Title: My Internship Journey

The last few weeks of this internship class have been incredibly insightful. I gained new knowledge while also reinforcing what I already knew. Additionally, I was able to deepen my understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, such as NIST. I also learned how to work in a team. My favorite part was participating in activities organized by Dr. Baaki. Every activity made me think critically while applying classroom knowledge. 

I have truly enjoyed this internship class so far. One of the highlights for me was participating in Dr. Baaki’s activities, especially the Design Thinking exercise. I found it very interesting as it encouraged me to think critically and creatively—exploring ideas outside the box without the fear of being judged. I also enjoyed working in teams as it was a great opportunity to collaborate and get to know my fellow classmates. In one of the activities, my team and I applied our classroom knowledge to design cybersecurity plans, which we then presented to the entire class in a very professional manner. I also enjoyed listening to other teams’ presentations. They were equally enjoyable, as each one delivered remarkable insights. 

More importantly, I learned the value of empathy. I believe this is an essential skill in both personal and professional life. Putting ourselves in others’ shoes not only makes understanding easier but also helps to see things from different perspectives and angles. Additionally, I also learned that simply adding ‘Yes, and…’ can create a positive atmosphere. I believe this approach helps bring people together, even when they have different perspectives—something that is especially important when working in teams. This approach fosters innovative ideas and supports the growth of individual members and the entire team. 

Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed every session. This experience has strengthened both my academic knowledge and professional skills. I am excited to embark on my next adventure, working alongside my new team to support small businesses and companies enhance their cybersecurity practices.