Michelle Suen
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity Consultant at Crowe
Describe your potential job duties
I conduct security audits and penetration tests in the financial services sector. I work closely with the internal audit technology team to identify client cybersecurity infrastructure gaps. I help clients implement cybersecurity best practices to ensure security compliance.
In what ways did the Polytechnic and/or Purdue help make you uniquely qualified for your new job?
Purdue Polytechnic’s focus on incorporating hands-on learning has prepared me for my new job after graduation. Purdue also emphasized the need for communication and collaboration, which has helped me tremendously in the consulting field.
How has the college or someone in the college helped you achieve your goals?
Purdue’s access to career fairs has played a significant role in building connections and new career goals. Additionally, the professors cultivate a safe space to learn and ask questions. The cybersecurity labs at Purdue have allowed me to achieve my goals as they promote creative thinking and technical learning.
What specific classes helped prepare you for your new job?
Cyber Law and Ethics, Enterprise Information Governance, and Incident Response Management have all helped me be prepared for my new job as I focus on identifying risks, improving client security posture, and supporting clients through incident response efforts.
If you had a favorite class, project, experience, or professor, what/who was it, and why?
My favorite class during my time at Purdue would be CNIT 55501 - Social Engineering Mitigations, taught by Professor Ringenberg. She found ways to incorporate recent trends and news into activities. My most memorable lesson was learning how to pick locks as a social engineer!
Purdue Polytechnic’s hands-on learning and emphasis on collaboration helped me build the skills I need for consulting. The cybersecurity labs, combined with courses like Cyber Law and Ethics and Incident Response Management, have given me both the technical and communications skills to identify risks and help clients improve their security posture. My favorite experience was learning social engineering tactics in Professor Ringenberg’s class, which gave me a real-world perspective on cybersecurity."