Meera Tamboli: Cyber Security Analyst
Meera Tamboli
MSc Cyber Security Management, 2025
Based in: Cambridge, UK
Formerly from: India
First job:
My first job was as a SOC Analyst Intern at a cybersecurity startup in India during my final year of undergrad. It gave me the confidence that I belonged in this field and laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Ambitions for the future:
I want to step into more strategic cybersecurity roles, such as Threat Hunting or Cyber Threat Intelligence, and eventually lead security teams. I'm also passionate about empowering women and minorities in STEM and aim to create more structured mentorship and community opportunities.
Meera is a Cyber Security Analyst at AVEVA
Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.
As a Cybersecurity Analyst, my primary focus is on incident response, threat detection, and managing security events across various systems. I monitor and investigate potential cyber threats to ensure our organization’s digital assets remain protected.
What attracted me to this role was the investigative nature of the work, that every day brings a new challenge and an opportunity to learn. Coming from a background where I initially disliked coding, I was thrilled to find a hands-on, fast-paced field within tech that was more aligned with my analytical strengths and curiosity.
What’s your favourite part of the role?
My favourite part is responding to real-time incidents. The adrenaline of hunting threats, containing breaches, and protecting systems gives me a strong sense of purpose. I also enjoy mentoring junior analysts and giving back to the community, especially women and international professionals looking to enter cybersecurity.
What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?
Warwick helped me develop a strong foundation in critical thinking and cybersecurity fundamentals. The exposure to diverse cultures and viewpoints also enhanced my communication skills, an underrated yet vital asset in cybersecurity. The support from Warwick’s career services and peer networking was instrumental in my job search journey.
Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?
Yes, I had already worked in cybersecurity before joining Warwick. I came in with a clear goal: to deepen my technical expertise, expand my international exposure, and secure a cybersecurity job in the UK. Warwick was a strategic choice, both for its academic reputation and its industry connections.
What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?
Start building a strong LinkedIn presence early.
Learn how to tell your story, especially if you’re switching careers or are an international student.
Don’t wait to finish your degree to apply for jobs. Start networking, gaining certifications (like CompTIA Security+, Azure/AWS security), and practising interview skills early.
Cybersecurity is vast - explore different domains (SOC, GRC, threat intelligence, etc.) to see what excites you.
What’s the strangest interview question you’ve ever been asked?
If you had to explain cybersecurity to a 5-year-old, how would you do it? It was definitely unusual, but it turned out to be a test of communication skills to break down something complex in a simple way. I said, Cybersecurity is like locking the doors and windows of your house so bad people can’t sneak in and take your toys. It was a fun challenge and reminded me how important clear communication is, especially in this field.
What does a typical day look like for you?
As a Level 2 Incident Responder, my day revolves around handling escalated security incidents that require deeper investigation and technical remediation. I start by reviewing tickets passed on from the SOC, diving into endpoint data, log analysis, and threat intelligence to understand the scope and impact of incidents. I investigate suspicious behaviour, correlate indicators of compromise (IOCs), and take decisive actions like blocking malicious IPs, URLs, or isolating endpoints.
What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?
Breaking into the UK cybersecurity job market as an international graduate was my biggest challenge. Despite relevant experience and education, visa and diversity barriers added pressure. I overcame it by personal branding on LinkedIn, reaching out for informational interviews, applying strategically, and staying resilient. My ability to self-navigate, a skill honed since my undergraduate days, helped immensely.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?
Early in my career, I was tempted to chase job titles or compare my journey to others. But shifting my mindset to growth and continuous learning helped me build real expertise, confidence, and resilience, and the opportunities naturally followed.
What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?
Don’t underestimate the power of storytelling in job applications.
Be proactive: attend events, build projects, share insights on LinkedIn.
Get clarity early about which part of cybersecurity you enjoy.
Find a mentor and then become one.
Above all, stay curious - this field evolves daily.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?
The majority of job offers come through networking,” not just online applications. I wish I’d started earlier in building industry connections and learning how to articulate my unique journey.