InfoSec Analyst Review

My role of an Information Security Analyst, in the identity and access management space, is to take data we collect from threat detection tools, to put forwards business cases for improvement to said tools, continually look to improve the ways staff access our systems and see how to make Unilever more secure

I have developed a range of existing skills, such as teamwork, working well with my team to help deliver key services to employees. Anther skill I have developed is problem solving, where an issue I discover then needs remediation, so includes liaising between the relevant teams New skills I have learnt include Cloud DevSecOps, implementing security practices into the DevOps teams.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme, the work is exciting and interesting, whilst challenging enough to keep me engaged. Working in my team is great, they are supportive of my personal development and are keen to give me more responsibility when i ask for it. The company culture is amazing, with fantastic opportunities outside of the role, such as volunteering. I love the programme and it exceeds my expectations

The programme is very well organised, starting with keep in touch days, to visit the office and meet all new and current apprentices. Then a 2 day induction that gives a great overview of the entire apprenticeship, introduction to Unilever, and policies to follow. The support on offer is great, from my line manager, my mentor, the whole support team at the open university and my employer.

My employer offers great support, with helpful training sessions, my line manager is always supportive, with dedicated time each week to check in with how I'm doing, any issues I'm having and how he can help me with my work. I've been assigned a mentor who's in a different area of the business, so I get a wide range of information from them. Unilever also has mental and physical health support, as well as a helpdesk for any issues you have

The Open University provides a large amount of support for students, with tutors who are always happy to help you with any issues, A Practice tutor who comes out to visit every 2.5-3 months and meet with your line manager, to the behind the scenes support team you have access to, such as the student support team and functional skills support team

My qualification helps me to perform better in my role through giving me the background knowledge needed, such as networking. This has helped through understanding the systems we monitor for detecting threats. Also learning basics of cybersecurity has exposed me to the other areas in my team, and given me ideas of where I want to have placements in. Furthermore the career development modules have given me ideas around a study plan, along with how to write reports and how to be a good learner.

Unilever has apprentice ambassadors, who organise social events with all the apprentices, Industrial placements and Grads to join. There are also extra activities I've had the opportunity to help out with, such as volunteering for a weekend of getting young girls to code. From this I am now helping to run a weekly code club for girls in the local area. There is an onsite gym which has daily classes, and a couple sports groups in the office

Yes

Unilever is a large company, reaching across the world. Through this opportunities arise to help on a global scale. I chose Unilever because they are really trying for sustainability, constantly looking for ways to reduce plastic in their products, improve the livelihoods of all through cleanliness programmes such as hand washing in Africa

Research the company- do you truly believe in their ethos of sustainability? Know their brands- there are more than you think and they're some of the top brands. You'll go through aptitude tests, a video interview, and an assessment centre. Everyone is really friendly and no need to be worried. The on boarding process is as easy as possible, and the experiences you get as part of the job are great!