SSH Analyst Review

I am admin for a tool called UKM, which stands for Universal Key Manager, it is a tool designed to manage SSH keys. The tool manages over 2 million keys and over 30 thousand UNIX servers. I ensure keys are being used correctly within the Barclays estate and remediate any keys that are in breach of security standards. On a daily basis we get UKM requests, which vary between removals, renewals, key uploads and new authorisations as well as over a few emails a day.

I have developed skills with using Linux, using the CLI to create scripts in order to perform day to day work. Further, developing skills with Excel and other software. Learnt a lot about SSH, how it works to a high level. During, a part of training I learnt about AWS, CHEF, Pen Testing and using other software such as ROBOCOPY.

In all honesty it is a great opportunity but it is without it's negatives as I joined a newly created team for the first part I did nothing. We were going through an Audit so there was no time to teach or train me up in the work environment so I couldn't perform any tasks, that went on for 6 months. Eventually, I started to get a bit of training but then due to the resource issues, people were made redundant and then the increase in work, exponential increase, again there is no time for anymore training so I am in a limbo. Definitely, could have been executed and planned better but again, it is a good place to work in terms of opportunity's.

As stated in above question the structure and execution of my programme has been very poor. I still do not have a training plan and I am 2 years in with only on the job training and learning what I can rather than having training in a 1:1 basis. Due to it being a newly created team there was no way of knowing what I would be learning because the team was developing as well and new things would always come in so they couldn't be planned, no one can see into the future as such. Was it a good idea placing an apprentice in a new team? In my opinion, no, but the team it self is great and understand and I enjoy my role and what I do.

I cannot fault their support in terms of health, I have been ill in my time during my programme with depression, anxiety etc etc which is still on-going and their support has been next to none, and not putting any further pressure on myself during this time. They are always there to listen.

They have been great too, as I have been ill during my time there also they have been supportive in terms of providing extensions when needed and this year I had to postpone this year. They were always available to email if you were struggling or needing a question answering.

It doesn't really help me perform better as the things I am learning in University have no relation to what I do. Having the qualification will always be beneficial to have for future endeavours and the skills I am learning will always be helpful to have, it also allows me to further my skills in which I can think about pursing maybe in the future.

Barclays exceeds with this kind of thing, there are numerous events you can participate in that varies from wellbeing and physical health. Motorbike events, running events, talking events. There are charity fundraisers all the time, social events. There always new learning opportunities, WebEx's on new applications, software and courses to further your skills.

Yes

I believe my situation with being placed in a new team is quite rare so if someone was placed in an already well established team the training platform and plan provided would be thoroughly extensive. Then they have all the opportunities and support even needed on top of that. It would be a great experience to work here.

Be yourself, don't pretend to be someone your not, be honest and be open, speak freely and share your ideas. Barclays loves people who have the passion to make things better than when they found them. If you are passionate about Technology and providing a great service to your users/customers then this is a good place to try work.