Cyber Security Consultant, Analyst Review

Having not worked in a large corporate environment I had no idea what to expect. Fortunately I ended up have a great time as a placement student doing cyber security. I managed to do things I never imagined - multiple international projects, nominated for newcomer of the year and volunteering for a week to teach schools on computer and online safety just to name a few!

Overall, I thought I was well treated by my fellow colleagues and the amount of diversity in my department was great. I managed to make great friends and get on with the work while still having a good time. They also place you on their graduate programme so in fact you have already done one year out of the three!

At KPMG you are assigned a Performance Manager who mentors you throughout the year, making sure you get the help you need. You are also given a 'buddy' at the start to help integrate you into the team. And there is also a department People Leader who you can go to if you have any issues.

Overall I was quite busy everyday - being a consultant some days wont be too bad while others you'll need to work extra hours, balances out normally.

I was given much more responsibility then I thought I would. I was able to conduct client interviews, present to different departments, go onto international engagements, work on bids etc.

Quite well with qualities like stakeholder management, time management, generally getting things done, communication skills, PowerPoint etc.

Within Cyber Security it was generally good, able to get work done while having some fun with colleagues.

It is a bit different at KPMG - you are put on the graduate programme and it count towards the 3 year graduate programme that they currently have. I felt this worked well since I was technically a graduate and would have the same opportunities as other graduates which was good.

When you first join there is a compulsory graduate induction week with other graduates form other departments where you learn about the 'KPMG way'. There is also a core consulting course which is also compulsory and you spend a few days learning the core competencies of a consultant which I found quite useful. There is also loads of online and face to face training that you can do for free.

Very good - got offered a job which I have accepted.

Within Cyber there are a lot of graduates who were up for social activities as well as experienced colleagues who would often join us!

N/A - lived with my parents Canary Wharf - a lot of bars, quite pricey, nothing special.

Mostly bars - make sure you have good company!

There were quite a lot of activities - it is what you make out of it!