Bojana Bakić, an experienced cybersecurity consultant with three years of professional experience and ISO 27001 certification as an audit leader, currently works as a consultant in the cybersecurity team at Knightec.
Bojana holds a master’s degree in Cloud Security and Computing obtained through the SECCLO program. She is also a member of Women4Cyber Montenegro.
In this interview, Bojana shares her experiences with the SECCLO program and explains how it has contributed to her professional development.
What is your experience with the Erasmus Mundus Master’s program in Information Security and Cloud Computing? What would you highlight as particularly useful or learned during the program?
Bojana: My experience with the SECCLO program has been very positive, and it has indeed prepared me well for professional life after studies. The program successfully brings together academic experts from Nordic regions who practically present the latest information in the fields of information and cybersecurity, as well as cloud computing. The professors emphasize practical learning methods, avoiding heavy memorization materials and rarely using tests as a measure of knowledge. They are also proactive in regularly updating the curriculum with the latest information and technologies in the field. The combination of these approaches produces highly sought-after professionals due to the countless vulnerabilities in the cyber space that emerge daily.
What is the significance of this program and the areas it covers, especially considering the world we live in and the perspectives of the digital future and cybersecurity?
Bojana: The significance of the SECCLO program and the studied areas becomes evident in today’s digital environment and perspectives on cybersecurity. We are unprepared for the extent and damage that cyberattacks will cause in the coming decades. Unfortunately, if Western countries lack skilled personnel, the Balkans are even more unprepared for such threats. Due to the lack of academic programs, various online courses and programs can be beneficial to professionals already familiar with computer science and information technology. However, investing a significant amount of time and effort is necessary to excel and obtain certification in such materials.
Programs like SECCLO provide a more efficient path for young professionals to acquire skills in information and cybersecurity. However, it’s important to constantly improve and certify in line with relevant standards in this dynamic industry.
From your perspective, how do you evaluate the participation of women in these programs? How to motivate more women to join this industry? What advice would you give to women?
Bojana: The assessment of women’s participation in these programs shows that women are still a minority, not only in this environment but also in other engineering positions. Organizations and initiatives like Women4Cyber Montenegro are a great way to encourage unity, even though we are currently few in number, women can stick together and exchange knowledge and experiences.
During my studies, I attended various workshops held by women who openly discussed the challenges in the industry and sacrifices they made to balance private life with this career choice. Personally, these experiences motivate me to continue doing what I love and bring me even closer to such a small group of women. As women, we are essential in every engineering field, primarily in the workplace. Our qualities such as attention to detail, empathy, and the tendency to connect people and build community are crucial in teams made up only of men, and this is reflected in the final product or service a company provides. I encourage women to unite, support each other, and continue with dedication toward their goals in the information security industry.
What would you convey to future participants in the program, and why should they apply?
Bojana: Erasmus Mundus programs are a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to gain specialized knowledge and recognized degrees without sacrificing much. This is especially the case because of the scholarships awarded, allowing students to focus on learning without worrying about financial resources. Once the issue of financing is resolved, I also want to emphasize how diverse this program is. Information and cybersecurity are broad fields, allowing specialization in areas that are more or less technically demanding. And if someone is not particularly interested in security but in computer science, the focus on cloud computing supports knowledge in these currently highly sought-after technical and programming skills.
