Cyber Analyst Review

I work in the Chief Information Security Office, my day to day work involves, approving or rejecting access requests for special privileges, this revolves around data security. I also work in Cryptography focusing on remediation of SSH Keys, this involves collating metrics to understand our progress and reaching out to Key Operators to ensure that their Keys are remediated to the company guidelines.

I have developed a greater knowledge of Cryptography and the finite details are becoming more clear to me. Whilst it hasn't been easy I have gained a greater understanding of Microsoft office. I have also begun to understand my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to interacting with colleagues. I now know where I need to improve.

I enjoy the programme to an extent, I am excited to learn new things when I go to college, the filed I am in is quite interesting and there is a lot to learn. I wish the course would be more together, we go to college in weekly blocks spread out across the year. I also wish there is a bit more support regarding the work we need to do and are expected to do going forward.

There is a clear structure, my hope is that this works to my benefit, I do not wish for everything to be crammed in at the end. we have 10 weekly blocks of courses with 5 exams, spread over 2 years with an overarching piece of coursework that has already begun.

There is support available from Apprenticeship Coaches, we have regular 1-2-1 meetings to discuss progress and any problems we are or will face. This is a reassuring process, especially in a company where you can at time feel overwhelmed. Although I would like more support from my team and Manager, I sometimes have to go out of my way to speak about the things I need to do.

We are still in early days, but so far the support has been up to scratch. My QA (training provider) I supporting me through my coursework and I have received some feedback. Preferably I would like to receive greater feedback when I send my coursework, sometimes the response I get is we will go over stuff on our next scheduled call.

At the moment there has been minimal if any link between what I have learnt in the classroom and my job role. This is probably due to the fact that there has only been one week in which we have been and this wasn't an essential course. Looking to the future I can see there are planned courses which should help me perform better in my job.

There are some fantastic events at the office I work in. There is a 5-a-side football group which I am involved in with games every lunchtime. Some of the events included in my apprenticeship are quite good, we have done Micro Tyco, which we raise money for charity through entrepreneurial means. I would however like to see more networking events as there hasn't been any since I have been here.

Yes

Its a fantastic work environment, you have space to focus on the things that are important to you. As a matter of fact I have recently recommended someone to work for Barclays. There are many benefits of working here including the financial benefits as well as the personal benefits on site including a gym, tennis courts etc. Its like being at a university.

Just be yourself, never try to portray yourself as something you're not, Barclays looks for a diverse group of people with a variety of talents, there is so much scope when it comes to the jobs available. On the assessment days it is important to show off you're skills whilst respecting other around you. Barclays is a big team, to high an ego won't get you far in this company.