GSOC Analyst Review

Working as part of the main GSOC team essentially as a full member performing the regular day to day job. Working on solving security incidents, assisting with ad hoc tasks and performing apprenticeship studying and working on assigned apprenticeships projects that have been set out by manager to meet apprenticeship requirements.

As a new cyber security professional, working as an incident responder during my apprenticeship has allowed me to acquire a range of valuable skills. Firstly, I have learned how to quickly identify potential security threats and assess the severity of the situation. This involves utilizing various tools and techniques to investigate and analyze data. Additionally, I have developed strong communication skills as I collaborate with various stakeholders to resolve incidents and provide clear and concise reports. Finally, I have gained a deep understanding of incident response procedures, including incident handling, containment, and remediation. Overall, this apprenticeship has provided me with a solid foundation in cyber security and has allowed me to develop the necessary skills to succeed in this dynamic field.

As a cyber security apprentice, I have thoroughly enjoyed the day-to-day job aspect of my apprenticeship. The opportunity to work as an incident responder and put my skills to the test has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am constantly learning and growing in my role. However, I have found the training provider aspect of the apprenticeship to be less enjoyable. While I appreciate the importance of training and development, I have found the coursework and assessments to be somewhat tedious and disconnected from the real-world work I am doing on a daily basis. The training provider is really the main concern here, as Centrica and the team have been very good.

As a cyber security apprentice, I have found the structure of the apprenticeship to be fairly decent on the training provider's side. While there have been some aspects that I found questionable, overall I feel that the program has provided me with a solid foundation in the field of cyber security. The coursework and assessments have been challenging but manageable, and the training has been some what sub par, I learnt more by self learning that from the training provider.

I am incredibly fortunate to have an employer who provides me with amazing support as a cyber security apprentice. From day one, I have been given the tools and resources I need to succeed in my role as an incident responder, and my supervisor has been a constant source of guidance and encouragement. Additionally, my employer understands the importance of collaboration in the field of cyber security, and encourages us to interact with several other teams within the security sphere. This has allowed me to gain a broader understanding of the industry and has provided me with valuable networking opportunities. I feel incredibly grateful to work for an employer who is invested in my success and is committed to helping me achieve my goals in the field of cyber security.

While I am grateful for the opportunity to achieve CompTIA certifications through my training provider, I have found that the actual training they provided has been lacking. In my opinion, the courses they have put me on have been a waste of time. I have found the coursework to be unengaging and disconnected from the real-world work I am doing as an incident responder. I have had to rely on my own research and self-study to truly understand the concepts and skills required in the field of cyber security. Overall, I feel that I have learned more by myself than from the courses provided by the training provider. While the certifications will be valuable, I believe that the actual training I have received from my employer and through my own efforts has been far more beneficial to my development as a cyber security professional.

Despite my disappointment with the training provided by my training provider, I must admit that the opportunity to achieve CompTIA certifications through their program did motivate me to learn the material. I was eager to achieve the certifications and knew that I needed to have a deep understanding of the material in order to pass the exams. As a result, I spent countless hours outside of the courses provided by the training provider studying and researching the concepts in-depth. This effort greatly improved my knowledge and skillset, and I am proud to have achieved the certifications I set out to obtain. However, I cannot attribute this success to the training provider Firebrand, as their courses did little to contribute to my overall understanding of the material.

My employer has been great about offering extra-curricular activities to get involved in, including social activities and professional networking events. However, due to the demands of my role as an incident responder, I have not had much time to attend these events. While I appreciate the effort my employer makes to provide these opportunities, I often find myself too exhausted after a long day of work to attend additional events. I do hope to make more of an effort to attend these events in the future, as I recognize the value they can provide in terms of both personal and professional development.

Yes

I would highly recommend Centrica to anyone looking for a cyber security apprenticeship. The company offers an exceptional salary for an apprenticeship, which is the best I have ever seen on the market. Beyond the financial benefits, I have found that the team I work with is incredibly supportive, collaborative, and knowledgeable. They have provided me with valuable guidance and mentorship throughout my time as an apprentice. Additionally, I have been impressed by Centrica's awareness and commitment to addressing cyber security threats. As a company, they recognize the importance of staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the field, and are proactive in their efforts to mitigate potential risks. Overall, I feel that Centrica is a great choice for anyone looking to gain valuable experience and training in the field of cyber security.

If you are considering applying to Centrica, my advice would be to do your research and come prepared to demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion for the field of cyber security. Show that you are proactive and eager to learn, and be prepared to ask questions and engage in conversations about the company and the role. Additionally, highlight any relevant experience or skills you have that may be valuable in a cyber security role. Finally, be yourself and let your personality shine through - Centrica values diversity and individuality, so don't be afraid to showcase what makes you unique.