Charlene Lee’s fascination with the field of infocomm security began during her time at Singapore Polytechnic (SP), where she pursued an Engineering with Business programme. Among the diverse topics that she learned, coding captivated her the most. It led her to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), majoring in Information Security, at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT).

“During my three years in polytechnic, I learned about various topics like electronics, marketing, coding, and more. Among these, I enjoyed coding the most,” Charlene explained. Her participation in the Defence Science and Technology Agency’s BrainHack Cyber Defenders Discovery Camp, a capture the-flag competition in 2021, further piqued her interest in cybersecurity. “Although my team only managed to solve one or two challenges, it was an interesting experience that left me wondering what cybersecurity is!”

This curiosity was solidified during her polytechnic internship at A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research, where she delved into cryptography and learned about encryption and hashing. These experiences reinforced Charlene’s belief that a degree in information security would allow her to explore these fascinating subjects further.

Embracing Opportunities for Growth

Charlene’s decision to study at SIT was driven by its emphasis on applied learning and an industry-relevant curriculum. She was particularly drawn to the university’s hands-on learning approach, which she believed would build her technical skills and equip her for real-world challenges in the cybersecurity industry. To support her studies, Charlene applied for the SIT Scholarship, a decision which significantly shaped her academic journey.

The SIT Scholarship had a profound impact on Charlene, instilling in her a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to her education. An eye-opening experience for Charlene was when she participated in a DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness) assessment at the SIT Scholar’s Camp.

“The DISC assessment and analysis gave me greater insight into myself. It allowed me to understand better how I work and collaborate with my teammates,” Charlene reflected. By understanding her strengths, weaknesses, and interactions with others, she gained insights into her working style and collaboration preferences. Her newfound knowledge enhanced her ability to work effectively with her peers, contributing to her academic and personal growth. This was particularly evident during a challenging computer networks project that Charlene had worked on with her peers, which further enhanced her practical skills.

“In this project, we had to implement a robust network for a building with three floors and various departments,” Charlene shared. “When we were taught the theoretical knowledge, it was in parts. I would learn about routing in one and then learn about switches in another chapter. This assignment challenged us to integrate everything that we learned together into one project. We were glad we scored high marks for this project for its thoroughness and robustness.”

Gaining a Symphony of Skills

Beyond academics, Charlene participates in various co-curricular activities at SIT, particularly those aligned with her passion for music. She played a pivotal role in establishing the SIT Strings Ensemble, a new club that aims to bring together students with a shared interest in string instruments.

“The club was only established this year. I chose to help set up the club because I used to play the violin in secondary school and wanted to pick it up again,” she enthused.

“Navigating the club’s setting up, from finding instructors, sourcing for quotations, and communicating with various people has been a challenging but valuable learning journey.”

Charlene has built her leadership skills during her tenure as President of the EEE (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) Student Ambassadors at SP, where she learned the importance of communication and teamwork in organising events. These skills have been instrumental in her role at SIT, enabling her to efficiently manage her time and balance her academic responsibilities with extracurricular commitments.

In addition to the SIT Strings Ensemble, Charlene is also a member of SIT Pianissimo, a piano club which organises the Unify Piano Recital. The event is a platform for students like Charlene to showcase their musical talents and collaborate with fellow pianists. Her involvement in these musical engagements has provided a creative outlet and a means to destress.

Charlene attributes her academic success to consistency and effective time management. By staying consistent with her schoolwork, completing weekly assignments, and working on projects regularly, she avoids the stress of the last-minute rush and ensures ample time for test preparation.

“I prioritise tasks that are more important and urgent. I will set out a plan for my studies and assignments and follow through as much as possible.” During her term breaks, Charlene devotes time to her co-curricular pursuits, allowing her to enjoy them more.

Charting a Promising Path

Looking ahead, Charlene aims to leverage the skills and knowledge gained at SIT to excel in the cybersecurity sector.

“Some key skills I have developed are communication, problem-solving and working under time pressure. These will benefit me in the future as I can communicate efficiently between colleagues and external parties to ensure smooth project execution and effective problem resolution,” she said.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Charlene plans to obtain IT-related certifications offered by the cybersecurity sector to equip herself for the future workplace. “I plan to achieve this by studying hard for my current modules and the certification exams along the way,” she elaborated.

For students aspiring to join SIT, Charlene again emphasises the importance of consistency and time management. She advised: “Being consistent is very important. Learn to manage your time well, as trimesters can pass by quite quickly!”

Charlene’s journey at SIT is a testament to her passion, determination, and commitment to continuous learning and growth. With her drive and enthusiasm, she is poised to make significant strides in information security and beyond.