Junior Information Security Officer Review

The work was varied and always interesting, learning opportunities were absolutely everywhere (including some excellent training courses), and the team was beyond wonderful.

Even as a student I was welcomed into the team as an equal. No matter their seniority colleagues will listen to you and hear you out. Everyone is exceptionally welcoming and helpful, and above all, friendly! I genuinely felt as if I was working with friends not just colleagues.

Supervisor one-to-ones were scheduled monthly, with extra support available on request. Weekly catch-ups with my mentor meant I could discuss whatever was going on that week.

Busyness depended entirely on how the rest of the business was running - our team worked responsively to requests that came in so if there was not much coming in then we'd have a quiet day, whereas other days we'd be knee-deep in it. Even when it got busy though it was never overwhelming as the support was always there.

I was treated as a full team member, which included all the responsibilities that came with it. As time went on and I matured in the role I took on more responsibilities as I engaged in more difficult projects.

Taking the time to step out of academia and look at the world in the eyes of a business was enormously useful as it put everything I'd learnt in theory into perspective. The soft skills such as communication will always be useful going forward as they will be useful wherever I go. I also received a training course resulting in a qualification which will look fantastic to future employers.

Friendly and relaxed. Everyone would talk to everyone and got on really well. Needed to get some work done or just didn't feel like talking to anyone? That's ok, just stick some headphones on and listen to music. Social events were common and there was never a shortage of cake or some other kind of sweets on the office!

The first few weeks were a bit rocky, as we had to wait to be added to numerous systems. Upon being given this feedback, however, the managers took it on board and now request access for new starters earlier so it will be absolutely seamless

Students were considered a direct investment in their future; they believed that by training and developing us it would directly benefit them as we would be likely to return and provide them with benefit, and they're right!

While nothing could be guaranteed, future prospects are good - I know the systems and the staff, and have excellent relationships with my colleagues.

Although there is nothing mandatory the social nature of the office makes it difficult to not become friends with your peers. It wasn't long before I was good friends with my fellow students, and by half way through the year I was regularly going out for social events with coworkers outside of work.

I chose to live in a slightly more expensive area so bills took up a lot of money, however I was never far from Manchester city centre, where there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget, or be a big spender depending on what you want.

Some excellent pubs/bars right next to the office, and only a short trip to get to Manchester city centre!

There is never a dull day at the BBC and if you can find something going on you can hop straight on and get involved.