‘Apeejay helped me build discipline, communication skills, and the ability to structure my work logically’

Gautam Mathur, an alumnus of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram, is a Cyber Security professional with over 1.5 years of hands-on experience across SOC (Security Operations Center), GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) and VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing). Known for his systems-driven thinking and curiosity about how digital frameworks operate, break, and can be secured, he was drawn to cybersecurity early in his academic journey. He chose Apeejay Stya University for its strong emphasis on applied learning, industry-relevant curriculum, and an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and the seamless integration of theory with real-world practice, enabling him to build both technical depth and creative problem-solving skills.

In this interview, Gautam talks about key skills or learning experiences from his university days and more. Read edited excerpts: 

How did your experience at Apeejay Stya University shape your interest and career path in cyber security?

My time at Apeejay Stya University played a big role in shaping my cybersecurity journey. The turning point for me was my professor who not only introduced me to the field but also personally guided me toward a cybersecurity course I eventually enrolled in. His mentorship opened my eyes to the depth, challenge, and impact of this domain.

Apeejay provided an environment where I could explore this interest further through practical assignments, discussions, and hands-on exposure. That early guidance and the supportive academic atmosphere helped me build clarity, direction, and eventually the confidence to pursue cybersecurity as a full-time career. 

Can you share a real-world challenge you faced while working in offensive or defensive cyber security and how your academic foundation helped you handle it?

One real-world challenge I faced was during an incident where a client’s environment was showing signs of credential misuse and possible lateral movement. It required quick analysis, correlation of logs from multiple sources, and rapid decision-making to isolate the threat without disrupting their operations.

Even though most of my technical expertise came from hands-on work and self-learning, my academic foundation at ASU helped me build the structured thinking needed for situations like this. University taught me how to break down problems, approach them methodically, and document findings clearly — skills that are extremely important in both offensive and defensive security.

That mindset allowed me to stay calm under pressure, analyse the attack path logically, and coordinate an effective response. 

What key skills or learning experiences from your university days proved most valuable? 

While most of my core cybersecurity skills came from hands-on work and personal exploration, my university days still gave me a few things that turned out to be genuinely valuable. ASU helped me build discipline, communication skills, and the ability to structure my work logically — whether it was assignments, presentations, or group projects.

These skills became extremely useful later in cybersecurity, where clear documentation, systematic thinking, and teamwork matter just as much as technical knowledge. It also gave me the confidence to explore new domains, ask questions, and develop a self-driven learning mindset — something that’s essential for staying relevant in this field. 

How did projects, internships, or faculty guidance at Apeejay Stya University contribute to your understanding of real-world cyber security? 

Most of my real-world cybersecurity understanding came from the actual work I did outside the classroom, but ASU still played a part in getting me there. The biggest contribution was the guidance I received from faculty — especially when it came to choosing the right direction and opportunities.

My professors pointed me toward the cybersecurity course that set the foundation for my journey. That early direction helped me focus my interests and pushed me to explore internships and projects on my own, which is where I gained practical experience. 

So while the real technical depth came from hands-on industry exposure, the faculty support at ASU helped me identify the path, build confidence, and take the steps needed to enter the field.

What advice would you give to current B.Tech CSE students who want to explore cyber security as a career, and how can they make the most of opportunities at Apeejay Stya University? 

My advice to CSE students who want to get into cybersecurity is simple: start early, stay curious, and don’t wait for someone to “teach” you everything. Cybersecurity is a field where your growth depends heavily on what you explore on your own — labs, tools, writeups, real-world problems, and community learning.

At Apeejay Stya University, the best way to make the most of your time is to use the campus environment as a launchpad. Connect with faculty members who can guide you toward relevant courses or resources, participate in tech clubs, attend workshops, and collaborate with peers who share the same interest. Use the freedom you have in college to experiment — build small projects, contribute to open-source tools, try bug bounties, or set up your own practice labs.

If you stay consistent and keep learning by doing, ASU can become a great place to explore your direction, find mentors, and build momentum toward a strong cybersecurity career.