Computer Science Education and Elite Sport: "Open Communication is Crucial."

About the job

At CyOne Security, nurturing young talent is highly valued: despite a modest company size of around 60 employees, targeted investments are made in training young IT talents. For the first time, Wanda, an apprentice at CyOne Security, completed the so-called "Way up plus" apprenticeship. In the interview, the young computer scientist talks about formative experiences, personal highlights, and how she managed to balance her vocational training with elite sport.

21-year-old Wanda mastered a double challenge over the past two years: alongside her training as an IT specialist EFZ specialising in application development, she successfully pursued goals in elite sport – as a volleyball player in the Swiss National League A. The combination of vocational training and competitive sport demands a lot of discipline, personal responsibility, and perseverance – qualities that Wanda impressively embodies. Between lines of code and training schedules, she demonstrated daily how much discipline, organisational talent, and stamina she possesses.

Wanda, you recently successfully completed the "Way up plus" computer science apprenticeship. How does it differ from the usual computer science apprenticeship and how is it structured?

The "Way up plus" apprenticeship is an accelerated IT training that lasts only two years instead of four. It is aimed at students with a Matura or persons with another professional qualification and vocational baccalaureate. The focus is solely on IT skills: general education subjects such as German, mathematics, or physics are not part of the apprenticeship.

In the first semester, the inter-company courses (ÜK) took place; in the second, I was already able to participate in a project. In the third and fourth semesters, I worked continuously in the company.

Compared to a university degree, the apprenticeship offers a lot of practical relevance – which appealed to me. Furthermore, the "Way up plus" apprenticeship is completed with a Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) and allows admission to a university of applied sciences, as the required year of professional experience is gained.

Which tasks or projects did you particularly enjoy working on?

In the first year, I enjoyed working on the extranet, an administrative tool for apprentices. It provides apprentices with an overview of their achievements. Our project team was allowed to replace the existing solution with a new version and further develop it.

A particular highlight was my Individual Practical Work (IPA). I developed an application that automatically checks products for security vulnerabilities after release.

Specifically, for each product release, a so-called Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is created – a list of all included components. These are checked for known vulnerabilities (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, CVEs) to detect and fix security gaps early. Since many releases remain productive for years, it is important to regularly check SBOMs retrospectively. My application simplifies exactly this process.

In general, I really enjoy programming. Above all, I find the structured abstraction and reduction of complex data and processes very exciting.

Besides the computer science apprenticeship, you also pursued ambitious sporting goals in the National League A. How did you manage to balance training and elite sport?

I was very pleased to receive a call-up for the National League A from the Volleyball Club Cheseaux in the summer before my second year of apprenticeship. That was a big goal of mine. I immediately sought a conversation with CyOne Security and the school. Together, we looked for a good solution – and found one.

IT tasks are generally well suited for home office, which suited me well. I was able to complete some of the school modules through self-study.

During the pre-season, there were many strength, lunchtime, and evening training sessions. During the current season, a training routine was established. I lived with three other players from my team in a shared flat near Lausanne. We are currently on summer break.

How did you learn to organise your time efficiently and set priorities?

Already in secondary school, I began structuring my time into blocks – each focusing on one subject or goal. I have maintained this method to create space for school, work, and sport.

Open communication was also crucial. I was always fortunate to encounter a supportive environment that helped me.

What have you learned about yourself through the multiple burdens?

How important a supportive environment is – and that good communication is the key when things get tight. I have learned to remain resilient and persevere even in demanding phases.

What did a typical day during your apprenticeship look like – with work, school, and volleyball training?

On Mondays, I had school, then I travelled to Lausanne for training. On other days, there was strength training in the morning, followed by work in the home office for the training company. In the evenings, we had training again, and afterwards, I sometimes worked a bit more. Thursdays were usually training-free, so I could focus on the apprenticeship and school tasks. Normally, we had three days of training or matches in a row, followed by a rest day.

How do you deal with setbacks – e.g., a technical challenge or a sporting defeat?

After sporting defeats, I consciously ask myself: What positive can I take from this? What needs to be improved is usually clear anyway.

Despite narrowly missing the bronze medal by finishing fourth, we are very satisfied with the past season. Our club had not reached the playoff semi-finals for a long time, so this was a huge success. Furthermore, we will play in Europe next year and participate in the Challenge Cup – and this with a small budget and only two foreign players.

For technical challenges, I usually follow an analytical approach: I research, experiment, and if necessary, ask more experienced colleagues for advice.

What advice would you give to others planning to pursue an elite sports career alongside their training?

Communication is central. If you are reliable and complete your tasks conscientiously, the training company and school are more willing to make compromises. Discipline is also essential – as is the ability to ask for support in good time if it becomes too much.

What will you particularly remember from your time in the computer science apprenticeship at CyOne Security?

Above all, I will remember the great team. Everyone was very helpful and courteous – throughout the entire apprenticeship and especially in the intense second year.

What are your plans after completing your apprenticeship – professionally and in sport?

I will fully concentrate on volleyball in the coming season, as the Challenge Cup, among other things, is upcoming. I also want to further improve my French skills and, depending on capacity, take on a part-time job. In the medium term, I do not rule out studying.

Interested in an apprenticeship as an IT specialist EFZ? We offer exciting and well-supported training in the growing cyber security industry.