In this article, Drífa, a past ETH Cyber Group president shares her experiences with the ETH Cyber Group. While being a member she also researched the policy challenges of quantum technology at the Institute for Science, Policy and Technology.

My journey with the ETH Cyber Group kicked off during my master’s in Science, Technology, and Policy at ETH. With a computer science background, I was curious about how cybersecurity intersects with human behavior and policy. This led me to join the Cyber 9/12 Challenge, where I had the opportunity to learn from various experts about cybersecurity policy and related topics in a non-conventional way. The training included practical exercises like policy brief writing and public speaking, which has now proven to be a really valuable asset in my working life. But what really stood out was the inspiration I drew from my hardworking peers. The community was incredibly open, positive, and driven, making the experience truly enriching.

After the training, I dove into the ETH Cyber Group, and by the next semester, I was on the board. The group was not only a blast to be around but also an amazing learning environment. My time there allowed me to deeply explore the cybersecurity landscape in a professional setting, expand my network, and develop soft skills that have proven to be equally, if not more, valuable in my career.

The most significant takeaway from my time in the Cyber Group was the wonderful community of people I met and the understanding I gained of the cybersecurity landscape.

Being part of the ETH Cyber Group was more than just professional development; it was about being in a supportive, dynamic community dedicated to shaping the future of cybersecurity.