Name: Michael Blanchard
Course: CYSE 368
Term: Summer 2026
Instructor: Teresa Duvall
TA: Jada Hines
Company/Organization: ITA International
Reflection #: 3
During my third 50 hours at ITA International, I have continued gaining valuable experience that
has helped me better understand what it is like to work in the cybersecurity field. Looking back
at when I first started my internship, I can honestly say that I have become much more confident
in myself and the work I am doing. I found this internship on LinkedIn only a few hours after it
was posted, and I am really thankful that I applied because it has given me opportunities that I
would not have received inside a classroom.
Over these past 50 hours, I have continued working on CMMC projects, quality initiatives,
database projects, and supporting different tasks related to ITA International’s underwater data
center project. Every project has shown me something different about the cybersecurity industry.
Before this internship, I thought cybersecurity mainly involved protecting computers and
networks from attacks. Now I understand that cybersecurity also includes compliance,
documentation, risk management, quality assurance, and making sure organizations follow
established security standards. There is much more behind the scenes than I realized, and
seeing it firsthand has completely changed my perspective.
One thing that has really stood out to me during this part of my internship is how important
communication is in a professional environment. Throughout the projects I have worked on, I
have seen employees from different departments working together to solve problems and make
sure projects move forward. Cybersecurity is not something that one person can handle alone. It
takes teamwork, clear communication, and everyone doing their part. Watching experienced
professionals collaborate has helped me realize that technical skills are only one part of being
successful in this career.
Another area where I have noticed growth is my confidence. Earlier in my internship, I
sometimes questioned whether I was asking too many questions or if I knew enough to
contribute. Over time, I realized that internships are designed for learning, and asking questions
is one of the best ways to gain experience. Instead of being nervous about what I do not know, I
now try to learn as much as possible from the people around me. Every question I ask helps me
understand the work better and prepares me for future responsibilities.
I have also continued learning about CMMC and why compliance is such an important part of
cybersecurity. During college, I learned about security frameworks and regulations, but actually
seeing how organizations prepare documentation, organize evidence, and ensure they meet
requirements has been a completely different experience. I now understand why attention to
detail is so important. Something that seems like a small mistake could eventually create
security risks or prevent an organization from meeting compliance standards.
The quality side of my internship has also been extremely valuable. Before working at ITA
International, I never realized how closely quality management and cybersecurity work together.
Maintaining accurate documentation, following procedures, and continuously improving
processes all contribute to protecting sensitive information and reducing risk. I have learned that
quality is not only about making sure work is completed correctly but also about building
systems that remain secure, reliable, and consistent over time.
One challenge I have continued facing is keeping up with the amount of information I am
exposed to every day. Technology is constantly changing, and there are still many terms, tools,
and concepts that are new to me. However, I have noticed that I no longer become discouraged
when I do not understand something immediately. Instead, I take notes during meetings,
research unfamiliar topics after work, and ask questions whenever I need clarification. This
approach has helped me continue learning while becoming more independent in my work.
Another thing I have gained from this internship is a better understanding of the professional
workplace. I have learned the importance of being dependable, managing my time effectively,
communicating with coworkers, and completing assignments with attention to detail. These are
skills that are difficult to fully develop in a classroom but become very important in a real work
environment. I know these experiences will benefit me throughout my career.
This internship has also helped me think more seriously about my future. Before starting at ITA
International, I knew I wanted to work in cybersecurity, but I was not completely sure which
direction I wanted to pursue. After working on compliance projects, databases, quality initiatives,
and learning about innovative technologies like underwater data centers, I have developed a
much greater appreciation for the many career paths available within cybersecurity. It has
motivated me to continue learning and expanding my technical skills so I can be successful after
graduation.
As I move into my next 50 hours, I want to continue taking on more responsibility and
challenging myself with new projects. I want to continue improving my technical knowledge,
strengthen my communication skills, and become even more confident in my abilities. I also
want to continue learning from the experienced professionals around me because I know their
knowledge and advice will help me become a better cybersecurity professional.
Overall, these past 50 hours have been another important step in my professional growth. I
have continued developing both my technical and professional skills while gaining a better
understanding of how cybersecurity operates in a real organization. Every week I become more
confident, more knowledgeable, and more motivated to continue pursuing a career in
cybersecurity. I am grateful for the opportunity ITA International has given me, and I look forward
to continuing to learn throughout the remainder of my internship.