Cyber Security Analyst Apprentice Review

My role involves investigating current cyber threat tends by reviewing various sources of threat intelligence. I participate in supporting the operation of incident handling when events have been detected and I have been involved in cyber security projects to find the most effective software for use within my company and for our members.

I have developed good communication skills and the importance of team work in the working environment. As part of my role I have learnt how to monitor the network for security related issues and how to identify them across a number of different monitoring systems used within the security industry.

I really enjoy learning new skills and knowledge not just through my degree but also in my work. My colleagues are all very supportive and help me and teach me in any way they can. I was given the opportunity to direct my career path at the end of my first year after experiencing the various different aspects of cyber security. I chose threat intelligence as I found it the most interesting.

As I was one of the first apprentices Jisc decided to take on, there were some organisational issues from the beginning with regards to my training provider. However, after my first term everything was in place, from my dedicated university time every Friday to travel funding for me to travel to my workshops in London. The only problems I have had since then has been due to my training provider directly.

Jisc as a whole has been very supportive of apprenticeships offering me many opportunities, paying for my expenses when I am on workshop, providing me with any devices and resources I might need for my study. My team has been even more supportive, helping me in any way they can when I don't understand some degree theory. My manager and mentor were always aware of my degree modules and tailored my work to coincide.

I feel that the overall support from my training provider in my first year was very poor. There were constant issues and I often felt like I was in the dark with regards to what I needed to do to achieve my degree. I believe part of this was due to the degree structure changing significantly that year and this year it is better.

Much of the content I have learnt in my degree I can apply to my work. By increasing my knowledge of networking and cyber security, I am able to understand more and do my job better. There are a few modules that are not related to my job at all and everything I do at work I had to be taught on top.

My office is based on a campus and there are various networking and sporting events that are advertised throughout all the companies regularly. At Jisc they have running and yoga and compete in rounders and football campus competitions. There are also campus emails sent around with networking events and presentations at different companies.

Yes

The company is very employee focused. There are already many employee benefits and they are always trying to do more. My experience as a degree apprenticeship was personal and I was able to make a contribution. In comparison to other many of the companies providing degree apprenticeships I applied to where I just felt like a number due to there being such a large intake.

During the application they were all very friendly and it was a relaxed atmosphere. I did not complete an assessment day but from what I have heard they are really an opportunity to ask questions of the managers from different parts of the company to really get a feel for where you are going to be working. There are so many opportunities and they are very willing to support you in what you want you just have to ask.