Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst Review

My role involves being part of a team monitoring client networks and operational services to protect their business against cyber attacks or threats. On a daily basis this involves managing and investigating pre-configured alerts through recorded logs to ensure no malicious activities have occurred. Further day-to-day experiences include refining alert systems to ensure malicious activities are being recorded and monitored. Many more roles and responsibilities are experienced depending on your position/ clients.

Since working in this cyber security team my knowledge and skills have increased dramatically, not only within general cyber security best practices, but also in general computing and networking. Being exposed to current malicious activities around the globe increases your general awareness of awareness of cyber attacks and keeps you educated on how to avoid them. Further knowledge about how to utilise networking functionality is also very interesting and useful alongside malware reverse engineering and much more.

I enjoy my program very much so, constantly learning new tools and emerging technologies. The atmosphere in this unit at CGI is also very relaxed and enjoyable alongside extremely helpful, it presents the relationship of employees as 'family' and as human beings which is very rare in large corporate companies.

The program at CGI is very well structured, with the appropriate support available to all apprentices and staff you are thoroughly looked after and supported in your studies or further training. You not only gain valuable information from your studies, but also apply it to the working environment to further increase your understanding and expertise. The University of Winchester also have plans to improve their degree apprenticeship structure with cyber security courses now available.

CGI offer a tremendous amount of support varying from a wide range of potential concerns. Upon joining CGI you are immediately provided support in any general joining concerns you have an a huge amount of support in relocating if applicable; providing contacts and calls with staff members who can help you find property alongside paying your first months rent. Further organisational support includes effective managerial and support structures including buddies, work based studies mentors, career mentors, mental health first aider's and much more, supporting every workplace concern or query.

At The University of Winchester the module leader has tremendous industry knowledge and is constantly working towards improving this course and making it more applicable to workplace requirements alongside providing excellent support in your studies with an open door policy. Although universities in general cannot provide huge amounts of assignment support, their knowledge and help are very relevant.

Having a degree within vastly growing industries are becoming an increasing requirement, proving the ability to manage your time effectively and work under immense pressure. A degree apprenticeship provides not only the desired education to get you started in these complex roles, teaching you the skills necessary but also general life skills that are very relevant to the workplace such as time management and professionalism. Conducting these two side-by-side has allowed me to apply the theory learned at university and learn new valuable life skills.

CGI have very respectable corporate social responsibly (CSR) engagement, offering a vast amount of volunteering in many different areas alongside submitting your own cases. CGI commits to standard recycling and renewable energy policies alongside a very big impact on their local communities, with regular engagements with local schools and charities.

Yes

I would recommend CGI to a friend due to all the high scoring reasons above, they offer great support and opportunities to young people or anyone wanting to enter the industry. Offering very efficient and friendly atmospheres in which you can learn tremendous amounts in a very knowledgeable environment. The work is very enjoyable with lots of flexibility and gives you the keys to your own success.

When applying to CGI, they are not overly looking for 'smart' or 'gifted' people, but that are committed and share similar values. My advice would be to still apply even if you do not think your grades are not as high as other applicants etc, as I was a C grade student before joining but showed a lot of commitment and eagerness to learn.