Security Analyst Review

My role consists of managing all new, transfers and shares of SC (Security Clearance) on the account. I also carry out all the usual analyst roles; where we perform code scans, data transfers and deal with any security incidents that may arise. I find the day takes extremely rewarding and interesting.

My computing and security skills have flourished throughout the year. I have received massive amounts of support from my manager, who lead weekly training sessions for the entire team. I am not knowledgeable in a large part of the security area. With an understanding of producing risk assessments and an ISO27001 register. Outside of security I have become fluent in HTML and have also done work within the server room. This is a fantastic way to quickly learn new skills to bring to your career from a technical point of view.

The programme its self stays fresh and enjoyable through the fact that its rewarding. You receive recognition for your hard work and get to see first hand how your role is benefiting the business. You do a REAL role as a Future; coming straight from college to being treated like a full time IBMer makes it a great programme to be apart of. Plus, you get to do activities such as Go Ape at the quarterly meetings, which is always fun.

The programme is well organised to the point where you have enough downtime to get on with your role aswell as having the time to produce good material for your reviews. You will have a 3,6,9 and 12 month review, with the 6 and 12 month ones being the most important. You will always be notified well in advance of anything you will need to prepare to pass your Futures year. I only have one bad example as to where I wasn't sent the degree apprenticeship application and therefore only had a weekend to prepare mine, but I still submitted it with no problems.

You'll receive large amounts of support from IBM, mainly through your line manager and EPM. Your EPM will be able to give you advice on any of your upcoming reviews and will also support you in what you will be doing after your Futures year. In my case I have gone on to apply to be a degree apprentice, my EPM was really supportive of this and will make sure you are capable of securing a place. Both also made time for me when I wanted to speak to them.

You do not go to college or university while in the Futures scheme as it is technically a gap year, where you can go to uni afterwards or get an apprenticeship. The training comes in the form of your first year in a work environment. Training is available in the form of badges and courses, but you have to be willing to put the extra time in in order to achieve these.

Being able to say you took part in IBM's future scheme will be a massive plus on your CV, whatever you go on to go afterwards. For me personally, it allowed me to show my account what I am capable of and for that they offered me a degree apprenticeship on the same account, with more responsibility and working in new areas, while getting a degree and a salary!

The Preston office is a small office and therefore there is very little in terms of sporting and social events. The only one is the monthly 'First Wednesdays' where you'll go out and network with your office. You will have to be willing to travel to at least Manchester for bigger networking events, which isn't the end of the world. Sporting wise, there is nothing, however there is a gym close by where you get a big discount for working at IBM.

Yes

Fantastic business to be in with lots of different areas to go into. Both business and technology based pathways will branch into an area you would want to work in. the sky's the limit with IBM, starting as a future is a great foot in the door to reach any career goal.

The application process is not easy. Be prepared for multiple interviews, team exercises, IPAT tests and more. Being able to lead a group as well as listen to others is critical to passing the assessment centre. Make sure you have a unique selling point that makes you interesting and appealing to bring into the business.