Welsh business students tackle cybercrime

Katie Hill, one of the students

Four Welsh business students have been given the opportunity to get hands-on experience working as Client Relationship Managers at the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales (WCRC).

Jacob Edwards, James Ikin, Katie Hill, and Keira Davies, who are second-year BA (Hons) Business and Management students at Cardiff Metropolitan University, all took part in a rigorous recruitment process as part of the university’s work placement project to be selected. Starting their positions in April, they are now an integral part of WCRC team, which supports small to medium-sized businesses across Wales in their cyber resilience.

The WCRC, which launched back in April, is part of a network of centres across the country which provide businesses with free and affordable cyber security guidance and services to help protect themselves from cyber-attacks. Organisations can sign up for various membership opportunities which includes a free core option, as well as flexible paid-for packages which are tailored to suit the level of support required.

In their role, the students work with organisations which have registered to be a WCRC member, overseeing the client-relationship journey. This takes individuals through a step-by-step process of what their cyber requirements are, capturing and triaging their concerns, and arranging appointments with Police Officers and membership support advisors to ensure that a membership package tailored to their specific needs is created.

Detective Superintendent Paul Peters, Director of the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our four students. From day one they have shown great enthusiasm and commitment to their roles. These are quite niche positions in the team as they require Welsh as well as English speakers and all of them have proved they’re more than up for the job.

“When the WCRC first launched we thought this would present a great opportunity to partner with an educational facility as a way in which to offer young Welsh people in the region the chance to gain some great work experience in a really interesting and dynamic sector. Cardiff Metropolitan University was really open to this as part of its work placement programme and were more than happy to lead on the recruitment process. The feedback we have had so far from the students has been excellent, with all four keen to explore careers in the cyber space.”

Dr Kelly Young, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Business, Management and Law at Cardiff Metropolitan University, added: “This project has been an amazing opportunity for our BA (Hons) Business and Management students to work with the WCRC and getting real ‘on the job’ experience.

“Not only has it enhanced their CVs, but it has also given them the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain insight in a high-level tech-based enterprise. The students have excelled in their roles, taking on the challenges of not only delivering but also designing the process and supporting systems, bringing in innovative ideas and practical solutions; skills which are highly desired by organisations.”

Jacob Edwards, who is one of the students participating in the placement, concluded: “This partnership has not only been great for my personal development, but also gaining confidence in a professional environment as well. I have learnt many skills which include communication between our team and clients as well as developing data handling skills.

“I find this field of work fascinating therefore I hope to be a part of the WCRC going forward,” Jacob added.

After proving such a successful partnership, Cardiff Metropolitan University and the WCRC now intend to create a longer-term collaboration with plans to develop further placement opportunities for students.

For more information on the Cyber Resilience Centre for Wales, its services and membership options, please visit www.wcrcentre.co.uk.