CISO Apprentice Review

I work within the Chief Information Security office (CISO) as a Cyber Apprentice. Day to day I work on defining processes, reviewing access rights, working on policies such as clear desk and sometimes, I get to work with third parties on our information security risks. My role I would say is more 'Information Security' based than Cyber Security.

I have honestly learnt and developed so many new skills since working at UBS. Firstly everyone comes out of education thinking that they're professionals in Excel and PowerPoint. It was not until I started working for UBS until I realized how much I had to learn. Since I started 6 months ago, UBS have sent me on courses to improve my excel and presentation skills - both of which have developed immensely. I also believe my communications skills have skyrocketed as I have to interact with people over Skype and in meetings that I have never met before. - This has helped me to develop my introducing skills.

In my program I am surrounded by so many people who are considered experts in the field. As a result of this I am subject to learning so much about the industry from the best. I am really enjoying learning my course content in new ways - both practically and in theory.

There has been a few hiccups along the way when it has come to accessing our course material. Taking initially a few months before we had all of our recourses. Also having 3 different points of contact (our UBS contact, our learning provider and our competency provider) makes communication difficult as we don't often know who the right point of contact is.

I receive so much support from my employer. I honestly do not think there is a possible way in which they could offer me more support. Everyone in my department is keen to talk to me and answer any questions that I have regarding my content. Also they offer a lot of support in other areas much as mental and physical health etc.

My training provider have offered me a lot of support. Upon retaking my exam they put me in contact with one of the tutors who spent their on time talking to me before my exam to prep me in addition to sending over documents that I may find useful to prepare me.

My qualification helps me to understand a lot of industry terms and standards that I could potentially be exposed to on day to day tasks. It also helps me to understand language that I can be exposed to throughout my career in cyber Security and how my job affects financial crime etc.

I have not personally got involved in any of the above however I know that UBS offers a few different options. I however have got involved with the sports inspired volunteering with local schools. At UBS each employee is entitled to two volunteering days. SportsInspired is where we go and help out with a sports day style day.

Yes

I would recommend UBS to a friend as the company is well established with good principals and behaviors which are followed throughout the bank by every employee. Also being surrounded by industry professionals is beneficial for anyone who starting a career as an apprentice as those who surround you are those who you're mainly learning from.

Make sure that you research the company and that you fully understand the three keys of the company as the whole bank resolves around them. Also if you want to come into the banking industry be prepared for change as throughout your career there is constant change and nothing is constant.