Tomas Conway

I’m Tom, the IT Security Intern at TIP Group. I study Cybersecurity at Leeds Beckett University and am originally from Manchester. So far, I have loved working at TIP Group and have already developed so much by applying my skills from university to the role. From my first day at TIP, I was made to feel welcome by my colleagues. My team and those I work alongside continuously provide me with opportunities to build on my understanding of IT Security, and the chance to collaborate on my own ideas and initiatives.

What attracted you to TIP Group?

I knew a placement year was something I wanted to consider, as I wanted to investigate which areas within Cybersecurity, I found most exciting to work in. I then came across the job description for this internship at TIP Group, and the broad scope of exciting work within IT Security, at such a vast company immediately got my attention. Online, employees at TIP had great things to say about the working environment, and after reading the companies values, finding they aligned with my own, I knew I had to apply.

Describe your experience at TIP in three words:

Engaging, supportive and valuable.

What does a typical day for you involve?

Working within a small Security team, you can find yourself engaging in discussions across many areas, such as, Email Security, Incident Response and even Audit and Compliance.

What have you learned/developed since the start of your internship?

Initially, I didn’t expect an IT role to challenge my people skills as much as it did, but I find my confidence is constantly improving as I communicate with people from all areas of the business, solving problems and helping to improve TIP’s overall security.

What is your favourite thing about working for TIP?

I’d have to say the office environment, everyone is very friendly and always keen for a chat, which makes a really welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

What is your favourite snack?

Shamefully a pot noodle.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Turn it off and on again” - Roy

What is your favourite movie/Tv show?

The IT Crowd!

What is your most unpopular opinion?

I don’t get the whole thing about ice cream.

About the Role

The Role:

  • Manage, monitor, and report on the company phishing program, and IT Security Awareness Training, including organising October’s cyber awareness month
  • Assist with Vulnerability Management tasks, remediations and reporting
  • Keeping up to date on cybersecurity intelligence to anticipate and prevent security incidents
  • Work alongside the InfoSec team to plan and implement security measures to protect computer systems, networks, and data
  • Ensuring IT Security related policies & processes are kept up-to-date and relevant to the organisation and the ever-changing advances in technology
  • Keep up to date on the latest information security best practices, strategies, and technologies
  • Assist all functional department managers in their business-critical projects, including project design deployments & change control
  • Assist the team in developing new business-wide training, documentation, and communication strategies
  • Get hands-on experience working with budgets and accounts-payable processes
  • Multiple opportunities to identify and pitch potential projects to improve business processes
  • Meet with other interns/colleagues as a member of the volunteer committee, to plan and organise quarterly business projects
  • Participate in intern projects/meetings/events and assist in the recruitment of your future replacement, managing the entire recruitment process from CV reviews to organising our assessment day

Skills and Competencies: 

  • Studying for an undergraduate degree in Cyber Security or any other related course
  • Have a good understanding of mainstream operating systems and some security technologies, for example, antivirus, SIEM, IDS/IPS
  • Knowledge of the Microsoft Office package
  • Confident when working as part of a team or individually
  • High standard of verbal and written communication
  • Enthusiasm to learn
  • Shows commitment and ownership
  • Ability to prioritise and work on multiple projects at any one time
  • Good standard of troubleshooting skills
  • Team player with good people skills
  • Customer and goal-orientated
  • Self-motivated

Your top tips for applying for the role:

Just be yourself! If you are friendly and enthusiastic, you really can’t go too far wrong.