Alex Jordan - LLB Law graduate

“Plymouth helps create well-rounded people, capable of being thrown in at the deep end in all sorts of situations, and coming out smiling at the other end. I know I certainly have!”

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

During my final year at Plymouth, I successfully applied for the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) graduate scheme in Cyber Security and Risk. Before I had even graduated I found myself in London on a training course, and I have stayed in London ever since. My role has developed significantly whilst with PwC, having travelled globally to consult with clients on their cyber security arrangements, developed tools and methodologies for managing cyber risk, and presented at leading cyber security conferences worldwide.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?

Spending three weeks in Panama City helping a client understand the implications of data privacy legislation on their operations in the country. I’ll never forget having to run through eight lanes of traffic to get to the client’s office, or spending the weekends driving out of the city and into the wilderness to identify which parts of the client’s infrastructure were insecure.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

Do your research! Cyber security changes on an almost daily basis, and if you are not at the cutting edge of the topic, you’ll find that your knowledge is quickly outdated. Outside of that, make sure you connect with recruiters at events; graduate recruiters are not looking for the finished product; rather, they’re looking for potential!

How did studying at Plymouth help you?

Studying at Plymouth gave me the confidence in my abilities that I’d previously been lacking from school. My law degree particularly gave me the confidence to assert myself, to know how to win an argument, to negotiate better deals, and write in a concise and coherent manner: all key skills when working in consultancy. Through a business event at Plymouth, I also connected with the PwC recruiter who helped me secure my graduate role with them.

What is your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?

All of it? Of all my memories, participating in a business competition called FLUX was probably the best. Five other law students and I teamed up to participate in the Plymouth heat of the competition, which we won, and then represented Plymouth at the national competition in London, which we also won. It was an unforgettable experience, and worth all of the hard work that we put in; we were also awarded the Outstanding Student Team award at the Vice Chancellor’s Awards for the work we had all put in.

Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University, and why?

I would certainly recommend a course at Plymouth – the skills I picked up across the years were absolutely vital in helping me secure the job I have today, and I am certain they will continue to be of use for the rest of my life. Plymouth helps create well-rounded people, capable of being thrown in at the deep end in all sorts of situations, and coming out smiling at the other end. I know I certainly have!