Shalu reinvented her career into Cyber Security through determination and community.
From Architect to award-winning Cyber Security Alumna
When Shalu Madan returned to Edinburgh Napier University, she was looking for a fresh start. Having previously studied and taught at the University, Shalu decided to change direction after being made redundant from her role as an architect during the Covid pandemic. She enrolled on the BEng Cyber Security & Forensics programme and began a journey that would lead to academic success, industry recognition and a new career in technology.
“Lockdown was quite a difficult time. It was around then that I realised I needed a different direction... I was told cybersecurity was an up-and-coming field. Professor Bill Buchanan's talk at an event inspired me to join.”
Throughout her studies, Shalu became a widening access ambassador, lab demonstrator and volunteer at numerous Edinburgh Napier events, supporting fellow students while achieving outstanding academic results. Her commitment was recognised through multiple awards, including the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student award at the Herald Higher Education Awards. Reflecting on this she notes, “I'm really proud to be part of the Edinburgh Napier community”.
Helping others was a key part of her experience - "I'm quite self-motivated and ambitious. Because I've taught before, I think I have a basic need to help people, and I got a lot out of that.
"The first thing I did after lockdown was make a study group. We all motivated each other and helped one another.”
Today, Shalu is building her career in cyber security with a banking group in Edinburgh, applying the knowledge and skills gained during her degree.