Cyber Analyst Review

My role is Third Party Security, which is part of the Chief Information Security Office in Barclays UK. The job involves working with data and conducting analysis on the outcomes of our work with suppliers to identify potential control gaps within our third parties, whether it be a supplier or an application.

I have developed current skills which i have learnt through my education such as working with numbers and heavily using applications such as Microsoft Excel to create graphs and other statistics around the data I have been working with. I have also enhanced my communication skills on the apprenticeship as group work is encouraged, so my communication with peers has improved.

I have enjoyed the programme more than I had originally expected. There are a large number of other apprentices which makes work more sociable having people who are on the same programme and raises opportunity to meet new people. I also enjoy the day-to-day work, and the location as it has a relaxed approach to clothing and offers flexible hours.

The programme is well structured, as we have a variety of objectives within different time frames to complete. These objectives all align with the job role relatively well and can be applied to any area of work as they teach valuable skills, such as excel experience and helps build confidence through presentations. As well as the course being well organised and enjoyable.

The opportunity for support is tremendous here, upon joining we are assigned to another apprentice who is there to help us with any questions we may have as they have been through the same thing, along with another peer in your area who is there to assist with any technical questions you may have. As well as the careers coach who is always there to help with any questions and make sure you are on track.

We receive support in various areas. We have a coach from QA who visits every 8 weeks to ensure we are on track with our work and to answer any questions and/or uncertainties we may have. Whilst they only visit every 8 weeks, we are able to email at any time. As well as online tutoring, there are resources designed to help with queries on their website and during the course.

I believe that it helps significantly as the role is related to the QA course, so we are able to learn applicable skills and instantly start incorporating these into our work. The idea of the course is that it relates to the job role, which means that you are able to use the new things you learn instantly and develop the ability to carry out your role.

Barclays offer a range of facilities for the ability to get involved in, such as the gym,which is open majority of the day Monday to Friday. There are also various sport activities that are held, such as football, tag rugby, tennis, cricket and more. There are also regular team events and campus wide events held as part of networking.

Yes

I would recommend Barclays to a friend as it has a laid back approach and offers flexibility in your working hours, whilst expecting hard work and dedication from you. Having the culture they do, it encourages people to fulfill their role to the best of their ability and makes work enjoyable which is key. The facilities and benefits that come along with the job are outstanding.

I would advise people to explore the business, there are so many different areas and teams to work in, which all offer opportunity for personal development to help you progress your career. Also to get involved in activities such as team building and networking as they are encouraged to everyone. Barclays creates the opportunity to develop yourself as there are various different resources available to help develop your knowledge, and even learn new areas, whilst offering fulfilling job roles and great benefits to working for them.