SOC Engineer Review

Working for the SOC team, I spend some days On Point. This involves monitoring and investigating alerts in real time. This is a 24/7 team. Alongside this my day consists of training and projects to make the team more efficient.

In this role I have learnt many new skills and gained more knowledge on how the cyber security teams operate with each other. We are encouraged to do training weekly to increase our knowledge on a number of different topics to assist us in our roles.

Coming towards the end of my third year, I am relatively independent and comfortable with my role. The programme itself is well understood by our employer and this ensures we get our dedicated time for university. Alongside this, teams are very supportive and understanding when we need extra time for univeristy etc.

The programme has been around for multiple years and the basic structure is well organised. When it comes to rolling off the programme this has been something that has been changed multiple times so this can sometimes be a concern for cohorts that are in their final year and ready to roll off the programme.

Having managers and mentors that understand the apprenticeship process is beneficial as they are supportive and understanding of our roles and the responsibility of university. We are given support and at times extra days to focus on university when required. We also are given buddys in the year above as they have been through the same process as us and can support us that way.

As the provided learning is done online, is it very different when receiving support in comparison to university in person. Lecturers are easy to contact via email and we have reviews with our success managers to ensure things are up to date and to see if we require additional support.

Some topics align well with our roles and most assignments are based on our workplace. Although not all modules will be relevant to our role, in our final year the pathway we choose is based on our consolidation role so almost all modules are relevant.

We have the opportunity as apprentices for weekly coffee afternoons to catch up, socials and volunteering days to get to know our teams or other apprentices better.

Yes

As a place to work, AstraZeneca is diverse and collaborative. The apprenticeship scheme especially is well laid out to ensure young people have the opportunity to try different roles and see what they enjoy doing.

AstraZeneca's core values are seen throughout the company, it is important to see if you align to those values and how your role could make a difference.