Describe the steps you took to obtain your internship.

The first step I took while seeking internships was by researching about organizations that aligned with my interests that were Data, business analysis and cybersecurity. I started networking with professionals on LinkedIn and attending events like career fairs or information session organized by employers and what they were seeking for. It was quite important to regularly update your resume and CV while applying to each of these roles. Persistence, preparation, and networking are key to increasing your chances of success.

How far in advance did you prepare and begin applying for your experiential learning opportunity?

I began preparing and applying for opportunities such as internships and assistantships a few weeks after the academic term began. This timeline allowed a better understanding of the academic schedule and workload, to analyze my availability and strategies to approach it. I would also underscore the importance of time management and your decision-making capabilities throughout this process.

If you used any Career Center services, resources, or events to obtain your internship, what were they? How did they support your application process?

The FSU Career center provides valuable resources and support for students seeking internships, research opportunities, or shadow programs. They offer resume and cover letter reviews, career advising sessions, networking events, workshops, and mock interviews of which I utilized the resume and cover letter review.

Describe some of your responsibilities or duties during your experiential learning opportunity.

During my experience, I have several key responsibilities. These include ensuring the protection of the company's infrastructure through the use of security tools, collaborating with different teams to develop and implement automations and reporting possible threats or software issues to find effective countermeasures, assisting fellow employees with various cybersecurity, software, or IT needs. Additionally, I aim to participate in the organization's hackathon and the innovation challenge.

What was a typical day like "on the job?"

A typical day during my internship consists of a range of activities beginning by attending daily stand-off calls, where the team discussed progress, challenges, and priorities. Meetings with vendors are also a regular part of the day. A significant portion of the day is dedicated to coding to assist in the ongoing projects, completing the certifications assigned, and addressing any software-related issues. Lunchtime provides a chance to connect with colleagues, often engaging in discussions about their tasks or projects. Additionally, the day involves conducting doubt-clearing sessions.

What are some major takeaways from your experience? How will these help prepare you for the next step after graduation?

Based on my experience, there are several major takeaways that will greatly contribute to my preparation for the next step after graduation. Firstly, I have gained a strong understanding of the importance of infrastructure protection and the utilization of security tools in safeguarding critical systems. Additionally, actively engaging with vendors has provided valuable insights into managing external partnerships and optimizing tool environments. The hands-on experience of managing task deliverables and participating in special projects has honed my project management and multitasking skills. Moreover, the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and engage in doubt-clearing sessions has facilitated significant knowledge-sharing and growth. Overall, these experiences have equipped me with practical skills, industry insights, and a strong foundation to excel in my career after graduation.

Did this experience help clarify your career path? If yes, how so?

Participating in internship can help clarify one's career path. By gaining hands-on experience and exposure to real-world scenarios, students can assess their interests, strengths, and preferences within a specific field or industry. Through practical involvement and interaction with professionals, they can gain valuable insights into the day-to-day realities and challenges of a particular career path.