Cyber Security Architecture Analyst Review

Security Architecture Analyst, working with the latest technology looking at implementation of new technology to prevent, detect and respond to hacks. Work with a variety of third parties, helping shape suppliers roadmaps, and adapting to the ever changing threat landscape. Day to day is looking into an understanding the latest threat vectors, our preparedness to detect and respond to them, identify holes in our defense and work with suppliers to onboard and integrate a new product.

Developed new skills in both the cyber security sector, and general IT area, from both on the job training, workshops, and Open University training. Unilever offers great opportunities to self-develop, allowing everyone time to invest in them selves. Had opportunities to gain certifications linked to specific tools we use, as well as wider security principles such as cloud security. Developed a deep understanding of certain security principles regarding defense, and identity and access management through the rich learning I have been able to do as part of my day to day role

I love my programme! The course is aligned to the role I have, meaning I can take what I've learnt one week from The Open University, and put it into practice the very next day. Similarly, my role helps build out the knowledge of what I'm learning, allowing me to enrich my understanding with real-world examples.

The programme is structured very well. You start with a UK wide introduction, getting to meet all other apprentices from the UK. This provides team building and a chance to ease yourself into the company. Throughout your apprenticeship there's opportunities to have training not part of your apprenticeship, such as computer basics, or external training in specialised fields. We have a future careers team who can always assist, as well as community ambassadors who are at each site to welcome you and create a community feeling amongst apprentices. It's down to you to manage your 20% off the job learning, however managers are very supportive of this. You're assigned a mentor, someone who's in the business who can help with the bigger questions, a buddy, another apprentice who's a year older to work with you and provide support. Managers are good with workload, making sure you are pushed enough, whilst offering the support to stop you falling.

The employer is extremely supportive. We have 3 monthly catch-ups with employment HR team, to check progress and any support that's required. Manager was very hands on for the first 3 months, providing a safety net and allowing you to take controlled risks. Level 6 apprentices are given a mentor, who can help offer advice. The Apprentice support team are easily accessible, and can offer support outside of your team.

The Open University offers regular (3 monthly) catch ups where they come to the office, and meet with myself and my manager to discuss my grades from modules, tutors comments, and what I need to do to improve. They also discuss what Unilever needs to offer, and provide support for work based modules. There's also academic tutors for each module, a student support group, and apprenticeship delivery manager. All offering support throughout the scheme

The training and my work go hand in hand. What I'm learning one week I'm often able to put into practice the week after. Being on the Digital Technology Solutions apprenticeship, I'm learning cyber security (my role), software development, networks, and project management. All the modules are useful to my work, helping build out understanding in what I'm doing, or the background knowledge helping enable me understand more with my role

The office team organise events like quizzes, and themed days in the canteen with activities. Each office has a community apprentice team, who organise regular socials, as well as offering support to new apprentices. The on-site gym offers competitions, as well as other sport events organised between colleagues but open to the office. There are multiple voluntary initiates run both in the office, as well as locally to the office

Yes

Great place to work, everyone's friendly, and understanding of Apprentices. They want to help you to achieve your best. Working at Unilever means you are part of a huge multinational, who have an amazing ethical side, and are helping improve life across the world. What we do has a real impact

Research the company- do you truly believe in their ethos of sustainability? Know their brands- there are more than you think and they're some of the top brands. You'll go through aptitude tests, a video interview, and an assessment centre. Everyone is really friendly and no need to be worried. The on boarding process is as easy as possible, and the experiences you get as part of the job are great!