Security Engineer Review

I am currently specialising in cyber security. Day-to-day activities introducing new security models and processes for developers to include in the SDLC and improving the automation of application security testing. I frequently code during work and mainly use Python (flask) and Node JS. We are also increasing the awareness of security throughout the bank by creating small CTF’s (hacking games) to increase the exposure and interests in cyber security.

I have learnt how to code from almost no current knowledge. I have increased my skills in JavaScript, HTML, CSS, bootstrap, Python and NodeJS. I have also improved my ethical hacking skills and OS linux Kali. This has allowed me to improve my penetration skills especially using tools like SQL Map, Metasploit, Nmap and Ettercap. I have also developed my scrum masters skills as I often scrum my team including organising sprints.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the apprenticeship to date. The degree couples my work very well and often can use knowledge from one to help the other. The degree and job is intensive and requires a lot of time dedicated to it. However I enjoy learning the modules covered and rarely find myself struggling with the quantity of work. Moving into stage 2 of my degree has allowed me to pick optional modules that I can specialise and excel in more like cyber security.

I feel very valued and an important memeber of Santander. I am always given attention and support when needed and often given advice and recommendations on how to further improve myself. Santander provide appropriate training for me to excel in my placements and have great facilities and tools for me to work at an office or from home. I am also provided with the required software to complete my degree/job when needed.

During the first few weeks of the apprenticeship I felt the apprenticeship was a little disorganised. However we were the Guinea pig year of the apprenticeship and that is one of the reasons the Uni and my employer were having some little teething problems. A year on and all of these problems have been ironed out and the programme is seamless. It is well structured and clearly defined on where and how to get support/feedback. With 3 years of the apprenticeship still left, I feel it will continue to run smoothly.

We receive constant support from the training provider. We are allocated two lectures per term and a permanent student manager who looks after our general queries and support throughout the apprenticeship. We also can escalate to senior stakeholders like the head of programmes if we are concerned. We also received constant surveys to review how each uni module is going and what needs to be improved. One of the best support mechanisms we have is face to face meeting with our student manager every 3 months where we can raise concerns and issues with the program. I prefer this channel of support as it’s easier to convey problems and seek support with human interaction.

I receive more than enough support from my employer. We are given a line manager and apprentice manager who look after our placement/entire apprenticeship. This is useful as it provides me with two different people to speak to and get feedback/advice from. We are also constantly given support from senior leadership and HR if we have any issues/queries. This is helpful as these stakeholders can answer different questions.

My salary package more than covers my costs. As I live local to my office, I have minimal costs for commuting etc. This coupled with an extremely generous pay package allows for me to cover all expenses needed for work and any potential travel to my training provider. This package also allows for me to invest in equipment to further develop my technical skills at home such as investing in a MacBook to further improve in my programming and unix based commands.

There are many opportunities outside of work. From social interactions with teams such as meals / drinks to community days where we help a local trust / charity in order to ‘give back’ I also play work football with over 20 people from work. This helps me to continue one of my main hobby’s and give me a break from the degree and work. There is also a great apprenticeship community at Santander that often arranged socials and get-togethers.

Yes

Santander is a great company that puts your needs first and provides the right support and development for you to excel as a person just as much as an employee to them. They allow you to improve numerous skills and have given me exposure to various different departments and teams allowing me to decide on where I want to focus my career. They also offer a generous package with a great pension scheme and great employee benefits like discounts at shops.

The main advice I would give is to make sure you research the company before hand and what are goal and challenges are. Research what technology and products we are focusing on and starting to introduce. I think it is vital to show a passion for what you are applying for as this helps you two proper show your interests to the company and why you would be a great addition. I think it’s also useful to realise how santander UK started and what it use to be.