By Arwin Shams Siddiquee
Sheikh Atkia Tabassum is an alumnus of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, having completed her undergraduate education from ULAB’s Department of English and Humanities. After ULAB, she went on to work at Mutual Trust Bank Limited and then study cybersecurity at the Washington University of Science and Technology (WUST), working as a part of the university’s Cybersecurity Club operating under the guidance of the WUST-SOC Lab. She is currently working on her future as an entrepreneur, having started her own technology and cybersecurity solutions company in the United States.
What made you decide to pursue an undergraduate degree at ULAB DEH?
I decided to pursue my undergraduate degree at ULAB because of its renowned faculty members and strong academic reputation. The university is well known for its experienced professors, who are recognized for their expertise, research contributions, and commitment to student development. Learning from such distinguished faculty provided me with the opportunity to build a strong academic foundation, develop critical thinking skills, and prepare for my future academic and professional goals.
What did the path from DEH to Cybersecurity at WUST look like? What made you choose cybersecurity and how did your experiences at DEH prepare you for the journey?
After completing my bachelor’s degree at DEH, I joined Mutual Trust Bank Limited as an Assessor. I initially worked in the Branch Banking Division, but after excelling in internal training programs, I was transferred to the Liability Operations Department and later to the Fraud Detection Unit.
Working in fraud detection showed me how critical it is to protect customers’ financial information and sparked my interest in cybersecurity. Combined with my science background and early exposure to programming, this experience motivated me to pursue a master’s degree in Cybersecurity at WUST. My education at DEH provided me with the analytical and problem-solving skills that helped me successfully transition into this field.
Do you find that the things you learned during your undergraduate degree still help you in your present endeavors? Which things would you say come up most often and/or continue to have the most impact?
Yes, absolutely. The knowledge and skills I gained during my undergraduate degree continue to support me in my academic and professional journey. Since I am actively involved in research, the academic writing, critical thinking, and research skills I developed at DEH have been especially valuable. These skills help me write research papers, analyze information effectively, and communicate my ideas clearly.
Do you find that your extracurricular activities whilst at ULAB helped build impactful skills for your present (and future) pursuits? Did you choose which ECAs you pursued based on your future plans and would you advise anyone currently in a similar position (to you back then) to do the same?
During my time at ULAB, I was actively involved in the Sustainable Development Club and worked as a Research Assistant at the Center for Sustainable Development for nearly two and a half years. These experiences sparked my passion for research and helped me develop skills in academic research, teamwork, and communication. I also contributed to a U.S.-based project developing multimodal materials for English vocabulary learning under the supervision of Nazah Farah Ma’am.
I would encourage current students to participate in extracurricular activities that genuinely interest and inspire them. Activities they enjoy not only make university life more meaningful but also help them develop valuable skills and experiences that can benefit their academic, professional, and personal growth in the future.
What advice would you give anyone currently pursuing an English degree at ULAB who may want to switch fields in the future?
My advice would be to build a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, research, and problem-solving, as these skills are valuable in any profession. Don’t be afraid to explore new fields through internships, certifications, or self-learning. I transitioned from English to Cybersecurity, and my undergraduate education at ULAB gave me the confidence and transferable skills to succeed. Stay curious, keep learning, and believe that changing career paths is possible with dedication and continuous effort.
What does the future hold for Sheikh Atkia Tabassum? How are you working towards your goals and what, for you, are the most important takeaways from this journey?
My long-term goal is to become an entrepreneur and create opportunities for others by becoming a job creator rather than just a job seeker. I have already taken the first step by starting my own technology and cybersecurity solutions company in the United States. I am working toward my goals by continuously expanding my knowledge in cybersecurity, conducting research, publishing academic work, and gaining practical industry experience.
One of the most important lessons from my journey is that financial independence is essential, especially for women. I believe that empowering women through education, skills, and entrepreneurship enables them to build confident and meaningful lives. Above all, I have learned that with hard work, lifelong learning, and perseverance, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve your dreams.