We caught up with Sherman who joined the Cyber Security graduate pathway in 2019, to learn about what life is like at Ofcom.
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you joined Ofcom
I joined the Ofcom Cyber Security graduate pathway in 2019, having completed a degree in Computer Science and a master’s in Cyber Security and Management. At university, I was actively involved in the student radio society which was how I first found out about Ofcom. Being able to apply my studies in a domain I enjoy made this graduate scheme a perfect fit for me!
What type of work do you get to be involved in?
As cyber security graduates, we get to experience a wide range of projects across the Network Security & Resilience team’s portfolio. There is also the opportunity to work alongside other teams in Ofcom, such as with the Emerging Technology team looking at disruptive technologies across our regulated sectors, or with the ICT Cyber Security team in understanding how security measures are implemented in a large organisation.
Our day to day work is varied and it mainly involves engaging with communications providers and digital infrastructure operators to ensure they have the measures in place to protect them from cyber-attacks and other disruptions. We also work closely with policy makers and technical experts in Government and the National Cyber Security Centre on various activities like contributing towards the design of new telecoms security legislation. We are in a very privileged position where, as a regulator, we have sight of what is happening across the entire sector (which is usually not the case when you are working with individual operators in this industry).
Tell us about the culture at Ofcom
Ofcom’s culture is great for graduates! The organisation really cares about our well-being and career development. I work alongside a team of very knowledgeable people who are very willing to share their expertise, especially to help bring us up to speed with technology in the telecoms sector. Despite being a junior colleague, we are empowered to contribute our own ideas in team discussions and play an active role in the day to day activities. Being able to work in different projects also opens up the opportunity for us to collaborate and network with colleagues across Ofcom.
Technology colleagues are among the most diverse across the organisation and Ofcom highly values diversity and inclusion initiatives in our work. We are supported by a range of colleague networks that bring together a wide group of people, as members or as allies, and these networks facilitate regular events with interesting guest speakers. There is also the informal network of graduates past and present who, given the exposure to various projects and rotations, are very helpful in sharing knowledge from across the organisation.
Grads also partake in a range of activities together including away days, charity fundraisers and socials. Being based in Ofcom’s Riverside House office means working right in the middle of Central London, with Borough Market just 5 mins away and having artistic venues such as Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern as our neighbours! Grads in the Edinburgh office also benefit from being right in the heart of the busy Princes Street!
Interested in following Sherman’s footsteps? Find all opportunities with Ofcom here.