Lavanya Rajendran

“I am incredibly proud of my growth from a Graduate Analyst on the Tideway project, into a Cyber Security Analyst.”

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Lavenya Rajendran – As an Engineer from Delhi, India, I moved to the UK in 2019 to pursue new opportunities and build a career in cybersecurity. My fascination with technology and how computer systems can solve complex challenges inspired me to study Computer Science and Engineering, followed by a Master's degree in Information Security and Digital Forensics.

I began my cybersecurity journey as a Graduate Analyst on a multi-million-pound infrastructure project and have since progressed into trusted security roles, applying my expertise to protect critical systems and strengthen organisational resilience against cyber threats. Along the way, I earned the CompTIA Security+ certification and achieved Practitioner Cyber Security Professional status on the UK Cyber Security Council register.

Today, I work as an IT Security Analyst at McLaughlin & Harvey, driven by a passion for continuous learning, professional growth, and making a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

I strongly believe that every milestone, big or small, has contributed to where I am today, and I consider each step of my journey an achievement in its own way.

If I had to highlight the most memorable one, it would be the honour of meeting His Majesty King Charles during his visit to the University of East London in 2022 to celebrate the university's 125th anniversary. As one of the student-elected representatives, I was given the privilege of presenting a commemorative memento to His Majesty on behalf of the university community. It was a truly humbling and unforgettable experience, one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Representing my fellow students on such a prestigious occasion filled me with immense pride.

Professionally, I am incredibly proud of my growth from a Graduate Analyst on the Tideway project, one of the UK's largest and most significant infrastructure programmes, into a Cyber Security Analyst. The experience, challenges, and opportunities I gained along the way have shaped my career, strengthened my expertise, and built the confidence that continues to drive my success in the cybersecurity field today.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been adapting to constant change while building my career in cybersecurity.

Moving from India to the UK meant leaving behind my family, friends, and everything familiar to pursue higher education and new opportunities. Adjusting to a new culture, environment, and way of life required resilience, independence, and determination.

The transition from academia into the professional world brought its own set of challenges. Learning to navigate complex business environments, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and make informed security decisions under pressure required me to develop both technical expertise and professional confidence. Adapting to this as a young professional pushed me far beyond my comfort zone.

Perhaps the most testing period came when I faced uncertainty around changing UK visa and immigration regulations. With my future plans dependent on factors outside my control, I had to remain focused, adaptable, and optimistic while seeking new opportunities. This ultimately led me to relocate and begin a new chapter in Northern Ireland, once again stepping outside my comfort zone. I have learned that growth often comes from embracing change. Looking back, every challenge has strengthened my confidence and shaped me into the resilient professional I am today.

Tell us something about you people would find surprising

Sports have always played an important role in my life. From my school days, I actively participated in a wide range of athletic and sporting activities, believing that physical fitness is just as important as academic success.

One of my proudest sporting memories comes from my university years, when I was appointed captain of the women's basketball team. Standing at just 157 cm, I was of course not the tallest player on the court, which often surprised people when they learned I was leading the team.

Under our collective efforts and perseverance, our women's basketball team achieved a historic milestone by securing second place in the zonal tournament, the highest achievement our team had ever attained at the time. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that taught me valuable lessons in leadership, resilience, and teamwork.