Computers are important machines. Every day, teachers, doctors, and many other workers use them. So how do we keep computers safe? Well, someone does that job too! Cyber engineer Tessa D’Souza (TD) talked to News-O-Matic (NOM) about how she helps protect computers.
NOM: What do you do for your job?
TD: As a cyber engineer, I make computers safer by finding ways that our computers might be broken. To do this, I write instructions for the computers. These are called programs. Then, I watch the computers follow my instructions. I check to see if the computer has any problems.
NOM: Why did you become an cyber engineer?
TD: I’ve always loved taking things apart and putting them back together! In cooking, I liked following recipes, but I liked making up my own recipes more. Cyber engineering combines problem-solving and creativity. It’s exciting that my programs might make people safer.
NOM: How did you become a cyber engineer?
TD: In middle school, I enjoyed math. But in high school, I liked reading and writing more. When I got to college, I realized that I could do both by learning
. So, I learned to
and studied computer science. Every summer, I learned more about
. I worked with cyber engineers at different companies.
NOM: What is your favorite thing about your job?
TD: I’ve only been at my job for six months. That means that I get to learn so many things every day. I’m so glad I have great
who help me grow. Also, the work we do is research. That means that we don’t need to do everything “right” the first time. There is no right way to do it. We celebrate getting things wrong because that means we’re learning!
NOM: What is a challenging part of your job?
TD: It takes a lot of energy to use my problem-solving muscles all day! Sometimes it can be hard to focus. Or I can get discouraged if I’ve spent all day trying to fix a problem. I try to make sure I take a break every few hours, drink lots of water, and get lots of sleep. That gives me the energy to do my best work.
NOM: Do you have any advice for kids who are interested in this kind of work?
TD: Ask your librarian for books about computers. Ask a grown-up to help you find companies or people who do cyber engineering. They might talk to you about their job. Practice skills like patience, curiosity, and investigation. Do activities like solving puzzles and reading good books. Ask lots of questions whenever you have a chance so you can learn something new.
Updated September 1, 2023, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Hannah Marcum
