How Tesco's scale and support keeps tech careers moving.

 

Learn about Muhammad’s role on the team that’s keeping our customers’ payment information safer than ever. Discover how exceptional support is making all the difference to his journey – and why thinking about your next career move matters when you work here.

 

“Tesco is such a big name in this country. When I was 16, I worked here on the weekends while I was a student. Now my sister works in the Tesco pharmacy. And I've always shopped here, too. So it was a no brainer when I saw the role advertised. But I never realised how big the company was until I started working in Tesco Technology. The scale blew my mind.

I joined in 2019 as a Cyber Security Analyst, and I was based in the Security Operation Centre until very recently. But just two weeks ago, I passed my technical interview – and now I’m a Security Incident Manager. I'm responsible for coordinating our geographically diverse, multidisciplinary teams who are working to resolve cyber security incidents for Tesco.

 

Essentially, we detect, monitor and investigate security incidents relating to Tesco’s technology infrastructure and community. Or in simpler terms, we’re ‘the eyes and ears of cyber security’, protecting our business and our customers. The most exciting part is the thrill of the chase and solving puzzles! We all have a winning mindset, especially when a complex incident comes our way – I think it gives you a sense of accomplishment.

We’re never afraid to make mistakes, and we’re encouraged to learn from them. This fosters a safe and inclusive environment where people can be brave and curious. And in turn, achieve great things. Investigating my first incident was a standout moment, because I directly stopped an intrusion into the environment and an attack from continuing. There have been more moments like this since then, but that was very exciting.

When I tell my friends how much Tesco has invested in my training, they can't believe it. In return I feel extremely loyal – they’ve treated me like family. Tesco looked past the little experience I had in cyber security and took me on for my positive attitude. Since then, they’ve helped me build my knowledge base. And they’ve provided me with the experience that no other company could offer.

Believe it or not, I started out as an Operational Planner and Manufacturing Manager. But I wasn’t passionate about it. 10 years later, I decided to retrain and started distance learning in the evenings to change my career path. I took the necessary training and certifications while working my day job – and balancing family life! I’m lucky that my wife and family are very supportive. I've also experienced exceptional support throughout my career at Tesco.

Even someone who’s been working here for 20 years is surprised at the scale. We’ve got so many systems. It’s a massive organisation – ever changing, ever evolving. And being here means you’re constantly learning and evolving, too. That’s what keeps things interesting for me. I’ve been promoted rapidly, and I’m always invited to think about what my next role might be and where I want to take my career – because the business needs to keep moving.

There are also no barriers to the senior leadership team. You have the freedom to speak up, and that in itself is refreshing. It’s an extremely humble place to be and everyone has the chance to make an impact. Both my niece and nephew want to follow in my footsteps and pursue a career in cyber security. It feels good to be inspiring and training the next generation.

I would recommend working here because Tesco offers cutting-edge technology, autonomy that enables collective impact, high-standard training, and the chance to work with industry-leading professionals. We treat each other with respect. And we listen to one another. Most of all, we share our knowledge – which is essential in this field.

This is a place that will improve you as a person, and you’ll be part of a great team that makes you feel welcomed and included from day one. Looking forward to Mondays means I’m in the right place. The training opportunities and investment they’ve given me are second to none. And it’s somewhere I feel at home.”

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