Intern Insider: Cybersecurity
Welcome to the Intern Insider, your ultimate resource for navigating the exciting world of internships at RELI Group! Whether you’re interning for the first time or you’re a seasoned intern looking to enhance your skills, this blog is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tips and advice you will need to make the most of your internship experience.
This month, we will be diving into the world of cybersecurity and exploring the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a cybersecurity intern.
At RELI Group, the transition from the academic setting to the professional workforce is a journey marked by diverse experiences and unique perspectives. As interns embark on this transformative path, they bring with them a wealth of knowledge, fresh ideas and a hunger for learning. Some may find themselves seamlessly integrating into the fast-paced environment, quickly adapting to the demands of the professional world. Others may encounter challenges, grappling with new responsibilities and unfamiliar procedures. However, amidst these varying experiences, one common thread unites them all: a shared commitment to growth and development. Through mentorship, hands-on projects and collaborative opportunities, interns at RELI Group are empowered to navigate this transition with confidence, emerging not only as skilled professionals but also as resilient individuals prepared to make a meaningful impact in their chosen fields.
This edition of Intern Insider offers authentic insights from cybersecurity interns, sharing their initial impressions and transitions into the workplace. Let’s explore their firsthand experiences and discover how they navigated the dynamic world of cybersecurity from the very beginning.
Intern Spotlight: Julie Tu
Julie Tu, a dedicated RELI Security intern, celebrated her one-year anniversary at RELI this January! Transitioning from the academic realm to the dynamic field of cybersecurity was initially daunting for her. As the sole intern on the team at the time of her arrival, every new face she encountered brought both excitement and opportunity.
Despite the initial challenges, Julie found the Security team to be incredibly welcoming, serving as invaluable mentors who generously shared their skills and expertise. Throughout her journey, the team has continued to guide and support her, making her transition into the professional world smoother. In addition to her work within the Security team, Julie has also had the opportunity to collaborate with various other RELI teams, such as Marketing, the internal IT team, the Marketplace State Security and Privacy Support Services (MSSPSS) contract team, and many others, all of which have provided valuable learning experiences and enriched her internship journey.
When asked to be in this segment, Julie was eager to highlight some of her proudest moments during her internship. Among these accomplishments, she valued the opportunity to co-author a white paper on “Transforming Cybersecurity: Enabling Tribal, Territorial, and State Governments with the Empowering RELI Approach,” alongside Will Smith. This publication not only showcased her expertise but also contributed valuable insights to the cybersecurity community. Additionally, Julie played a pivotal role in assisting with ISO 27001 certification efforts and attending the SCRUM onsite training. While she primarily works remotely, Julie also had the opportunity to visit the Security office, where she had the chance to meet the team. This experience allowed her to forge connections and gain valuable firsthand insights into the inner workings of the department.
Through hands-on projects, collaboration with colleagues, and exposure to real-world challenges, Julie has gained invaluable insights that extend far beyond what can be learned in a classroom. Her internship has provided the opportunity to apply her knowledge within the industry’s best practices and gain firsthand exposure to the intricacies of her field. Above all, this experience has instilled within her a newfound confidence in both herself and the work she is dedicated to.
Intern Spotlight: Mohamed Jalloh
Since joining the team, Mohamed Jalloh has fully immersed himself in various aspects of cybersecurity, including risk management, vulnerability management, software security and cybersecurity policies, allowing him to actively learn and contribute to the robust security infrastructure of RELI Group. By engaging with talented professionals in the cybersecurity department, Mohamed has gained valuable insights into industry best practices and the specific challenges faced by the organization. He firmly believes this experience will play a pivotal role in his professional growth and development.
Despite being a recent addition to the team as an intern, Mohamed has already experienced a standout moment within the company. Assigned with the responsibility of overseeing the weekly vendor vulnerability report for the software applications integral to RELI Group’s daily operations, Mohamed found this task to be a highlight of his internship journey. This responsibility not only provided him with hands-on experience but also offered a glimpse into the critical role of vulnerability management in maintaining the organization’s security infrastructure. He is eager to leverage this experience as a stepping stone toward further professional growth and development in the cybersecurity field.
Just as Mohamed states, internships can be a pivotal stepping stone in an intern’s overall success and career plan – which is why it is so important to maximize your internship experience by approaching tasks with a growth mindset and viewing every opportunity as a chance to learn and grow your skills. Don’t be afraid to actively seek feedback from supervisors and colleagues; their help can spark new ideas and improve your learning experience. Internships are meant to be a transformative experience, so embrace the opportunity to grow and evolve!
Internship Insights
Transitioning from the classroom to the professional workforce can be a transformative and awakening experience for young professionals. This transition often marks a significant shift in responsibilities, expectations and the approach to professional work instead of homework. While it can be daunting, it is also an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to embrace during (or even before!) an internship experience that our interns prioritize daily:
- Embrace Adaptability: Be open to new experiences and flexible in your approach to work. The professional world is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt to change is essential for success.
- Seek Mentorship: Reach out to experienced colleagues or professionals in your field for guidance and support. Building mentorship relationships can provide valuable insights and help navigate challenges more effectively.
- Develop Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, focus on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. These skills are crucial for building relationships and succeeding in the professional world.
- Learn from Mistakes: Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on failures, focus on what you can learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth.
- Prioritize Time Management: Balancing work responsibilities with personal commitments can be challenging. Develop effective time management strategies to prioritize tasks and maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Looking Ahead as an Intern
What does it mean to effectively look ahead as an intern? It means being proactive in building upon your skills and knowledge while exploring avenues to improve your organization’s practices. By embracing a forward-thinking mindset, interns can contribute meaningfully to their organization’s objectives while also preparing themselves for future career opportunities.
Julie is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and skill set, actively engaging with her team, mentors, and industry resources to stay updated on the latest trends and advancements in cybersecurity. By taking initiative and embracing new challenges, Julie contributes to the ongoing success of RELI Group’s cybersecurity, while positioning herself for future opportunities within the field. This is what it means to become a forward thinker in the realm of business, to not only contribute meaningfully to your company but in the overall shaping of intern’s future opportunities and success.
Additionally, Mohamed has also demonstrated this forward-thinking mindset by being enthusiastic about continuing to contribute his skills and knowledge to the cybersecurity initiatives at RELI Group. He continues to hold interest in different areas of security where he aims to further develop his expertise. He is eager to explore various ways to enhance the organization’s security measures, leveraging his passion and dedication to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding against cyber threats.
At RELI Group, we understand that an internship is more than just a temporary job; it is an opportunity for individuals to discover their passion. Our goal is to provide an environment where interns can explore various aspects of their field, engaging in meaningful work, and uncover what truly inspires and motivates them. This commitment gives our interns and future interns an opportunity to unlock their full potential and make a positive impact both within our organization and in their future endeavors.
Are you ready to take the next step in your professional journey and grow into your best self? As an intern at RELI Group, you’ll have the chance to develop your skills, expand your knowledge, and gain invaluable hands-on experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. With access to cutting-edge technology, mentorship from industry experts, and a culture of innovation, you’ll have everything you need to succeed and thrive in your desired field. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow professionally and make a real impact. Join RELI Group’s interns today and begin your journey toward fulfilling your potential at www.RELIgroupinc.com/careers!