Cyber Security Technology Industrial Placement Review

I chose to work in the cyber defence operations team, and within that work with the response team and threat intelligence team. With the former team I respond to security incidents and write short reports on my findings. With the latter I write full technical reports on external security incidents, observe threat actors and request security rules based on their techniques, and collect indicators of compromise for malware.

I have completed an exam in an introduction to investment operations as this is a finance company. I have learnt a huge amount by taking part in day to day tasks in a security operations centre, using my theory knowledge in practical situations. There are also free skill courses available and dedicated time each week to improve skills in whatever area I would like. I completed an AWS cloud fundamentals course.

Yes, I was treated as if I was the same level as my colleagues, but with more understanding if I got something incorrect or needed to ask questions or for help. I was always trusted and often left alone with tasks which had business impact. I independently kept the day to day work of the threat intelligence team & response team running while colleagues were away, but with managers to step in if needed.

I had a line manager and mentor to meet with once a week, as well as managers in my team. If I needed help there were colleagues around to show me how things were done & I was given dedicated training to respond to incidents which lasted a week. My line manager set up introductions whenever needed to settle me with new teams smoothly.

The company is understanding and has a forward thinking culture. There is given development time as well as company benefits. Everyone is accommodating and networking is big in the company, everyone gets to know each other. Any issues are immediately resolved and taken seriously.

I enjoyed my placement as I had responsibilities in line with my colleagues, and have been given opportunities to learn from both on the job experience as well as certificates, exams and courses available.

Yes

The internship is hard work and requires placement students to really take charge of their time, and take on responsibilities which are not expected from other placements. Preparation for the interview and assessment day is needed, and past experience may be helpful.