In the cybersecurity industry, staying relevant requires more than just experience; it also necessitates a proactive approach. It demands continuous learning, adaptation, and a deep understanding of emerging technologies. Meet Dr. Manju Devaraj, a seasoned information security professional and a proud alumnus of EC-Council University, who is a true testament to the impact and value of lifelong learning, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dr. Manju Devaraj holds over 20 + years of diverse experience across IT, network systems, and cybersecurity. With a career spanning multiple global giants, including Siemens, Wipro, and IBM, he possessed expertise in enterprise technology and security. However, even with a rich portfolio of gold-standard industry certifications, Dr. Manju found himself at a crossroads, a point where career advancement demanded more than just experience and credentials.
The Turning Point: Seeking More Than Certification
Despite holding numerous professional certifications accumulated over two decades, Dr. Manju realized that certifications alone couldn’t unlock the strategic leadership roles he aspired to advance in.
“Those certifications were not good enough,” he admits. “I wanted to continue my further studies to enrich my knowledge and the profile itself.”
That realization led him to explore master’s programs in cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning, with a clear intent to pursue education that was practical, research-focused, and aligned with real-world industry challenges.
Choosing ECCU: A Decision Rooted in Relevance
Dr. Manju was determined to find a program that blended academic rigor with real-world applicability. After thoroughly researching multiple universities and programs, Dr. Manju made a decisive choice to enroll in the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Program at EC-Council University.
“I was hunting through multiple universities for a master’s in cybersecurity. Eventually, I decided to go with EC-Council University because it stood out in terms of research focus and practicality.”
What made ECCU Stand Out for Dr. Manju
- Tailored for Working Professionals: As a full-time executive, Dr. Manju needed a program that recognized the constraints and needs of experienced professionals.
- Credit Transfer for Certifications: ECCU’s Transfer of credit system allowed him to leverage his existing certifications, adding tangible value to his academic journey.
- Research and Practical Orientation: Unlike traditional academic models, ECCU’s program required completion of research, weekly assignments, case studies, and provided live or recorded sessions, all focused on practical learning.
His choice of institution and the program was a strategic one. For professionals like him, who are already well-established in their field, they value programs that build on their existing expertise. Dr. Manju appreciated ECCU’s industry-aligned coursework, which focused on real-world application, research, and practical relevance.
“If someone with industry experience joins a typical university, they may not reap the full benefits. ECCU understands working professionals and customizes the experience to match,”
Knowledge as the Driving Force—Not Promotions
For Dr Manju, pursuing a master’s degree was never about chasing a title or promotion. It was about something more meaningful, knowledge enrichment.
“Most people do it for a promotion or another degree. For me, it was always about knowledge. That was my driving factor.”
This mindset and willingness to learn set the foundation for a successful transition into a leadership role, one built not just on authority, but on deep subject matter expertise and a renewed academic perspective. Eventually, the Master of Science in Cybersecurity (MSCS) program paved the way forward for him into a high-stakes, high-impact position.
The Real Impact of ECCU: A Journey from Regional Head to Managing Director
Today, Dr. Manju holds the prestigious position of Managing Director at Secure Logic, Singapore, representing the Southeast Asian region. His ECCU journey played a significant role in sharpening his strategic vision, leadership capability, and practical application of cybersecurity principles in a dynamic global environment.
“The skills and experience I had, I could enrich through this program. That’s why I say, this was a wise choice.”
A Voice of Experience and Endorsement
Now a proud ECCU alumnus, Dr. Manju is a strong advocate for the ECCU program, especially for professionals with significant experience looking to upskill.
“If you’re already in the field and want something that values your background while pushing you forward, ECCU is the place to be,” he says. “It’s not just theory—it’s about practical insights that matter.”
He rates his overall experience a 9.5 out of 10, not out of hesitation, but out of humility.
“There’s always room for improvement,” he says. “Perfection doesn’t exist, but ECCU comes close.”
An Inspiration for Aspiring Professionals
Manju Devaraj’s story is a strong testament to how lifelong learning and strategic education can transform a seasoned professional into a visionary leader. His journey through EC-Council University didn’t just earn him a degree; it empowered him with confidence, competence, and credibility to lead in the evolving environment of cybersecurity industry.
For anyone aspiring to make a mark in cybersecurity or aiming to transition into leadership roles, Dr. Manju Devaraj’s journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how far you have come, there is always room to grow, learn, and lead. Your experience is your foundation, but your willingness to learn will shape your future.
