Information Security Apprentice Review

My current job title is Information Security Apprentice and i work within the security operations centre. My daily tasks involve dealing with incidents that have occurred and acting accordingly. This could be from alerts that have been setup and configured or it could be from users who report suspicious activity. It could also be from intelligence gathered from online sources. On a daily basis, I would interact with more senior members in the SOC to determine if my findings are adequate and accurate and also if there are any more appropriate forms of remediation that can be taken to ensure complete security. I also will interact with other employees within the BBC that report issues via telephone, email or face to face. My role also involves working on projects to improve the overall security at the BBC from a end user perspective to a network level perspective. This could be through researching new tools that can be implemented to help with end user security through to researching ticketing tools that can help develop the SOC procedures.

I have come from a network administration background however in a short space of time, it's been clear that cyber-security requires a lot more additional skills to be competent within my job role. During my time here, i will be completing internationally recognised certifications such as CompTIA Security+, BCS CISMP and EC-CEH. All qualifications relevant to my job role and help me perform at a high level also. Not only do i do external qualifications but I also do internal training that could be through BBC provision or via my colleagues who will spend time to teach me areas of security that I may be weak at. For example, I may have a general understanding of encryption, however I have colleagues who's knowledge exceeds mine, they then will spend time to educate me in depth to increase my subject knowledge. Due to my role, soft skills must also be developed as I may not come as a surprise but educating end users on noticing suspicious activity can dramatically help improve security within the business. Therefore, I may sometimes have to deliver presentations/workshops to internal staff, having this opportunity not only allows me to meet other members of the organisation, but it also develops my interpersonal skills which is a valuable trait to have.

I have previously completed a Level 3 apprenticeship and i enjoyed the program at my previous work place however having now joined the BBC, the company have done everything possible to make me feel welcome. The management level make it known that they have our best interests in mind and want us to succeed; they don't just say it they show it through actions. The team I work with have also been very welcoming and also want to see me develop and do well. From management, to team leaders to junior: all have taken an interest in getting to know me, getting to know my current level of knowledge and showing me how things are done/expected to be done. BBC is definitely the best place I have worked and possibly will ever work. I'm still trying to find a fault since joining.

Although my title displays as "apprentice", I don't feel any less valued than any other member of staff here at the BBC. The manager often takes time out to mentor me and give me opportunities for development. He involves me in as much as appropriate as well as my colleagues. When they are dealing with incidents and below it may be useful to me, they will call me over to work alongside them in dealing with the ticket or incident.

I believe the BBC have a very well developed/thought through process for my programme. Upon acceptance of the job, there was continuous communication to ensure that my first day is as successful as possible. This involved tasks such as completing and providing all relevant documentation. Upon commencement of the job, I then did a 4 day induction course specifically designed for apprentices at the BBC! This covered everything needed to ensure I understand the BBC procedures/policies and expectations from myself and what I can expect from the BBC. During the induction, I was also introduced to key contacts who will be supporting me throughout my apprenticeship programme. There is a clear hierarchy within my department and a clear career progression pathway, I've not only been told the career pathway but I've also been told HOW to advance up the hierarchy and what to expect upon advancement.

I haven't had any issues with my training provider to date, they have been supportive when needed and responsive to emails in a timely manner. They have also shown keen interest in making sure I develop, for example one courses on the qualification wasn't suitable for me and they then looked at substituting the course for a more relevant one.

My manager has made himself available if I have any concerns or issues or even to help within my role. He often wants to know what i'm working on and how it's going. He also is pro-active in looking for things i can partake in. The HR team and other departments that I have to interact with also have been very helpful, responsive and knowledgeable when I have dealt with them.

I currently rent accommodation in a location close to the BBC and because of this, I don't incur any travel costs. The BBC provides onsite food facilities and the prices of the food are well priced meaning I often use these services. The location of the BBC is also surrounded by other shops where I can purchase food, these prices are slightly higher than the services provided by the BBC however there's a great variety to choose from: those are my own daily costs at work. My living costs aren't as high as I originally expected and my income is adequate for my living costs.

Outside of work there is a lot to do within the City of Manchester. I am a keen sportsman; particularly basketball and I have found more than enough clubs I can join and become a member of. BBC staff have also created clubs that I can partake in such as the lunchtime 5-a-side football club. When i'm not working, I often partake in sport and attend music events/training.

Yes

The BBC has made it clear to myself that they have my best interest in the forefront of their minds. They want employees to do well and develop, they do this through investing in their employees through training. The culture that has been developed here is also second to none. Each day I come to work, I enjoy the day; this is mainly due to the positive culture developed. Everyone wants each other to do well and goes out there way to ensure this.

As stated above, the BBC want you to do well they want you to progress and they want people of like-mind. They want people who embrace their role. On your application, ensure to detail from a job specific role what can you can do. For example, if i'm applying for a administration role, I wouldn't just write that i'm organised. I would write why and how i'm organised, I may even give examples too which demonstrates my competency. During the interview, it's a two way process. You need to know what you're getting into and also they need to get to know you so it's crucial to have prepared questions that can help you're understanding. You must also be prepared to discuss your strengths and weakness, knowing your weakness is just as important as knowing strengths. Know that if you were successful in your application, as a representative of the BBC your commute to and fro work may be noticed by other members of staff. Therefore see your interview as an assessment DAY rather than slot. From the moment you leave your house you may encounter another member of staff at the BBC, it's important to act appropriately throughout the whole process. Your behaviour will be monitored during the process as stated above, the BBC also need to get to know you as a person. If i had to repeat the process, I would probably have studied the job role in more depth so during the interview process I had more of an incline into what I will be doing on a daily basis.