Fabien Leimgruber, Analyst, Kudelski Security

On a day-to-day basis, my job is stimulating because my tasks are so varied. Broadly speaking, there are three aspects to my work. - Analysis, on the subject of cybersecurity. This involves carrying out research and then producing reports for internal and external clients. This analysis covers new technologies in the broadest sense, such as malware (viruses), and not just the Internet. - The business side, where the main challenge is to understand the needs of our customers (both internal and external) so that we can respond as effectively as possible. The difficulty lies in translating and popularising the information: it's a question of formalising the needs, identifying the services to be provided, before being able to pass on the request to our engineers. - Training, including in particular: skills transfer and coaching for trainees, a range of courses on information analysis and research (delivered both internally and externally), and my own personal training. The majority of Kudelski Security employees have an engineering background, so people with a degree in forensic science bring a different perspective. We have to be able to translate customer requests; we represent a bridge between technicians and management. My first experience at this level was at the Eprouvette at UNIL, where I ran scientific workshops for children during my Masters. That taught me to formulate things that weren't obvious in a way that everyone could understand.

After secondary school, I did my long military service and joined the Border Guard. I then trained to become a Federal Border Guard. During this time, I was immersed in the world of security and the police, and I heard about the course in criminal science at UNIL. My career plans were shaped by my practical experience. My career path is somewhat atypical in that I didn't start studying until two years after finishing high school. I felt like I was starting from scratch, which pushed me to learn and not rest on my laurels. After my Bachelor's degree in forensic science, I did a Master's degree in law, crime and IT security with an option in forensic science. I always worked during my studies, keeping one foot in the security world. For a long time I worked as a border guard in the summer and during the holidays. Then I was assistant to the security coordinator at the Paléo Festival for several years. Finally, I was able to do my dissertation in partnership with the Border Guard. With my Master's degree in hand, I looked for a job for a few months, while doing some locum work in secondary schools, because I don't like sitting on my hands. In the end, I had two choices: a permanent job with the State of Geneva or an internship with Kudelski Security! It was a difficult decision; the job in Geneva would have allowed me to take advantage of my background as a border guard and the skills I had acquired during my Bachelor's degree, whereas the internship at Kudelski Security was closer to my Master's degree and the field of new technologies. In the end, I opted for the internship, which paid off as it allowed me to prove myself and secure a permanent position.

In my opinion, having worked during my studies is a considerable added value. It's essential to be able to step outside the purely academic framework. Now that I'm recruiting trainees, I'm above all interested in people who can draw inspiration from what they've already had the opportunity to do, and who can benefit from their experiences. Be curious, ask questions, find out when you don't know something, be proactive. This curiosity is the breeding ground of criminal science. But hang in there, because a lot of people have the wrong idea about studying criminal science because of TV series like CSI. Above all, you need to know why you want to study this subject. Personally, I got into it because I wanted a challenge and because I was interested. It's a multidisciplinary course that covers everything and gives you a different perspective on what's going on in our world, and that's what's so exciting. However, this multidisciplinarity can be a disadvantage on the job market, because employers are often looking for specialists. With a degree in criminal science, you have to be able to stand back and see what doors it opens up. That's why it's a good idea to work alongside your studies. Networking is very important. Go to conferences, events, talk to people, get business cards, make contacts, because it's essential. The world of criminal science and security is a very small one, and you get to know everyone very quickly, which is why you shouldn't hesitate to get in touch with people. For example, Kudelski Security regularly attends student events, enabling students to make initial contact with companies and meet team leaders or department heads. Security is a fast-growing professional field and the opportunities are numerous. Kudelski Security often offers internships to students with relatively varied profiles.