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Cybersecurity Careers: Bita's Journey

Building on a multidisciplinary technical foundation

When people ask about my proudest achievement, I don't immediately think of a project or certification. Instead, I think about the journey that brought me here. 

Moving to Canada marked the next stage of a career I had already begun building across technology, security, and infrastructure. Adapting to a new professional environment allowed me to build on that foundation while continuing to expand my experience in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. 

Along the way, I worked in networking, IT support, penetration testing, industrial operations, and electrical and control systems. At different points in my career, I wondered whether my path was too unconventional. I wasn't following a traditional cybersecurity trajectory. 

I know now that each role helped me build a broader understanding of technology, operations, and the people who depend on them. Those experiences now allow me to approach cybersecurity challenges from multiple perspectives and contribute in ways that go beyond technical analysis alone.



Discovering my passion for critical infrastructure 

Before joining AtkinsRéalis, I worked as a Security Technologist on major healthcare infrastructure projects, designing and commissioning access control, CCTV, networking, and critical communications systems.  

This experience allowed me to see that security wasn't just about individual technologies. It was about protecting the environments, and services that people rely on.  

At the same time, I pursued studies in Industrial Network Cybersecurity and continued expanding my knowledge through Computer Science education. It helped me connect the dots between cybersecurity, engineering, and operational technology. 

Why I joined AtkinsRéalis

I joined AtkinsRéalis because I wanted my work to be connected to complex, real‑world infrastructure. 

The projects we deliver shape communities and support essential services. I was excited by the opportunity to apply my cybersecurity expertise to transportation, infrastructure, and operational technology environments where the work has a visible and meaningful impact. 

Today, I work across Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Operational Technology (OT), and critical infrastructure projects, helping project teams understand cyber risks, define and review security requirements, assess controls, and make informed cybersecurity decisions throughout the project lifecycle. 

What my work looks like day to day

One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are exactly alike. 

Depending on the project, I may be developing and reviewing cybersecurity requirements, participating in technical workshops, conducting risk assessments, supporting design reviews, or working with engineers and project teams to identify practical security solutions.  A key part of my role is helping ensure cybersecurity is considered throughout the project lifecycle, particularly at the stages where requirements and design decisions can have the greatest long‑term impact. 

"Cybersecurity needs to be part of the engineering process from the beginning. We help teams identify risks, define requirements, assess security controls, and develop solutions that are not only secure, but also practical and reliable for the people who operate them." 

I regularly work alongside engineers, operations specialists, project managers, and technical experts from a wide range of disciplines. Bringing together different perspectives often leads to better outcomes. I enjoy being part of those conversations. 

Cybersecurity is ultimately a team effort. The best solutions are developed when people with different expertise work together to balance security, operational requirements, reliability, and usability. 

Growing through leadership and collaboration

Another aspect of AtkinsRéalis that I value is the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals across cybersecurity, engineering, systems, and project delivery. 

I've worked with people who set high standards and trust team members with meaningful responsibility. What has stood out most is their willingness to share the reasoning behind decisions and create opportunities for others to grow. 

Being surrounded by talented people who are generous with their knowledge creates an environment where continuous learning feels like part of everyday work. 

Looking ahead

Cybersecurity continues to evolve rapidly. I am particularly excited by the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, and connected infrastructure. 

"As these environments become more interconnected, cybersecurity professionals increasingly need to combine strong technical expertise with sound judgment, engineering awareness, collaboration, and an understanding of operational risk."   

Personally, I plan to continue deepening my expertise in OT and critical infrastructure cybersecurity while growing into greater technical and leadership responsibilities. I am particularly interested in contributing to complex cybersecurity decisions, supporting multidisciplinary teams, mentoring others as I continue to develop, and helping projects integrate cybersecurity effectively throughout the project lifecycle. 

Advice for future cybersecurity professionals

For anyone considering a career in cybersecurity, my advice is to stay curious and not feel that there is only one correct path into the field. A non‑traditional path can become a significant professional strength when you understand how to bring those experiences together. 

Learn from experienced professionals, ask questions, and remain open to new challenges. At the same time, recognize the value of your own experiences and perspective. 

Sometimes the person who looks at a problem differently is the one who helps move the team forward.
 

Build your cybersecurity career with AtkinsRéalis

At AtkinsRéalis, cybersecurity professionals work alongside engineers, project teams, and operational experts to help protect the critical infrastructure that communities depend on every day. 

Ready to help protect the infrastructure that powers our communities? Explore cybersecurity and digital engineering opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and build a career where technology, engineering, and innovation come together.

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