BU student Lorraine Che has become the first recipient of a new studentship, launched to encourage and support more women into careers in cyber security.
The studentship is sponsored by ESET, a leading global cyber security company which has its headquarters in Slovakia and its UK office in Bournemouth town centre.
Lorraine, who has received a £5,000 grant and a package of computer hardware to help her in her first year on the BA (Hons) Cyber Security with Digital Forensics, said: “I am so pleased to benefit from this opportunity. The money will help me to buy study materials such as online resources and textbooks, ensuring I have everything I need. It may also help me to take more certificates that I can obtain throughout my time here. The team at ESET have been very supportive and I have received a fantastic package of support from them. I’ve only just started on the course but I’m really enjoying it and I’m looking forward to the future and a great career in cyber security.”
The ESET Women in Cyber Studentship launched in the UK in 2024 and will continue to support a further two first-year female students across the next two years. The initiative is part of ESET’s work to promote diversity and raise awareness of careers in cyber sector, where around 80 per cent of the workforce is male.
Lina Radwanski, Brand and Partnership Manager at ESET, said: “We are delighted that the first ESET Women in Cyber UK studentship is now up and running with Bournemouth University. Lorraine is an extremely deserving candidate, and we are proud to support her as she begins her career in cybersecurity.
“She joins a great cohort of female students who have received the funding from ESET in the US, Canada and Australia whilst they pursue their qualifications. We wish Lorraine all the best in her studies and look forward to hearing all about her progress.”
Jonathan Goode, Head of Fundraising & Alumni Relations at BU, said: “We are grateful to ESET for partnering with us on this important initiative, which will provide much-needed financial and practical support to students and which will help to increase diversity in an important growth sector. We look forward to hearing about Lorraine’s progress on the course and awarding further grants over the next two years.”
Female students applying to join one of three BU courses in 2025 – Cyber Security Management, Networks and Cyber Security and Cyber Security with Digital Forensics – can now apply for the second £5,000 studentship. Find out more online.
If you are interested in partnering with us to provide studentship grants, please email [email protected].
