Security Analyst Review

I am a security analyst responsible for responding to security alerts, incidents and tickets. I use our monitoring and protection tools to ensure the security of the network. I also assist the team with vulnerability management metrics and scans, and help the Information Security Manager provide feedback and review to our customers.

I have developed all of my cyber security skills while on this course as well as enhancing my limited networking knowledge. I am now confident in discussing cyber security with members of my team in a technical way. I have been able to take on the role of Security representative on the Technical Design & Architecture board within my area.

The programme itself was excellent, however the disruption caused by covid-19 caused issues with my ability to meet deadlines and learn in a more natural way eg. shadowing the networking professionals within the office. It has met my expectations on giving me the knowledge to do my job. I have enjoyed the challenge if not the processes in place due to covid.

This is hard to rate due to the issues with Covid. I managed 2-3 months before lockdown changed how the programme was meant to happen. I am sure Firebrand are now more capable of managing remote learning than during the 1st lockdown period as my courses improved as time went on.

My employer was fully behind my learning, giving me the time and space to fulfil all of the requirements of the course. I already had a role in the business and the programme was the way to upskill me from a ServiceDesk Analyst to a Security one. My manager and mentors both took an active role in my learning as did my networking colleagues,

Change happened during my programme so I feel while I will be marking them lower it is done from a place of understanding that issues were dealt with as best as the could've been. I was supported well during a break for my mental health issue. A change of learning mentor meant a communication breakdown at times as they were not as available or responsive due to increased workloads due to covid and maternity cover. I do believe this is not the norm.

What I have learnt both through self learning and the courses has made me capable of doing my role to an acceptable standard. Without it I would have struggled during changes to my job role and management structure. I feel capable of being involved in technical discussions that I would not have been confident about before the course started,

My work provides some social activities / groups to be involved in, they also promote volunteering in the local community. They are providing the ability to give back to the people who need help most. I have volunteered to work as a Schools Careers mentor and am just awaiting a local placement.

Yes

Inclusive forward thinking management, driven by improving both the workforce and the areas they work in. They support career progression in a consistent way, I have been an active member of the workforce for over 25 years and it is only during this apprenticeship did I feel a career path was being made available and achievable for me.

Look at social media channels the company use, make connections with people who work for the company and ask about how the company works in their areas. I would follow central government social media re Information Technology and also be aware of the local trends and demands such as Cyber Essentials so that you can discuss within interviews.