Jack Forsyth - My Work Experience with tmc3

At tmc3, we are passionate about discovering and developing the cyber security and data protection professionals of tomorrow. This year, we took our first steps on this journey by establishing the tmc3 work experience programme, which is designed to give paid work experience and develop budding cyber security and data protection professionals. 

Jack Forsyth, an Ethical Hacking student from Dundee was the first to join the initiative. We sat down with Jack and asked him about his journey so far. This is his story.

The Beginning of My Journey

I began my journey at tmc3 in June 2022, I was delighted to have been given such an opportunity to work and gain some experience with tmc3 as I had only just finished 2nd year of my university degree in Ethical Hacking. I had also been working nightshifts at a retail store which often messed up my sleeping schedule as well as the ability to see friends and family. So, I was very excited for this new change.

I had an interview with one of tmc3’s Cyber Security Consultants Ryan, when I started my interview, I was greeted by Ryan with a big smile, during the interview process I was honest about my capabilities and provided him with some evidence of what I’ve been working on in university. A day or two went by and I received a call from Ryan, and it was probably the best news I had heard all year, I got the job!

My first day was 23 June, 2022.  I was greeted with an introduction call and was made to feel at home right away, we discussed what was planned for me and what I should try to get out of this experience. I was told that I would get to try every aspect of what tmc3 do and after that I can choose my own path of what I would like to specialise in.

But before that could happen Ryan wanted to test my research skills and current knowledge of the most current and popular cyber threats, and this was my first task! I created a report on the OWASP top 10, what they are, how they are used and countermeasures that can be taken to avoid them. Halfway through the first day I got a knock on my door from the mail man and what they delivered was a massive goodie box from tmc3, this was my welcome package, and I won’t spoil what was in it, but it only solidified how excited I was to start my journey with tmc3!

I will also mention that when I was getting my welcome call from Ryan and Adam, I was asked if I had enough equipment to do this job comfortably e.g., monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc. My desk chair had broken 2 weeks prior (leaned too far back), and the back was not safe nor was it comfortable anymore, so I asked if it would be ok to get a new office chair. Expecting to be told no, you’ve only just started, I was happily surprised that they said yes of course! Another massive change to what I was used to with previous jobs.

Skills I have Acquired so far at tmc3

So far at tmc3 there have been many different projects, tasks and meetings I have managed to attend, the following are skills that I believe I have managed to either improve or gain from my three months at tmc3:

• Working on cyber and digital transformation programs
  • ISO 27001
  • Cyber Essentials (Plus)
  • CIS Level 1
  • NIST
• Vulnerability remediations
• Communication
• Organisation
• Research
• Teamwork
• Customer facing work
• Governance
• Working with AI
  

tmc3 and University

So, now I have gone back to university and can no longer work full time. When I informed tmc3 about this they were completely understanding and in fact told me that they’d love to keep me on if I wanted to continue and that they would be flexible with my hours to make it work with my university times and work. And that’s what happened! I am now three weeks into university and the split between the two is working out great.

Conclusion

At the time of starting my journey at tmc3 I was 19 just about to turn 20, so by no means did I consider myself to be experienced or have enough knowledge in the field to properly contribute to this industry. But I believe I am passionate and proactive and that’s why I reached out about this opportunity. tmc3 made it very clear that they wanted to develop and expose me to real world scenarios in the industry and that I should get as much out of the experience as I can.  I wasn’t there for them to throw me into the deep end and start generating revenue, this was tailored for me to learn. Knowing this gave me comfort and I knew I was in for a fun, informative and genuine experience. And so far, it has been that and more, I look forward to my future with tmc3 as there is still so much to learn and aim for and I believe the sky is the limit here.

Ryan Malaney, Consultant and Mentor comments:

"Since coming onboard, Jack has been getting exposure to all aspects of the industry such as shadowing client engagements to helping build entire ISMS's from the ground up. He has provided some incredible input into our innovation series and has developed long lasting industry relationships through exposure to client facing duties. Jack came to us a student and has earned the accolade of being well on his way to earning his stripes as a working professional in this field. We couldn't be prouder of where Jack started out and where he is now."

Interested in a career in cyber security or data protection?
If you are looking to start or progress your career in an industry that offers excellent career progression, competitive packages and the opportunity to do more, better and faster in the ever-evolving digital world, then reach out to our team now. You’ll find yourself joining a people centric business, where our team are at the centre of everything we do.

Reach out today