SPS Stories
Alumni Spotlight
Bridging the Gap between Tech and Business
Fast Facts
- Bhavana Singh holds a Master's of Science in Management and Systems
- Bhavana is originally from Mumbai, India
- She has acted as an advisor to the UK government's National Cyber Security Center
<p><span class="p-body">Originally a software developer, Bhavana Singh shows just how much a business education can enhance a technical skill set. Earning an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-management-and-systems.html" title="Master's of Science in Management and Systems">MS in Management and Systems</a>, a STEM degree from NYU SPS, has broadened her IT leadership experience and opened doors.</span></p>
NYU was offering not only world class education but also an opportunity to be part of a city with such diverse cultures and experiences. It was also highly rated for international students. This was a big draw for me."
On Rejecting Gender Roles
<p><span class="p-body">Bhavana grew up in Mumbai, India and before enrolling in NYU, worked as an IT engineer and software developer. She attributes much of her success to her family, in particular, her mother's influence. Her story is one of rejecting traditional gender roles and pursuing her goals. </span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">She let us know her personal goal is to help more women join her industry, progress, and become leaders. When asked about unexpected challenges and successes in her career, gender plays a role. Bhavana has faced sexism at work at multiple levels of the business and uses her platform to voice concerns of women in her field. She has persevered as the first female Practice Director in her organization and was named on the list of <a href="https://www.securityindustry.org/women-in-security-forum/wisf-power-100/" title="SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100">top 100 women in Cyber Security by Women in Security Forum</a>.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">NYU offers campus resources for women studying or working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, like the <a href="https://meet.nyu.edu/life/communities-and-clubs/women-in-science-a-place-for-mentorship-community-and-more/" title="Women in Science: A Place for Mentorship, Community">Women in STEM (WIMS) club</a>, as "women make up only 34 percent of the STEM workforce."</span></p>
My mother, the anchor of our family and my role model, instilled in me the importance of compassion, independence and pursuing my dreams, even if they fell outside the realm of traditional gender roles. As a child, I was encouraged by my parents to keep learning, solve problems and challenge the status quo—something that shaped my persona and continues to drive me. In a country where women are considered a secondary gender my father saw no difference between my brother and us sisters and instilled in us the importance of education."
Support at NYU
<p><span class="p-body">While working as a software engineer, Bhavana's CTO introduced an opportunity to their team for someone who knew about both technology and business. She took that role, which sparked her interest in the subject.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Her capstone project, working with the NYU IT <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/life/information-technology/safe-computing/global-office-of-information-security.html#:~:text=The%20Global%20Office%20of%20Information,enterprise%2Dwide%20information%20security%20program" title="Global Office of Information Security">Global Office of Information Security</a>, prepared her for real life. Gathering information from various departments and groups, she undertook "a risk assessment of usage of mobile devices at NYU and provided mitigation strategies." She let us know that after graduating, this project was a highlight on her resume.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Mentorship makes a difference. She was able to find mentorship, "Professor Edward Kleinert was kind enough to take me under his wing and become my mentor, which I would forever be grateful for." The <a href="/content/sps-nyu/join/graduate-admissions/graduate-scholarships/the-professor-edward-kleinert-memorial-scholarship.html" title="Professor Edward Kleinert Memorial Scholarship">Professor Edward Kleinert Memorial Scholarship</a> is available for incoming students pursuing an MS in Project Management.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">Through NYU, she's won the President's Service Award and NYU OGS International Student Leadership award. Since graduating, Bhavana and her career have made a huge impact in the international cybersecurity world.</span></p>
These days I am working as a leader in the field of cyber security, primarily in the area of Security Vulnerability Management. I have also acted as an advisor to the UK government's National Cyber Security Center around the development of vulnerability management policies which are to be adopted by every UK government body."
Advice Looking Forward
<p><span class="p-body">Singh offered technical and practical advice for NYU students. She suggests making the most of your time with professors and to take advantage of the services. For international students, she mentions that <a href="https://www.nyu.edu/students/student-information-and-resources/career-development-and-jobs/global-career-resources/international-student-services.html" title=" International Student Services is an excellent resource.">International Student Services</a> is an excellent resource.</span></p>
<p><span class="p-body">When asked which technology incoming students should focus on to prepare them for today's cybersecurity workforce, she recommended:</span></p>
<ul class="p-list">
<li><span class="p-body">Relational and big data database systems</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">The basics of SQL, Java, Javascript, and Python</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">Tools like JIRA, Tableau, and Power BI</span></li>
<li><span class="p-body">The basics of machine learning and Generative AI</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="p-body">Check out the <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-management-and-systems.html" title="Master's of Science in Management and Systems">Master's of Science in Management and Systems</a> for more details about what the program offers. Want to learn more about Bhavana? Read her profile "<a href="https://medium.com/authority-magazine/women-reshaping-the-cybersecurity-industry-bhavana-singh-of-ncc-group-on-the-five-things-you-need-f0961fd74830" title="Women Reshaping The Cybersecurity Industry">Women Reshaping The Cybersecurity Industry</a>" for the five things you need to create a highly successful cybersecurity career.</span></p>
My biggest advice would be to go beyond your classroom. Join clubs or volunteer for them. Go attend events but not just related to your program but other programs both at SPS and other schools."
