What I Learned from Enterprise Cybersecurity Exposure

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to spend time at Tesco’s Head Office, initially for a Software Development placement. After performing well, I was invited back for a second week—this time focusing on Cyber Security.

This experience fundamentally changed how I think about security.

The Scale of Enterprise Security

The first thing that struck me was the sheer scale. Protecting a large organisation isn’t just about firewalls and antivirus—it’s a complex ecosystem of people, processes, and technology working together.

I observed how security teams handle:

• Threat detection at massive scale, processing millions of events
• Incident response procedures that are rehearsed and refined
• Security architecture decisions that balance security with business needs
• Compliance requirements that shape how data is handled

Key Takeaways

Security is a Team Sport

No single person or tool can secure an organisation. It requires coordination across teams—security analysts, developers, network engineers, and business stakeholders all play a role.

Process Matters as Much as Technology

Having the best tools means nothing without proper processes. I saw how documented procedures, runbooks, and clear escalation paths make the difference between chaos and controlled response during incidents.

The Attacker’s Perspective

Understanding how attackers think is crucial. The security team constantly considers: “How would someone try to break this?” This adversarial mindset informs defensive decisions.

Communication is Critical

Technical skills alone aren’t enough. Security professionals need to communicate risks to non-technical stakeholders, write clear reports, and collaborate effectively. The best security advice is useless if no one understands it.

How It Shaped My Goals

This placement reinforced my interest in pursuing cybersecurity as a career. But more importantly, it gave me context for my learning. Now when I study a concept or build something in my home lab, I can connect it to real-world applications I’ve seen.

I’m now focused on:

• Building a strong foundation in networking and systems administration
• Understanding both offensive and defensive security
• Developing communication skills alongside technical abilities
• Working towards a degree apprenticeship in financial services where security is paramount

Advice for Others

If you’re interested in cybersecurity, seek out work experience opportunities. Even a short placement provides invaluable insight into how security works in practice. Theoretical knowledge is important, but seeing how it’s applied in a corporate environment is transformative.

The professionals I met were generous with their time and advice. The security community, in my experience, is welcoming to newcomers who show genuine interest and willingness to learn.