For many of us, coming from humble backgrounds, this was a huge help.
Shilpi Priyadarshini
Data Privacy Executive, EXL Services
Data Privacy Executive, EXL Services
I grew up in Patna, where I pursued Chemistry Honours at Patna University. Later, I moved to Delhi to complete my MCA in 2005. My career began with an internship at HCL Noida,and later received an offer from Absolute Data Tech as a Data Analyst. I joined as a programmer, worked hard, got promoted, and became a team lead.
Then came the break. A 15- year long career break. Taking a step back from the IT industry was tough. But at that time, it was necessary. My kids were young, and there was no support system to take care of them.
Years passed. The itch to return never faded. I wanted to get back, but the industry had moved forward, and I felt left behind.
During my career gap, I stayed busy—I taught my kids, tutored children in my neighborhood, and remained alert to the changing world. Cybersecurity and privacy caught my attention. It felt like the right field to step into.
I started small. Online courses, workshops, and networking. I joined communities, connected with professionals, and explored every opportunity. It was exhausting, but I kept going.
Then I came across the Cyber Shikshaa program on LinkedIn. I applied for it, hoping for a chance. That decision changed everything.
I was shortlisted. The program, organized by Tsaaro Academy, provided online training in privacy and data protection. Mentors guided us through global privacy regulations. We received detailed study materials and books.
For many of us, coming from humble backgrounds, this was a huge help.
The best part was my batchmates. We studied together, supported each other, and pushed through obstacles. I registered for the DCPP certification, dedicating four hours daily for a month to prepare. It wasn’t easy—household chores, my husband’s surgery, life’s endless responsibilities—but I stayed focused.
The team arranged guidance programs, and successful alumni shared their journeys. Their stories inspired me.
The day I cleared the exam in one go, I knew I had made the right choice. The program didn’t just end there. The team helped with job hunting, encouraged me at every step, and never let me feel alone in the process.
By God’s grace, I landed a role as a Data Privacy Executive at EXL.
To every woman on a career break, wondering if a second chance is possible, I say this— “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
Right from my college days, I was always interested in studying a blend of cyber security, law, and policy; and this program was offering exactly that. I took a leap of faith and enrolled for the program, and it turned out to be a lifeline for me. Especially amidst the stressful chemotherapy sessions.
(from Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir)CyberShikshaa is a great platform to learn advanced cyber security tools. This course has transformed my life and getting placed at HCL is like a dream come true. The webinars enhanced my knowledge in the field of networking, cryptography and cyber security. Apart from technical knowledge, it also helped in improving my communication skills. Girls can enhance their capabilities and grab the best opportunities in future.
(from Patharkandi, Assam)After B.Tech, CyberShikshaa course helped me in my professional career. This course has taught me online safety, security, and how to protect myself from cyber world. As new technology is coming, more cybercrime is increasing day by day. So I recommend CyberShikshaa training to all women.
(from Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh)CyberShikshaa is a good platform to learn cyber security and apply that knowledge in real time applications. Apart from this, it has helped me a lot to improve my confidence level, communication skills, teamwork, and ability to understand people.
(from Jalu, Amravati, Maharashtra)CyberShikshaa program has been a turning point in my life. It helped me a lot to lift my knowledge in cyber security and trained me to be more confident in life. For me, this course was the last hope to get a job.
DSCI and Microsoft are giving one of the best opportunities for girls who can't afford to pay lacs of rupees to build a career. So, girls go grab it!
(from Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh)CyberShikshaa program came to me as a blessing as I was jobless for four years. The journey through out the training was very knowledgeable and helpful, apart from the technical knowledge, soft skills sessions were conducted regularly for overall grooming of the students.
(from Nagpur, Maharashtra)CyberShikshaa program really helped me improve my technical skills and confidence. Cyber security is a very interesting field to work at different levels. Thank you CyberShikshaa for helping me get this great opportunity at Aujas where I am working on Web Application Penetration Testing, Mobile and API Penetration Testing.
