From Learner to Leader - Bree Kagwe's Story
Bree is a proactive third-year Bachelor of Cyber Security student at Deakin University passionate about ethical hacking, penetration testing, and cybersecurity awareness. She enjoys translating complex cybersecurity concepts into clear, actionable guidance for non-technical teams and founders, helping to bridge the gap between technical expertise and real-world business protection.
Where It All Started...
Bree always knew she wanted to work in IT, but the path remained unclear. "I decided to pursue a cybersecurity degree, and the more time I spent in the industry, the more I fell in love with it," she explains. What started as a fascination with Caesar cipher codes at 16 evolved naturally into a career aligned with her problem-solving mindset, curiosity, and passion for continuous learning. Bree aspires to transition into penetration testing, with a focus on social engineering. "Pen-testing is one of the most challenging skills to master in cybersecurity," she says. "It requires creative, out-of-the-box thinking rather than complacency, which is something I find especially engaging." For Bree, social engineering is uniquely human, a skill that no machine can replicate.
Early in her journey, Bree noticed a contrast in her peers’ responses to cybersecurity. She saw their decision to step away “had nothing to do with my own journey,". This resilience has been a pillar of her development. Influences on Bree’s path extend beyond traditional academic routes. Her experience in sales at Super Car Holidays, where she sold luxury cars like Ferraris, provided a unique perspective. "It’s one thing to stand in a room full of cybersecurity experts and explain you’re trying to become an ethical hacker," she says. "It’s another to do that in a room full of non-technical people.” Capturing that attention “ultimately influenced [her] path."
One experience stands out as particularly formative. Bree recalls her first cyber interview, where she was tasked with bypassing a login page using a session cookie despite having zero prior experience. "I spent three days straight with little sleep," she says. "When I finally bypassed the login page… I fell in love with pen-testing."
Beyond academics, Bree actively engages with the cybersecurity community. She volunteers at startups, attends networking events, builds projects, documents them on LinkedIn, and participates in HackTheBox challenges and Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions. Hands-on learning drives Bree’s excitement for her studies. She’s particularly fascinated by AI and how it aligns with cybersecurity. "Getting an understanding of how AI works can greatly benefit someone” in this field, she notes. Yet, she admits that reading-heavy study methods don’t resonate with her. "Cybersecurity is… very hands-on. You can’t read and study water if you want to learn how to swim," she explains.
Balancing study, work, and networking has presented challenges, yet Bree embraces the grind. "Many students can understand the pressure of trying to excel in their studies, working to pay school fees, trying to maintain industry presence, going for networking events," she says. Her advice to newcomers is rooted in consistency: "Pick one resource, stay consistent, and finish it first."
Experience as an International Student
Bree commented on the difficulties of moving to Australia at the start of her career journey, and the challenges with “[knowing] nobody, [having] no connections or family members” to lean on. One notable experience Bree mentioned was that she “didn’t even know how to use public transport”. A common experience I have heard from many international students is the need to work “100 hour work weeks just to pay school fees on time”.
Due to these circumstances, Bree expressed an innate desire to mentor other international students, “to give them career advice, to broaden their routine, and go for networking events”. She noted how so many students “can get trapped in the work, [or] school routine” and the importance of developing life experiences beyond this. Bree mirrors this in her own learning journey, having recently volunteered at Hck4G, a convention targeted towards students and learners.
The Future of Cyber Security
Bree sees an evolving need for translating complex cybersecurity concepts into accessible language. "There’s a reason becoming a CISO is one of the highest-paid careers in the industry," she observes. Engaging with the broader community, whether online or in person, helps her stay current, break limiting beliefs, and contribute to others’ growth.
Reflecting on her journey, Bree shares wisdom shaped by experience: "There are no L’s, just lessons. Good things take time”, and “results are usually a one day, or one week event but the grind is a 365 day thing." She encourages students to seek mentors who have accomplished what they aspire to achieve and reminds her younger self, and others, that "you’re probably not doing as badly as you think you are. Clarity is only gained from starting”.
When it comes to shaping the future of cybersecurity education, Bree advocates for a portfolio-based approach. "Students graduate with no tangible proof of skill. [Hiring managers] put more emphasis on portfolios and proof of skill rather than a degree." Through curiosity, persistence, and hands-on experience, Bree Kagwe has carved a path in cybersecurity that balances technical skill with human understanding. Her journey demonstrates that passion, resilience, and a willingness to learn are as critical as technical skill in the evolving world of cybersecurity.
Connect With Bree Kagwe
You can connect with Bree on LinkedIn. You can also visit her portfolio website to view some of the awesome projects she has in the works.