Paige Mullen is a Criminologist and Cybercrime Advisor at Advanced Cyber Defence Systems.
Paige has a BSc in Sociology and an MSc in Criminology, specialising in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity.
How did you land your current role? Was it planned?
After completing my MSc in Criminology, with a specialisation in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, I found myself uncertain about the specific role I wanted to pursue. However, a friend of mine passed my CV to someone at Advanced Cyber Defence Systems (ACDS), which led to an interview. During the interview, I was able to showcase my knowledge as a criminologist and my ability to explain complex cybersecurity jargon in simpler terms. Although I didn’t know it at the time, joining ACDS has allowed me to explore various roles within the company and discover which ones I’m most passionate about.
Did you (or do you) have a role model in tech or business in general?
One of my role models in this industry is Christine Maxwell. Christine is the Director of Cyber and Risk at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and I had the pleasure of meeting her through ACDS. What inspired me about Christine is that she didn’t have a background in tech, yet evolved into this role, which proves that it is more accessible than people may think.
What are you most proud of in your career, so far?
I would say that the proudest moment of my career so far is setting up a vlogging series called ‘All Talk, No Tech’, where I break down cybersecurity terms and explain them in a simple way. Getting behind the camera was something that I found quite daunting, but I wanted to give it a go and I’m really glad that I did. I am now making more episodes to aim to help people understand various cybersecurity terminology because it can be overwhelming at times.
What does an average work day look like for you?
Working in a start-up is a great experience. Each day is unique and I have the opportunity to collaborate with many different teams and participate in various tasks. My work mainly focuses on researching the “cyber world,” which includes keeping up with the latest news on new types of attacks. I write many blogs, aiming to combine the perspectives of cybersecurity and cybercrime to explain particular types of attacks, why they occur, and what motivates attackers to commit these crimes.
Has anyone ever tried to stop you from learning and developing in your professional life, or have you found the tech sector supportive?
Based on my experience, I have received a huge amount of support in developing my skills and advancing my professional career. Working at ACDS has provided me with countless opportunities to learn and grow, and I have never encountered any resistance in pursuing my goals. Additionally, I have seen numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women in the tech industry, particularly in cyber security. Such initiatives not only encourage women to join the field but also facilitate their success once they become a part of it.
Have you ever faced insecurities and anxieties during your career, and how did you overcome them?
Throughout my career, I have been faced with insecurities and anxieties. One of my main sources of anxiety is the thought that I may not have the required skills to succeed in this industry and that I will never be able to learn everything I need to know. To overcome this, I remind myself that I worked hard to earn a qualification in this field, and that I am still at the beginning of my career, with much time to learn and grow. Sometimes, it is important to take a step back and put things into perspective, which often helps me.
Entering the world of work can be daunting. Do you have any words of advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed?
When I first entered the world of work after spending many years in university, I felt overwhelmed. The idea of going into full-time employment was daunting as I loved university life so much. I was afraid of the change. However, once I got into a routine, I realised that it was what I needed. My advice to anyone in a similar situation is to try and view it as an exciting change. Once you get into your routine and start to thrive, everything will suddenly feel natural, and you’ll realise that this is where you’re supposed to be.
What advice would you give other women wanting to reach their career goals in technology?
If you’re considering pursuing a career in technology, I highly encourage you to go for it. I understand that it can be intimidating to be one of the few women in a male-dominated field, but don’t let that discourage you. The world of technology is full of opportunities, and as a woman working in this industry, I feel supported and hopeful for a future where it won’t be so daunting for women to break into this field.
