Former SCIoT student thrives in Milton Keynes business community 

Deborah Mungai, a former student of the South Central Institute of Technology (SCIoT) in Bletchley – part of the Milton Keynes College Group – has become a key member of the Milton Keynes business community in the two years after completing her course. 

The young entrepreneur completed her Higher National Diploma in Cyber and Computer Forensics in May of 2022 at the SCIoT and since then has started her own business in event photography, website services, branding and creative marketing. Deborah is also a podcast co-host and a regular public speaker in Milton Keynes and further afield, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, cyber awareness, education activism, and empowering more women and people of colour to get into the STEM industry. 

And recently, Deborah was chosen by Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, as a Local Skills Champion. This involved Deborah and her mother visiting 10 Downing Street, where they had the opportunity to meet other champions from all parts of the country and to interact with other Members of Parliament and the Secretary of State for Education.  

On the experience of visiting Downing Street, Deborah said: “It was a wonderful experience, and I consider it a significant achievement that I proudly wear as a minority, empowering others. During the event, I networked with people from various business sectors and apprenticeships. Following the event, I’m planning to visit the House of Commons and explore the possibility of opening a club to support migrants arriving in the country to integrate in the UK school system and career through an initiative I am working on with my mother”. 

Deborah is also taking part in a podcast called ‘Inspirational MK’ with Women Leaders, which has been recorded at Milton Keynes College’s Chaffron Centre with the support of the College’s Media Studies students and will be launched on International Women’s Day on 8^th March. 

Speaking about her time at the SCIoT, Deborah said: “Studying at the SCIoT has been a transformative journey for me; it has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the driven and accomplished individual I am today. I vividly remember being an apprehensive yet talented 18-year-old, unsure of which career path to embark upon. However, the SCIoT provided me with the guidance and resources to not only excel in the technology realm but also explore my passion for marketing. Through its extensive network and opportunities, I’ve been able to flourish as an entrepreneur, leveraging connections forged during my time at the institute, both in business and the rapidly evolving technology sector. My advice to prospective students is simple: seize the opportunity that this institute presents. Its diverse offerings and comprehensive curriculum have equipped me with far more than just a cybersecurity degree; I’ve gained invaluable skills, including effective communication in professional settings.”    

James Nowell, Head of School at the SCIoT commented: “Everyone at the SCIoT in Bletchley is extremely proud of Deborah and everything she has achieved, both during her studies with us and since she completed her course. Deborah’s success is a fantastic example of why the SCIoT is so valuable in the Milton Keynes community. We provide our learners with the opportunities to study in state-of-the-art facilities with tutors who are industry experts and take part in real-world projects that give them the skills to excel in the digital and technology sectors. We’re excited to see what the future holds for Deborah and all of our learners who choose to take advantage of the fantastic opportunities available at the SCIoT.” 

For more information on the South Central Institute of Technology in Bletchley, visit southcentraliot.ac.uk