Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst Review

My role involves the proactive and reactive analysis of intelligence relating to the bank and it's customers. We cover a wide range of threats and intelligence types and work with teams around the bank to provide the best safety possible to both the bank and customers. I am unable to divulge full details of my daily responsibilities.

I have had the opportunity to develop existing skills as well as new skills. I started my role with some programming experience and have been allowed to develop them, specifically python. This has been a great help to both myself and the team as we now have python scripts that we use daily.

I could not be happier with the work side of things on the apprenticeship, however I must say I'm not the biggest fan of the university as I feel that it is incredibly under-prepared, under-resourced and under-experienced when it comes to dealing with apprentices and how we operate, as well as coming to terms with the fact that we work full time.

The programme is very well structured in terms of the work side of things. Barclays has organised our side of the programme well, however the university seems to have rushed everything together and it shows. There is a real lack of proper communication and organisation on the university's part

I feel that support from my employer is second to none. From internal health and wellbeing pages to being able to have a mentor and joining working groups, there is something for all employees to turn to for support and I am grateful and appreciative that I have these opportunities

The university is very lackluster in terms of providing support. There have been times where we have reached out for support and been met with hostile responses from lecturers and staff at the uni. This comes back to my previous point about the uni being under-prepared and under-experienced with regards to dealing with apprentices.

Because this is a non-rotational apprenticeship, the qualification that I will receive won't really have that great an effect on my specific role, especially I am unable to complete a specialist module in my area, however, there are some modules such as software development which will assist in general knowledge

There are many activities to get involved in at Barclays, from team events, to presentations and speakers being invited in, to sports teams, to apprentice groups that bring together apprentices from across the bank where we come together and have social events such as nights out, as well as professional events

Yes

I would specifically recommend the degree and foundation apprenticeships as this gives young people the ability to get on the job ladder with minimal experience and earn as you learn. I feel that apprenticeships are the way forward in the job market and that these are the best way to start a career

Be yourself. Don't try to be what you think Barclays wants, as this will only backfire when you get to the role and are completely different to what they saw in the interview. I would also say to build up your soft skills and know how to talk about them