After stepping away from her career to focus on parenting, Pavithra Palanivelu faced the difficult task of re-entering the workforce. Job applications weren’t gaining traction, and her confidence was low. But through HyperionDev’s Cyber Security Bootcamp, she found a pathway to rebuild her skills, rediscover her self-belief, and relaunch her career.
Rediscovering Her Career Path
Returning to the workforce after a break, whether for personal, family, or health reasons, can feel daunting. For Pavithra, a curious and motivated learner from Coventry, that challenge became a launchpad for growth. With a passion for cyber security and a desire to upskill, she turned uncertainty into achievement through HyperionDev’s Cyber Security Bootcamp.
After stepping away from her career, she found it difficult to get her job applications noticed.
“I had taken a career break and was struggling to get my applications selected,” she explains. “I wanted to rebuild my confidence, return to work, and learn something that would help me get hired.”
The turning point came when a friend who had completed the HyperionDev Cyber Security Bootcamp recommended it for its strong mentorship, career coaching, and hands-on learning. That encouragement set her on a new journey. Her first step into the world of tech.
Building Skills Through the Cyber Security Bootcamp
Whilst the programme offered a structured path to gain practical, in-demand skills , adjusting to study again wasn’t easy at first. However, Pavithra built a routine: dedicating at least two hours a day to her coursework.
“Managing my time was a bit of a challenge,” she says. “But planning my schedule helped me attend live sessions and complete my tasks. The live lectures were super helpful for quickly understanding concepts, and the mentor calls helped clear my doubts.”
A highlight for her was the Defensive Security project, where she identified and resolved code vulnerabilities and improved code resilience through exception handling. These practical challenges sparked her interest in building secure, efficient systems. These projects didn’t just test her skills; they reshaped her mindset, showing her what she was truly capable of.
“After completing the bootcamp, I gained the self-assurance to code independently. Even if it takes time, I know I can do it.”
Beyond technical skills, she learned to break down problems, think logically, and work independently, core abilities for anyone entering the cyber security field.
Career Coaching That Opens Doors
Like many students at HyperionDev, she benefited from more than just technical training. Career coaching played a vital role in her progress.
“The career support team helped me build a strong CV, which led to many of my applications being selected,” she shares.
Beyond the career support services, Pavithra was able to attend additional career events. Through workshops, networking events, and guest speaker sessions, she gained insights into the tech industry and how to stand out as a candidate.
“These helped me connect with industry professionals and gain real insights into the tech industry. One of the most memorable moments was a panel discussion where experts gave advice on entering tech.”
These experiences were invaluable, providing not only technical readiness but also the belief that she could succeed.
Looking Ahead: Launching a Cyber Security Career
With her bootcamp completed, Pavithra is now actively applying for junior cyber security and Python developer roles. Opportunities that once felt out of reach now feel attainable.
“By completing all my tasks on time, I gained the certainty that I can tackle any coding problem,” she says. “I now know how to analyse and solve issues independently.”
Her future is full of potential, and she has one piece of advice for others starting a similar journey:
“Plan ahead so you can attend all the live lectures, and make sure to practice the extra tasks the lecturers give you, it really makes a difference.”
A Journey of Growth and Determination
Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when determination meets the right support. Through expert-led learning, hands-on projects, and personalised career guidance, she transformed a career break into a launchpad for a future in cyber security.
Want to become a Cyber Success Story like Pavithra?
Explore our Cyber Security Bootcamp, perfect for career changers or those returning to work. Get expert coaching, real-world projects, and tailored career support to help you thrive.
