Cybersecurity Consultant Review
at IBM
Degree Apprenticeship
Cyber Security
Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2025
Overall Rating
4.4 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I conduct forensic analysis on system artefacts to investigate incidents, working to identify the root cause of an incident and subsequent activities. Furthermore, I also support the betterment of client infrastructure by delivering training, Incident Response Plan development, and simulation exercises to improve their overall security posture.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy it very much - I've learnt A LOT and had tonnes of support from peers and seniors to get where I want to be and build my skills. Really grateful for my experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, lots.
Most significantly: Stakeholder engagement and management, Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Software Engineering, Security compliance.
Most significantly: Stakeholder engagement and management, Digital Forensics and Incident Response, Software Engineering, Security compliance.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Fairly well, you get lots of support and guidance but some things like figuring out what roles are available or you might like / how to get there could benefit from more guidance as it is quite general most of the time.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
A lot - I couldn't ask for more.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
It's good, but would benefit from a better understanding between industry and University with time balance between Univeristy work and full-time role, as well as role skills requirements like digital forensics (knowledge is great)
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
2/5
In my current role, not so much as I did ot get taught the skills via my training provider and worked on this in my own time to pursue the role I wanted. The skills taught at University have generally been too low-level for industry application.
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
Yes. Lots of volunteer and social/networking events to get involved in. Volunteering opportunities are regularly advertised in-person, and regular socials like going for games or food.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend IBM to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have had a great experience at IBM - receiving so much support and so many opportunities to develop myself, the people are fantastic and amazing role models too. I've really enjoyed my time here so far!
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to IBM?
Be keen to get involved! You do not need to know everything already, but it's super important you're eager to learn and develop new skills, as the tech indistry is constantly moving.
