Operational Resilience Placement Review

I assist with multiple global projects that reduce IT related risks within the company thus improving resilience. This involves testing and co-ordinating remediation on a global scale in all regions to comply with policy. Other projects also include reviewing current policies and improving them based on emerging risks. I also manage Fusion user requests and Fusion backups.

I started this placement with no prior knowledge of IT or even the entire industry of resilience. This placement began with 1-1 training with my line manager covering general IT, GDPR, virtualisation, data and risk. As well as in depth explanation of what resilience is, and the differences between Business Continuity. Service Continuity and Crisis Management. I have developed very specific and in-demand knowledge of a growing industry. I was also given every Friday to do my own individual CPD training on whatever I felt would be helpful which I used to further develop my IT knowledge.

Despite having no prior knowledge, I have been allowed to be involved in all and any project that I wanted to be. I have been solely responsible for user requests for multiple regions as well as the backups. Additionally, I have been invited onto global projects in which I analyse the current efficiency of regions (Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, UK and Ireland and Pacific were my responsibility) and then present my suggested solutions to global managers. I have also been able to join projects where I had to sign NDAs which shows high levels of trust.

I had lots of support from Early Careers who had a year long program with sessions across the year aimed at support and development. Additionally, every Wednesday there are drop in sessions to talk about whatever you want to. There is also a designated wellbeing room as well as using Telus health that has ways to take courses to support wellbeing or report concern for your mental health. I also received lots of support from my line manager with a whole month of in person 1-1 training and shadowing and then 1-1 catch-ups every 2 weeks.

The company encourages a work-life balance by telling people to shut off at 5pm or claim back hours, take time off when needed for bereavement and illness and encourage to use all your holidays. I got 25 days annual leave + 3 days of optional volunteering days which are good fun and very rewarding. Managers also are happy to be flexible if you have other commitments. For example, dong 7-3pm instead of 9-5pm.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this placement and have learned about an entirely new industry with a very supportive manager. The placement experience was whatever I wanted it to be with plentiful opportunities but also very understanding if I needed extra time off.

Yes

Be authentic! Do not use chat GPT. Practice STAR answers with specific examples. Do not worry if you lack knowledge, as long as you are happy to ask questions when you struggle.