On 17 December the Computing and IT department at Uxbridge College welcomed back former students Danny O'Leary and Karla Gespaher, who both completed the HND Cyber Security programme in 2024. They talked to current HNC/HND Cyber Security and AI students about how their time and studies at Uxbridge College, including the support they received from lecturers, helped them excel in their further study and achieve their career goals.
Cyber security is in demand
Danny started his studies at Level 1, successfully progressed all the way to Level 5, and completed a Cyber Security degree at London Metropolitan University in July 2025. He is now employed by InstantOnIt as a Cyber Security Analyst. Danny excelled academically during his time at Uxbridge College and said, " Uxbridge College was like home to me. I chose this course because cyber security is an increasingly in-demand field. The work is engaging, constantly evolving, and offers continuous opportunities to learn and develop new skills."
A place I would recommend
Karla, on the other hand, began her studies on the BTEC Level 2 in Games Design and after successfully completing her course at the College she progressed on to study Cyber Security and Forensic Computing as a top up at London Metropolitan University and achieved her degree. She is starting a Cyber Security MSc at Newcastle University next year.
When asked how Uxbridge College prepared her for her degree course, Karla said; "I have learned everything from cryptography to risk management at Uxbridge College, and it was the knowledge that I got from here that pushed me through university itself. Uxbridge College is definitely a place I would recommend to others and it's got great support and great teachers and amazing people that go here as well."
Gaining career insights
Both have excelled in their studies and are a true inspiration for our current students, showing them the opportunities that await them after completing their HNC/HND courses at Uxbridge College. Sam Al-Jajjoka, Section Manager for Computing & IT and Uxbridge College, said about his former students:
"Danny met every deadline and approached each task with maturity and commitment. It has been a privilege to teach such a dedicated and outstanding student. Karla is an exceptionally hardworking and ambitious student with a clear commitment to advancing her career in Cyber Security. It has been inspiring to witness her growth and dedication."
The session was fantastic and gave the students a valuable opportunity to gain career insights, receive advice for life at university, build professional networks, and get inspired by real-world experiences.
Our students were inspired to hear about their amazing study and career journeys to date.
We look forward to hearing more about both Danny and Karla’s journeys as they progress in their chosen career paths.