Security Operations Manager Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Winchester
Review Submitted: March 2021
Overall Rating
4.6 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
I manage the security services for one of our clients within the financial markets sector. I manage a team of global team across India and the UK, as well as manage the relationship with our MSSP which is a global service. I am in a client facing role which mean I interface off with senior executives and technical teams within the clients teams.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I owe a lot to my apprenticeship programme and would not change doing it for the world. I have learnt so much, been given the opportunity to grow not only within my job role but also as a professional. It has given me the foot in the door I need to be able to begin the career I wanted.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have developed a lot of soft skills over the past 3 years, mainly around communication and leadership. My current role has really made me think about leadership in a different way and trying to get the best out of people. I have also learnt a lot of new technical skills working within the security sector.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
I personally think IBM has one of the best apprenticeship schemes out there due to the support and structure given to you as an apprentice. You not only have your managers in your day to day looking out for your professional development, but an early professionals manager who will have your best interests at heart to guide you through your first years in your career.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
As much as I require. Whether that's been professionally or personally. IBM has an incredible support structure in place through their well being initiatives and benefits. There is always someone there to help and there is always a route around a problem you face, you just have to ask.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My training provider has been incredibly supportive with my learning difficulties and things I am facing outside of my workplace. The support I receive towards my qualification can vary from lecturer to lecturer, however I now feel comfortable with the support I have in place to ask the question I need to.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification work has directly made an impact in my day to day role. I am being asked to create things which I know how to do through my university studies and I'm able to apply concepts learnt to my work. Especially for the modules which directly correlate to my sector.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I am heavily involved with IBM's technical community and is probably where I have been able to achieve the most above and beyond from my job role. I am the first early professional to lead country wide initiatives and sit on the board for the technical community across the UK.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Because I believe you are given an immense amount of responsibility as an apprentice, therefore gives you the proper learning experience needed to be able to take on the world progressing from your apprenticeship. They give you a safe space to learn and make mistakes, but also the coaching and mentoring to grow from them.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Being your true self. IBM is a very inclusive company and they want you to bring your full self to work, so show them it from the offset. If you are applying from a non technical background make your experiences shine and how you can apply that to IBMs values. If you're coming from a technical background, show your passion.
