🚨 Fresh Episode Alert!
🌟 Tonight on the Codebiruh Podcast, we had a very special session featuring our first female guest Feven, a top Cybersecurity student from Bahir Dar University with a perfect 4.0 CGPA and multiple gold medals 🏅.
She shared her journey from kindergarten to becoming one of the first graduates in Cybersecurity at BDU, her strategies for success, her internship at INSA, and her inspiring final year project on secure file sharing & chat platforms.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize yourself: “I am more important.”
- Balance studies with self-care & collaboration.
- Cybersecurity is vast follow your interest, not just the hype.
- Hands-on projects + teamwork = growth.
🧠 A truly inspiring session full of lessons for students, tech enthusiasts, and anyone chasing excellence!
📍Read the full conversation on our Telegram channel: @codebiruh
#Codebiruh #Podcast #CyberSecurity #Inspiration #LearnAndGrow
🌟 Tonight on the Codebiruh Podcast, we had a very special session featuring our first female guest Feven, a top Cybersecurity student from Bahir Dar University with a perfect 4.0 CGPA and multiple gold medals 🏅.
She shared her journey from kindergarten to becoming one of the first graduates in Cybersecurity at BDU, her strategies for success, her internship at INSA, and her inspiring final year project on secure file sharing & chat platforms.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize yourself: “I am more important.”
- Balance studies with self-care & collaboration.
- Cybersecurity is vast follow your interest, not just the hype.
- Hands-on projects + teamwork = growth.
🧠 A truly inspiring session full of lessons for students, tech enthusiasts, and anyone chasing excellence!
📍Read the full conversation on our Telegram channel: @codebiruh
#Codebiruh #Podcast #CyberSecurity #Inspiration #LearnAndGrow
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Hey everyone, good evening! 🌆
Welcome to today’s session. We're excited to have a very special guest joining us our first female guest on the podcast!
She is a standout student from Bahir Dar University, graduating in the Class of 2025 with a degree in Cybersecurity and an outstanding CGPA of 4.0. Not only that, she has been awarded gold medals as the top-performing student among all BDU students.
In this episode, she shares her valuable insights and experiences, especially in the emerging and vital field of cybersecurity.
If you’ve been following our podcast from the beginning, you’ll know this episode is one you won’t want to miss. There’s so much to learn so let’s get started!
Welcome to today’s session. We're excited to have a very special guest joining us our first female guest on the podcast!
She is a standout student from Bahir Dar University, graduating in the Class of 2025 with a degree in Cybersecurity and an outstanding CGPA of 4.0. Not only that, she has been awarded gold medals as the top-performing student among all BDU students.
In this episode, she shares her valuable insights and experiences, especially in the emerging and vital field of cybersecurity.
If you’ve been following our podcast from the beginning, you’ll know this episode is one you won’t want to miss. There’s so much to learn so let’s get started!
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Interviewer
Hi Feven,
Welcome to the Code Biruh Podcast!
First of all, on behalf of Code Biruh and our audience, I wanna to say a big congratulations to you!
Hi Feven,
Welcome to the Code Biruh Podcast!
First of all, on behalf of Code Biruh and our audience, I wanna to say a big congratulations to you!
Interviewer
Alright Let’s start from the beginning. We’d love to hear about your learning journey from kindergarten all the way to graduating from BDU. What kind of student were you in elementary, high school, and university?
Alright Let’s start from the beginning. We’d love to hear about your learning journey from kindergarten all the way to graduating from BDU. What kind of student were you in elementary, high school, and university?
Interviewee
I started my education at Sarina Kindergarten in Addis Ababa. After my parents moved to Bahir Dar for work, I attended Ayelech Degefu Memorial (ADM), Bahir Dar Academy, and Beza Bizuhan elementary school. I later completed high school from Bahir Dar University STEM Incubation Center. It was at the STEM Center that I truly developed most of my skills, delving deeply into subjects like mathematics and science. During this time, I also realized that there are many fields I could explore as I grow up. The diverse opportunities available allowed me to experience various disciplines, helping me to identify my interests. Additionally, I developed essential non-academic skills, such as communication, self-confidence, and self-awareness, which are crucial for both personal and professional growth. I consistently prioritized my education and ranked among the top students in my class throughout each grade level.
I started my education at Sarina Kindergarten in Addis Ababa. After my parents moved to Bahir Dar for work, I attended Ayelech Degefu Memorial (ADM), Bahir Dar Academy, and Beza Bizuhan elementary school. I later completed high school from Bahir Dar University STEM Incubation Center. It was at the STEM Center that I truly developed most of my skills, delving deeply into subjects like mathematics and science. During this time, I also realized that there are many fields I could explore as I grow up. The diverse opportunities available allowed me to experience various disciplines, helping me to identify my interests. Additionally, I developed essential non-academic skills, such as communication, self-confidence, and self-awareness, which are crucial for both personal and professional growth. I consistently prioritized my education and ranked among the top students in my class throughout each grade level.
Interviewer
Well, so here’s my next question As part of the first graduating batch in Cyber Security, what inspired you to choose this field? Did you know much about it before joining?
Well, so here’s my next question As part of the first graduating batch in Cyber Security, what inspired you to choose this field? Did you know much about it before joining?
Interviewee
Since Cyber Security wasn't offered as a first degree, I hadn’t considered it until I learned that a program was starting. Once I discovered this opportunity, I didn't hesitate to join. Although I have only a basic understanding of the field through self-study. I was constantly amazed by its breadth and the mysteries it encompasses. I was eager to dive deeper into the technical aspects and the critical role cyber security. This motivation, together with my passion for technology, made cyber security the perfect choice.
Since Cyber Security wasn't offered as a first degree, I hadn’t considered it until I learned that a program was starting. Once I discovered this opportunity, I didn't hesitate to join. Although I have only a basic understanding of the field through self-study. I was constantly amazed by its breadth and the mysteries it encompasses. I was eager to dive deeper into the technical aspects and the critical role cyber security. This motivation, together with my passion for technology, made cyber security the perfect choice.
Interviewer
Alright, ma next question is:
You’ve achieved outstanding academic results.What learning strategies or study habits helped you succeed? Did you prefer studying alone, in groups, or a mix of both?
Alright, ma next question is:
You’ve achieved outstanding academic results.What learning strategies or study habits helped you succeed? Did you prefer studying alone, in groups, or a mix of both?
Interviewee
My learning strategies primarily involves attending each class and not just being present, but actively paying attention and taking notes. I believe that properly attending class helps me understand the material better and clarifies the focus of each course. I also read materials thoroughly without cramming before exams, and I prepare short notes to strengthen my understanding. Engaging in discussions with friends and exploring ideas from books and various sources further enhances my learning. I believe these activities have significantly contributed to my effectiveness as a student.
My learning strategies primarily involves attending each class and not just being present, but actively paying attention and taking notes. I believe that properly attending class helps me understand the material better and clarifies the focus of each course. I also read materials thoroughly without cramming before exams, and I prepare short notes to strengthen my understanding. Engaging in discussions with friends and exploring ideas from books and various sources further enhances my learning. I believe these activities have significantly contributed to my effectiveness as a student.
Interviewer
Great ma next question:
What do you think were the key factors behind your academic success? Were there any habits, routines, or mindsets that made a big difference?
Great ma next question:
What do you think were the key factors behind your academic success? Were there any habits, routines, or mindsets that made a big difference?
Interviewee
The key factors for my academic success are: first, I created a regular study schedule that helped me manage my time efficiently, balancing my coursework, projects, and personal commitments. This involved identifying the best times and locations for studying, as well as the most effective reading methods suited to my learning style. Additionally, I adopted a proactive mindset, not fearing challenges and believing in myself. This perspective encouraged me to seek help when needed, whether from lecturers or peers, and to take the initiative in group work instead of shying away from responsibility. Surrounding myself with positive and supportive people also made a significant difference. Moreover, I prioritized self-care by ensuring I had time for relaxation and hobbies. I have a saying: "I am more important." Before achieving anything, I prioritize my mental and physical health above all else. Ultimately, prioritizing myself became a key factor in my academic success.
The key factors for my academic success are: first, I created a regular study schedule that helped me manage my time efficiently, balancing my coursework, projects, and personal commitments. This involved identifying the best times and locations for studying, as well as the most effective reading methods suited to my learning style. Additionally, I adopted a proactive mindset, not fearing challenges and believing in myself. This perspective encouraged me to seek help when needed, whether from lecturers or peers, and to take the initiative in group work instead of shying away from responsibility. Surrounding myself with positive and supportive people also made a significant difference. Moreover, I prioritized self-care by ensuring I had time for relaxation and hobbies. I have a saying: "I am more important." Before achieving anything, I prioritize my mental and physical health above all else. Ultimately, prioritizing myself became a key factor in my academic success.
Interviewer
Wow, such a stunning view! I truly appreciate your thought 'I am more important.' It speaks to me. Now, moving on to my next question.
Did you have any role models who inspired or motivated you along the way?
Wow, such a stunning view! I truly appreciate your thought 'I am more important.' It speaks to me. Now, moving on to my next question.
Did you have any role models who inspired or motivated you along the way?
Interviewee
My parents are my role models, and their influence has shaped the person I am today. Growing up, despite the challenges of balancing family responsibilities and raising children, I watched them study and work tirelessly to achieve their goals, demonstrating the value of hard work. Often spending late nights studying and showing me that dedication can lead to success.
My parents are my role models, and their influence has shaped the person I am today. Growing up, despite the challenges of balancing family responsibilities and raising children, I watched them study and work tirelessly to achieve their goals, demonstrating the value of hard work. Often spending late nights studying and showing me that dedication can lead to success.
Interviewer
Good ma next question:
Tell us about your internship experience. I believe you interned at INSA. What kind of projects did you work on, and what did you learn from the experience?
Good ma next question:
Tell us about your internship experience. I believe you interned at INSA. What kind of projects did you work on, and what did you learn from the experience?
Interviewee
I interned at INSA for two months, and I can confidently say that this experience provided me with the most knowledge I've gained in the past four years. It fundamentally changed the way I understand and perceive cyber security. As part of the software audit and testing team, most of our projects focused on penetration testing. We began by learning the basics and progressively advanced our skills, performing a hands-on penetration testing exercise on various targets. This internship not only enhanced my technical abilities but also helped me understand the types of tasks performed in the industry and the skills required to succeed in the field, giving me a clearer view of the cyber security landscape.
I interned at INSA for two months, and I can confidently say that this experience provided me with the most knowledge I've gained in the past four years. It fundamentally changed the way I understand and perceive cyber security. As part of the software audit and testing team, most of our projects focused on penetration testing. We began by learning the basics and progressively advanced our skills, performing a hands-on penetration testing exercise on various targets. This internship not only enhanced my technical abilities but also helped me understand the types of tasks performed in the industry and the skills required to succeed in the field, giving me a clearer view of the cyber security landscape.
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Interviewer
Alright ma next question is:
What advice would you give to freshmen, especially those trying to decide whether to join the Cyber Security department? What should they consider when choosing a field?
Alright ma next question is:
What advice would you give to freshmen, especially those trying to decide whether to join the Cyber Security department? What should they consider when choosing a field?
Interviewee
When trying to choose a department always listen to yourself first and prioritizes your interests. I can assure you that you will be successful in anything if you love what you do and are dedicated to achieving it. Choosing cyber security might seem a bit scary and risky since it’s a newer field, but I want to reassure you that you won’t regret your decision—provided you’re genuinely interested. What I love about cyber security is its breadth; there are numerous subfields, so you can find a specialization that aligns with your passions. Additionally, the job opportunities are abundant, as this field is crucial across various industries. So, if you’re interested, I highly recommend pursuing it. Just remember, don’t choose it solely because it’s a new field with fewer professionals; make sure it resonates with you personally.
When trying to choose a department always listen to yourself first and prioritizes your interests. I can assure you that you will be successful in anything if you love what you do and are dedicated to achieving it. Choosing cyber security might seem a bit scary and risky since it’s a newer field, but I want to reassure you that you won’t regret your decision—provided you’re genuinely interested. What I love about cyber security is its breadth; there are numerous subfields, so you can find a specialization that aligns with your passions. Additionally, the job opportunities are abundant, as this field is crucial across various industries. So, if you’re interested, I highly recommend pursuing it. Just remember, don’t choose it solely because it’s a new field with fewer professionals; make sure it resonates with you personally.
Interviewer
Good ma next question is:
Some people claim that university is a waste of time, especially in tech fields. What’s your take on the value of university education particularly in Cyber Security?
Good ma next question is:
Some people claim that university is a waste of time, especially in tech fields. What’s your take on the value of university education particularly in Cyber Security?
Interviewee
I believe that what truly makes university valuable is us—students. If we approach our education with intention and dedication, we’re not wasting time. While self-study and certifications are important in cyber security, a university education provides a comprehensive understanding of cyber security’s broader context and helps in learning cyber security in a properly structured format. Additionally, having a degree can enhance credibility and may be necessary for certain positions in the field. Therefore, I don’t see university as a waste of time; rather, it's an opportunity to acquire valuable skills and mature as individuals. With enough dedication, students can also work part-time or intern at different companies, balancing learning and practical experience. I believe there is a time for everything—learning, working, and growing.
I believe that what truly makes university valuable is us—students. If we approach our education with intention and dedication, we’re not wasting time. While self-study and certifications are important in cyber security, a university education provides a comprehensive understanding of cyber security’s broader context and helps in learning cyber security in a properly structured format. Additionally, having a degree can enhance credibility and may be necessary for certain positions in the field. Therefore, I don’t see university as a waste of time; rather, it's an opportunity to acquire valuable skills and mature as individuals. With enough dedication, students can also work part-time or intern at different companies, balancing learning and practical experience. I believe there is a time for everything—learning, working, and growing.
Interviewer
Alright next question:
Can you share a bit about your final year project? What was it about, and what did you learn from working on it?
Alright next question:
Can you share a bit about your final year project? What was it about, and what did you learn from working on it?