Applying Course Knowledge

I am confident that Old Dominion University’s curriculum has prepared me adequately for the internship. Although each class holds significance in my academic career there are a few courses that have prepared me for my internship. These core classes in cybersecurity like basic cyber programming and networking (CYSE 250), cybersecurity fundamentals (CS 462), communication and information technology (STEM 251G), and interdisciplinary theory and concepts (IDS 300W). I reflected on the knowledge and teachings from those courses specifically.

I used foundational knowledge from my cybersecurity fundamentals and communication and information technology in each assignment that I accomplished. I applied knowledge from my cybersecurity fundamentals and communication and information technology courses. Whether that was through using reliable sources of research or coming up with beginner cybersecurity activities, they were used throughout all aspects of my internship. The basic programming and networking class techniques were used during the SAP Young Thinkers project. The information that I acquired from that class helped and guided me to create and plan several lessons that involve basic programming and coding for young students. Interdisciplinary theory and concepts course I applied in my critical thinking projects. An example would be in my email application assignment, I combined the disciplines of finance and management to effectively provide the best results.

Skill Development

• What new skills did you learn during the internship?

I have acquired a plethora of cybersecurity skills throughout the last four years of my college career. Before my internship at Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab, my cybersecurity skills consisted of fundamental technology and security skills, risk analysis, and malware prevention, I typically focus on the security aspect of cyber. During the internship, I was immersed in new skills I have never exercised outside of the classroom. The cybersecurity abilities of coding, programming, cybersecurity lesson planning, as well as non-cybersecurity skills of social media outreach, project collaboration, and organization coordination projects. It was amazing to demonstrate the criteria I have learned in the classroom and be able to exercise it outside in other projects. My knowledge on the subject matter deepened the more I worked on projects. I demonstrated the new skills throughout my internship with the projects I completed.

Personal Development

• How did you benefit personally from the internship experience?

I have gained several takeaways from my journey with Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. As a worker, you will not always have someone to share the workload and there may not be easy access to other coworkers for feedback or assistance. It is important to remind yourself to take it one assignment at a time, plan, time manage, and organize to stay on top of your work. In contrary, another takeaway is do not be afraid to ask for help from another coworker or superior. As cybersecurity experts, we should question everything and if we do not understand a concept or a project, it is essential to ask others for clarification.

My internship experience will influence the remainder of my college time positively. Next semester is my last semester of college and I plan to apply the skill sets and experiences that I have obtained from Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab. As for my future professional career, I am grateful for the difficulties and independence that I went through because I believe it made me into a better professional compared to if I were to have a normal, in-person internship. The majority of cybersecurity jobs are currently remote, and I feel more prepared to have a remote job because of my internship circumstance than previously. I know how to work along, at what pace and to reach out when I need guidance.

Overall, my internship with Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab it was a pleasant occurrence. Although there were struggles and several discouraging situations, it served its purpose. The purpose of me becoming a well-rounded, adaptable, and professional individual in cybersecurity. I will apply each hard and soft technique to my future work and face predicaments with respect and an open mind. My internship opportunity has built foundational tools that will apply for the rest of my college career, academic career, and my life.