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A fulltime job and a ten for your master’s thesis: ‘I thought they were joking’

After working full-time for twenty-four years, Wendy Tonks decided to enrol in the executive master's in Cyber Security. She now proudly reflects on her time in the programme after receiving a ten for her thesis and graduating summa cum laude. ‘I could not believe it when I got my grade.’

Originally from the United Kingdom, Wendy Tonks (48) graduated with a bachelor's in architecture. After her bachelor's, she worked in software testing, which she found fitted her better. ‘I was passionate about architecture, but I wasn’t that good at it. I ended up in software testing without any formal education in it, but I realised it fit my natural talents better.’ 

In 2000, she joined Omron, a company specialising in automation technology and electronic equipment. ‘My role at the company led me into software engineering and risk management. Since I did not have the right qualifications, I requested to pursue further education.’ 

‘I was called the cyber security expert on the team, even though I still had to graduate’

From self-study to a master’s degree

During her time at Omron, Wendy took online courses and earned certificates. In January 2021, she discovered the master's programme in Cyber Security at Leiden University. ‘I was experiencing seasonal blues and needed something to motivate me again. When I found the programme, I was immediately inspired.’ 

‘My team manager supports anyone pursuing education. The programme is very relevant to my work: I figured I could really take off with the cyber security path that my company needs. From the moment I started, I was called the cyber security expert on the team, even though I still had to graduate,’ Wendy says, smiling. 

Wendy Tonks during her graduation ceremony

The end of the password

Wendy's thesis focused on password replacement technology, inspired by an article suggesting the end of passwords. ‘I wondered: what do they mean, the end of the password? Research on this topic mostly focuses on the IT world or critical infrastructure; the industry perspective is not really represented. Your average manufacturer who puts detergent into bottles is easily forgotten. Can you really replace a password for fingerprint scanning, for example, in a factory where everyone is walking around wearing gloves?’ 

She interviewed experts, factory workers, and machine builders. ‘These groups had different perspectives. I learned a lot, not just about my thesis, but also about my industry. It was valuable to see how different groups interact with this subject and how we can improve things. The main message of my thesis is that alternatives to passwords must consider the environment where they are implemented, as that significantly impacts feasibility. There are options to explore, such as NFC-technology and iris recognition, but research on their effectiveness is needed.’ 

‘I had a great time. The group was interesting, everyone was engaged, and we still keep in touch’ 

Beware of the rabbit holes

Wendy has two tips for students who are in the process of writing their thesis: trust your gut and start on time. ‘If you are not getting strong feedback throughout the process, that is probably a good thing. I wish someone told me that at the time, this was my first time writing a thesis. I would also advise you to not leave things until the end and spend your time wisely, beware of the rabbit holes. It is easy to get lost in all the interesting information when you are doing your research.’ 

After her defence, her supervisors joked about giving her a six. ‘I thought I should not complain; a six meant I graduated. Then my supervisor asked how I would feel about a ten. I laughed, thinking it was a joke. When I realised they were serious, I cried.’ 

‘I would absolutely recommend the programme’

The programme was a positive experience for Wendy. ‘I had a great time. The group was interesting, everyone was engaged, and we still keep in touch. Making new friends as an expat or older student can be hard, but this master’s was a nice way to do so. To other mature students, I would say to not be put off by the fact that you are a bit older. You might need to put in a bit more effort, but you can learn so much. I would absolutely recommend it.’ 

For the future, she is working on several projects. ‘Together with my supervisor, we are turning my thesis into an article. At my company, I’m trying to level everyone up in cyber security. I am the cyber security specialist in my team, but I cannot do everything alone. Attackers are advancing, and we need to keep up.’ 

Text: Nadine Louissen 

Images: Marc de Haan  

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