Kyle Burnip TMIET: Striving for success and inspiring others
Kyle Burnip TMIET proudly became a Technician Member of the IET at just 19.
Now studying Cyber Security & Digital Forensics at the University of Sunderland, he is committed to achieving his goals while helping others along the way.
A passion for computing
Kyle has a longstanding interest in technology and its use in everyday life.
At college, he pursued this by enrolling on a Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Information Technology for which he received a triple distinction, as well as undertaking The National Cyber Security Centre’s CyberFirst Defenders course at Blandford Camp, home to The Royal Corps of Signals, during his time as an Army Cadet.
Crediting the college’s ‘extremely knowledgeable academics’ who enabled him to thrive under their tutelage, he was inspired to commit his future to computing and applied to study Cyber Security & Digital Forensics: ‘This inspiration has continued as I undertake my degree within university in hope of one day having a career within the field of technology.’
Developing skills for a career in cyber
Now collaborating on university projects is helping to set Kyle up for success through honing soft skills ‘such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving – these are essential for a career in engineering and technology. I develop these skills heavily within my university degree, specifically teamwork by working with students on my course to complete coursework and assignments.’
Outside of studying the key topics at lectures and module workshops, Kyle likes to continually supplement his knowledge, particularly through reading the latest industry insights and thought leadership pieces on LinkedIn, from the IET and other IT-related sources, as well as sharing with his own network and contributing to the conversation.
Driven to achieve his goals
Achieving TMIET status at 19 was a moment of great pride for Kyle and he feels this has opened the door to a number of opportunities since: ‘I was recently interviewed for the role of Student Ambassador at my university, and within this interview I was asked if I had any skills or qualities that made me suitable for the role, in which I talked about my TMIET membership. This was something in which the interviewer was very pleased with as it showed my competency to promote the computing courses offered by the university and I am pleased to say I was offered the role shortly after.’
Kyle already has his sights set on the next milestone of becoming Professionally Registered with the IET as an ICT Technician (ICTTech), and upon graduating is keen to seek a career in technology, desirably in digital forensics. Having the foundation of his online community, he feels empowered to achieve these goals as there is ‘so much support out there including professional bodies like the IET, but also online forums like IET EngX® and LinkedIn.’
Making connections and supporting others as a volunteer
Secure in the steps he’s taking to advance his career, Kyle is hoping to help others in their journeys through his range of volunteering roles, from Student Ambassador at university to Young Professional Ambassador alongside the Northumbria Local Network: ‘I have a strong passion for my subject and wanted to instil this passion in others, therefore volunteering as a Young Professional Ambassador was an excellent choice for me.’
Having been encouraged and inspired into the industry himself, volunteering offers Kyle ‘a great way to give back to the community and inspire our next generation of technicians and engineers.’ This passion shines through in his commitment to volunteering activities and his determination to make the most of his own career: ‘I highly advise anyone aspiring for a career in engineering or technology to pursue it as it is personally one of the best decisions I ever made.’