectations?
Currently, I am writing to you all from Côte d’Azur, the French Riviera. My second year will be at EURECOM in the technopark of Sophia Antipolis, where the specialization is Big Data Security. As a Northener, I am expecting it to be warm and sunny most of the time.
As for the studies, I am expecting high-quality classes from excellent professors within my field of interest, namely cloud services and security (as well as malware analysis and reverse engineering). I am also expecting a slightly different working culture and environment.
Having studied most of my time in Finland I am grateful that this program is partly abroad, I find that to be a great opportunity to learn about different cultures.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
Aalto is a top university, and so are all of the partner universities. If you’re looking for top-notch academia, a great work/life culture, and some proper sauna then there’s nothing to be hesitant about! (If you’re afraid of the cold then don’t be; I already miss the snow here in France).
What did you learn during the internship?
I learned how it is to work at an international company and specifically, how the working environment in Finland is. The application process helped me get a better picture of what Finnish companies expect from candidates and what their selection processes are. During the work, I was able to apply previous knowledge in real-world scenarios, which is always a very good opportunity to further improve acquired skills.
Where are you doing your second year studies and what are your expectations?
I’m doing my second-year studies at NTNU in Norway, where I expect to learn a lot about cybersecurity, particularly for Wireless Security and Blockchain technologies. I also hope I will be able to travel around Norway while I’m here, so I can learn more about the country and it’s culture.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
I think that if you have computing background and are new to security, SECCLO is a very good option to get into the field and obtain hands-on experience. Most courses are beginner-friendly and you also get a lot of support from colleagues, teachers and staff. It’s definitely a good opportunity to advance your career.
What did you learn during the internship?
My internship has taught me valuable lessons. The application process, the interviews, the exercises, and the challenges have become my assets. It has shown me that “GIVING UP IS NEVER AN OPTION.” My internship at Eficode exposed me to the Finnish working environment, and I had the chance to apply what I learned in my bachelor’s and master’s classes. I have worked with Robot Framework, Heroku, GitHub action, and Nodejs. I have seen the product I worked on go live and functional.
Additionally, Eficode helped me get my Azure-104 certification. Although some of the tasks were challenges, I have accomplished them with the help of my colleagues. Because Eficode has more than 200 technical personnel, there was always an answer for any question I raised during my internship.
Where are you doing your second-year studies, and what are your expectations?
For my second year, I am going to NTNU. I expect to get hands-on experience and more advanced knowledge; I am excited to enjoy the mountainous nature of Norway and “Northern light.” Additionally, I am eager to meet more international students and experience the Norwegian way of studying and working by exploring the job market in Norway.
What would you like to say to somebody who is considering applying to SECCLO?
When God opened my door to join SECCLO, I knew it was for so many reasons. One of the reasons is to encourage others to join SECCLO. It is a place where I had new, challenging, and exciting experiences. If you think you are into Cloud or Security and like challenges, then SECCLO is a place to start. If you are interested in joining the Nordic workforce, SECCLO is a place where you can get both knowledge and exposure to the nordic working environment. Especially for fellow African students like myself, if you plan to change your country and have adventure, no-more thinking twice, apply for SECCLO, and have two years of exposure that helps you contribute to your nation’s development.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? In the final year of my Bachelor’s, I became enthusiastic about many computer security courses. So much so that I wanted to delve in deeper in my Master’s. I had also always wanted to visit and live in the Nordic countries of Europe. SECCLO was the perfect fit.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far? For me, SECCLO immediately started off by forming great bonds with the other students. We went into the first semester eagerly, interested in all the topics we would discuss. And there was plenty to research and dabble in. Group projects, hackathons, and technical talks. The second semester was characterized by work from home. I finished up the last couple of courses and started working with Ericsson as a research intern. Now that I am in Stockholm, following courses and projects at KTH, I relive the same excitement for the topics I encounter and the research groups I meet!
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? SECCLO’s main advantage is the amazing network of international students and researchers that surrounds it! I have enjoyed the feeling that I am becoming part of a top-notch world of technological and scientific advancement.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? I’m interested in the security and cloud computing field, and the SECCLO curriculum looked super interesting to me. The scholarship was also really attractive because it helped me and my family to avoid the financial burden of studying. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by brilliant people coming from all around world is also a big motivation. Moreover, the partner universities all have high academic reputation which I believe ensures the quality of the programme (and it has been proven true:)).
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? I think one of the biggest advantages is that we have the chance to explore different cultures, either through meeting new friends from different countries, or by having the chance to study in two different universities. It has really broadened my horizons. Another big advantage for me regarding the courses is that most of the courses we had in Aalto were project-based, which means you learn by doing. I really liked it and learned a lot through hands-on practices.
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? If you are interested in security and cloud related field, and you also love to explore the world, SECCLO is a great opportunity that you cannot miss.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? Since starting my bachelor studies, I have been interested and engaged in system administration, cloud infrastructure and IT security. When I came I across the Security and Cloud Computing Master’s degree, I immediately knew this would be the right place for me. Additionally, the opportunity to study (and explore!) two different European countries was exciting to me.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? Studying in the SECCLO programme exposes you to cutting-edge research in the topics of systems and security engineering, bright minds, friendly people and two European countries!
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? If you are interested in IT security and/or IT infrastructure, SECCLO is the right place for you. Not only will you receive excellent teaching which is real-world relevant, but you will also meet new friends and experience new countries.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? I chose SECCLO mostly because of its specialization in cyber security and the well-built curriculum. Besides, the universities offering the programme are well-known in their countries, and I also had a chance to obtain the Erasmus Mundus scholarship to cover my expenses during the studies.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far? The courses I have studied so far in SECCLO have been really interesting and have helped me to strengthen my academic background in different technical aspects. The academic staff have always proven their expertise during the courses and offered great support for students. Besides, the summer school after the first year was fascinating as I had the opportunity to work together with passionate classmates to solve interesting hacking exercises. Last but not least, the internship was an excellent opportunity that allowed me to experience the working environment in a Finnish company and learn valuable practical skills.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? I joined SECCLO because it had the most comprehensive computer security courses I could find.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far? Joining SECCLO was the best decision I could make. My first year in Finland was full of pleasant surprises, and Aalto University is a great place to study. The second semester took place remotely due to COVID-19, but SECCLO and Aalto staff ensured we had everything we needed to follow the lectures. Besides, the remote summer school was (still) a lot of fun!
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? By studying in SECCLO, you will be surrounded by brilliant minds from all over the world. Besides, Finland is a beautiful place and you get to spend your second year in another European country.
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? If you consider the partner universities, scholarships, internships, summer school, and if you want to study computer security in Europe, SECCLO is by far the best option.
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? Studying Masters was always in the back of my mind but after my Bachelor’s, life happened so fast that I worked for 5 years. I was working in the security field, but always felt that I needed to learn more. SECCLO gave me the opportunity to study further and the scholarship just took the extra pressure off my mind. It helped me to further focus and concentrate in my studies. SECCLO was a game changer in my life 😊.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far? My first year was pretty smooth as every part of my move from India to Finland was helped by the SECCLO team. I was only left to concentrate on my studies and to explore the beautiful city. The various job fairs, the CV and LinkedIn clinics went in a long way to understand the market trends of Finland. Even when COVID happened, my studies faced minimal interruption and they always checked on us to see if we were doing ok.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? The best part of SECCLO are the professors who you get to work so close with and my fellow students who come various parts of the world. The atmosphere created to engage in meaningful conversations is the best part of SECCLO. The support given through each stage of the semester either for coping with the study methods or in finding internships has helped me to cope with the different culture of the new country.
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? SECCLO gives you a great platform to learn and wide opportunities to practice what you learn. They offer assistance through each stage of the Master’s course and you’ll never be left alone to deal with any discomfort. (But discomforts are quite rare and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience!).
Why did you decide to join SECCLO? It provides scholarships so that you can study your favorite subjects without financial concerns and you get to make friends from all over the world.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies so far? I am now in my second year of study. I had some difficulties in learning new professional knowledge, but there are always a bunch of fellow students who can study together and learn from each other. Indeed, I have gained a lot of knowledge far beyond the classes!
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? My classmates are top students selected from all over the world and everyone has a different experiences. The majors at the partner universities are top in the world rank and you can get perfect education in SECCLO.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies? My first and second year at SECCLO were really amazing. All SECCLO students experienced the first year together at Aalto University, which created a strong bond and friendships among fellow students. Aalto University also provided a very welcoming environment for international students, with many activities and student services. Meanwhile, my second year at EURECOM was also a great experience. The courses were beneficial and exciting. The professors and the universities also helped us to find an internship and thesis positions, which opened up lots of opportunities ahead.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? We got to learn computer security directly from the experts. The professors at SECCLO are among the best in the field. The courses offered are beneficial and inspiring for the student, especially to pursue a career in computer security field, which is a very demanding field.
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? If you are interested in software engineering, learning computer security can increase your bar higher than typical software engineers. Computer security is an important field, albeit neglected by most. Many people regard computer security as too challenging to learn. However, SECCLO programme taught the students all the necessary skills we need to know in well-delivered courses and classes. Hence, SECCLO is the best programme if you seek a tremendous future potential in the technology industry.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? In my opinion there are both professional and social advantages to the SECCLO programme. The professional advantage is a broad career perspective. According to my knowledge, almost everyone from my batch got several internship and full-time job offers because of the emerging need for qualified engineers and researchers in the field of security and cloud computing. In addition to that, our professors and coordinators shared some good advice on securing a place for the Master thesis projects during the summer internship, organizing company networking events and preparing us for the Nordic work culture. As for the second advantage, I would say that I have never seen so many talented and interesting people in one programme. We worked in teams a lot, so after I spent a lot of time with my SECCLO classmates, I became friends with all of them!
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? Potential SECCLO applicants may worry about how demanding SECCLO studies are or what their job prospects are after graduation. As a recent alumna of the programme, I can say that they shouldn’t worry about either one of these issues! The education system is built in such a way that you don’t need to memorize, but rather think and understand. Of course, we studied a lot during the two-year programme, but overall, computer science and especially security are fields whereyou need to learn and develop constantly. After gaining such a mindset, there are no boundaries in finding a place to work after the SECCLO programme, because you will know your strengths, professional goals and dreams.
I am currently a Backend Software Engineer at Tink in Stockholm, Sweden. My work focuses on building a PaaS for financial institutes and banks across Europe. I can say I definitely benefit from my knowledge of application security at my work a lot, since the security in the fintech industry is significant.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies? During the first year of SECCLO, there was a broad range of subjects, both security-oriented and cloud-related, which we needed to have a solid background in. While some courses were more challenging than others, I enjoyed every single course I took. I studied a lot during the first year. Still, I also traveled a lot and became friends with almost everyone on the campus. By living in Otaniemi student campus, I got to participate in the constant events and social activities organized by the student chapters (guilds as they are called in Finland).
At the end of our first year, we had a chance to travel to the stunningly beautiful Trondheim for an intense summer school on blockchains and cryptocurrencies. It was busy, tiring, and very challenging, but amazing in every way. We all ate our meals together and experienced Norwegian culture. The best part was the never-ending sunshine. It was sunny all the way until midnight.
My summer internship took place in NIXU, a security consultancy firm, which helped me learn about the Finnish working life. I could really see the knowledge I gained translate into actual work in the industry. Also, I was lucky to be able to take part on their annual convention in Estonia. There I could see a lot of people as passionate about security as I am.
As for the second year of my programme, I went to KTH in Sweden and worked on my Master’s thesis project at Ericsson. Most of my courses in KTH were practical and hands-on, which let me do a lot of individual learning. The thesis took most of my time, and I found coordinating my work between multiple universities and an industry partner challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Overall, the academic curriculum, administrative procedure, and professional and personal growth from the program are incredible. I wholeheartedly recommend SECCLO to students with a passion for security and cloud.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying at SECCLO? In my opinion, the best part of the SECCLO programme is the deep industry cooperation and focusing on real-life practical challenges rather than teaching too much theory. We didn’t have any issues finding a summer internship in Finland due to the university’s broad network, referral of NordSecMob (SECCLO predecessor) students, and well-organized administrative processes. The studies are organized so that a person is responsible for their own tempo and can ask for help from professors if needed. Most importantly, professors at Aalto and KTH enjoy their work and are happy to provide students with more advanced materials. Moreover, after the end of my first year, I clearly understood if I wanted to focus on research or industry based on my personal and professional goals. That is truly an amazing aspect about this programme.
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? The time that I spent during SECCLO was definitely a great time to grow professionally and personally. If a person is genuinely interested in applying to SECCLO, I recommend starting the application process as early as possible. Start preparing your documents from October. Write a genuine motivation letter. Follow the guidelines on the website and do not miss the deadlines. SECCLO is a programme worth the effort. If you are selected, you will have two wonderful years. You’ll meet amazing people and never regret it.
I am currently working as a Junior Site Reliability Engineer at SEBx, a part of SEB bank in Sweden. My work focuses on security configurations, so I bring a security perspective to my team with my understanding of threat modeling and network security.
How would you describe your SECCLO studies? These two years have helped me develop a lot, both professionally and personally. And the best part of the journey has been the people: meeting some of the best experts in the field, getting to know people from other cultures and making friends for life is what made it unforgettable.
In your opinion, what are the advantages of studying in SECCLO? The environment at the universities in general and among SECCLO students in particular is very diverse. My friends and classmates come from almost all continents and have different backgrounds. One has 10 years of work experience, while the other comes straight from their Bachelor’s, one enjoys competing in Capture The Flags, while the other has never done any hacking but has incredible math skills. I believe the programme has enough flexibility for each individual to focus on what interests them the most, gain the skills they lack, and strengthen their strengths.
What would you like to say to a potential SECCLO applicant considering their choices? To people hesitating about joining the programme, I absolutely encourage to take that step. You will have your highs and lows, but you will definitely grow a lot. At the end, the programme will give you an immense range of career opportunities, be it cybersecurity or software engineering in any country or an academic career at a top-rated university.
