In video and photos: IST students share summer internship experiences
Across the globe, more than 400 students from the College of Information Science and Technology participated in internships
A Day in the Life of a McDonald's Cybersecurity Intern: Kendall Reed II, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations in the College of IST, completed a summer internship at McDonald's global headquarters in Chicago. It's the second internship for Reed, who interned last summer at the National Security Agency. Credit: Provided.
By Mary Fetzer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), internships are a key part of the academic experience. They give students an opportunity to put classroom learning into practice while building professional skills and connections. Nearly every IST undergraduate student completes at least one before graduation, and many receive a job offer from an internship employer.
This summer, IST students could be found in 17 different countries, completing internships in industries ranging from banking and business to government and healthcare. Most (77%) reported for in-person or hybrid roles, while others performed their duties virtually. They found their positions by networking with friends and family, utilizing Penn State and IST resources such as career fairs or searching online job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed.
Here’s a look at some of their experiences.
Nethra Shanbhag — Cybersecurity Operations Intern, Ulta Beauty
“As a cyber security operations intern at Ulta Beauty, I worked with the Security Operations Center to analyze security alerts, investigate potential threats and support vulnerability management efforts,” said Shanbhag, a third-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “Through hands-on exposure to enterprise security tools and frameworks, I helped strengthen the organization's security posture while developing practical experience in threat detection, incident response and cybersecurity operations.” Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Maguire Younes — Advisory Red Intern, Security Risk Advisors
“At Security Risk Advisors, I supported advisory and red team engagements by helping assess client security posture through penetration testing, vulnerability analysis and security assessments,” said Younes, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “I worked with team members to identify potential risks, evaluate defenses and provide recommendations that help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity programs.” Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Noah Youcheff — Intern, United States Senate
“In my role as a congressional intern, I had the incredibly opportunity to represent and work for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Youcheff, a fourth-year student majoring in security and risk analysis. “Whether guiding constituents on tours, answering calls and emails, attending hearings, watching floor proceedings or briefing legislative staffers, there was never a dull moment in the Senate!”Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Abdul Mohamed — Cloud Consultant Intern, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
"I had the opportunity to work on cloud security projects that support real-world customer environments while learning from experienced AWS professionals," said Mohamed, a fourth-year student majoring in security and risk analysis. "Through this internship, I strengthened my understanding of cloud architecture, security best practices and consulting while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed to help organizations build secure and scalable solutions.”Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Ashley Osganian — Information Technology Intern, Lockheed Martin
“I served as a technology specialist on the asset management team, supporting the 1LMX project,” said Osganian, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “In this role, I managed, updated and supported work specifications, incidents and system enhancements. I also contributed to the development team by utilizing SAP and Eclipse to design, develop and maintain Advanced Business Application Programming-based solutions.” Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Lolwa Alzenky — Security Account Admin Intern, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
"IST gave me a strong foundation in cybersecurity and IT that prepared me for my internship at CHOP,” said Alzenky, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “Working with the Digital Technology and Services team taught me about healthcare technology, IT security and how protecting systems and managing secure access support both employees and patient care. I also gained insight into how deeply technology is integrated into clinical care and surgical procedures. This experience strengthened my passion for cybersecurity and showed me the real-world impact of technology in healthcare."Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Ryleigh Jones — Human-Centered Design and UX Design Intern, Cox Enterprises
"I worked with the Human-Centered Design team, where we focused on leading design-thinking workshops,” said Jones, a fourth-year student majoring in human-centered design and development. “I led 50+ interns through different activities on creativity and alignment, teaching them the fundamentals of human-centered design and how they can implement those principles into their work. I also had the opportunity to get hands-on experience within the product management team." Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Nethra Shanbhag — Cybersecurity Operations Intern, Ulta Beauty
“As a cyber security operations intern at Ulta Beauty, I worked with the Security Operations Center to analyze security alerts, investigate potential threats and support vulnerability management efforts,” said Shanbhag, a third-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “Through hands-on exposure to enterprise security tools and frameworks, I helped strengthen the organization's security posture while developing practical experience in threat detection, incident response and cybersecurity operations.” Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Maguire Younes — Advisory Red Intern, Security Risk Advisors
“At Security Risk Advisors, I supported advisory and red team engagements by helping assess client security posture through penetration testing, vulnerability analysis and security assessments,” said Younes, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “I worked with team members to identify potential risks, evaluate defenses and provide recommendations that help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity programs.” Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Noah Youcheff — Intern, United States Senate
“In my role as a congressional intern, I had the incredibly opportunity to represent and work for the people of Pennsylvania,” said Youcheff, a fourth-year student majoring in security and risk analysis. “Whether guiding constituents on tours, answering calls and emails, attending hearings, watching floor proceedings or briefing legislative staffers, there was never a dull moment in the Senate!”Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Abdul Mohamed — Cloud Consultant Intern, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
"I had the opportunity to work on cloud security projects that support real-world customer environments while learning from experienced AWS professionals," said Mohamed, a fourth-year student majoring in security and risk analysis. "Through this internship, I strengthened my understanding of cloud architecture, security best practices and consulting while developing the technical and problem-solving skills needed to help organizations build secure and scalable solutions.”Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Ashley Osganian — Information Technology Intern, Lockheed Martin
“I served as a technology specialist on the asset management team, supporting the 1LMX project,” said Osganian, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “In this role, I managed, updated and supported work specifications, incidents and system enhancements. I also contributed to the development team by utilizing SAP and Eclipse to design, develop and maintain Advanced Business Application Programming-based solutions.” Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Lolwa Alzenky — Security Account Admin Intern, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
"IST gave me a strong foundation in cybersecurity and IT that prepared me for my internship at CHOP,” said Alzenky, a fourth-year student majoring in cybersecurity analytics and operations. “Working with the Digital Technology and Services team taught me about healthcare technology, IT security and how protecting systems and managing secure access support both employees and patient care. I also gained insight into how deeply technology is integrated into clinical care and surgical procedures. This experience strengthened my passion for cybersecurity and showed me the real-world impact of technology in healthcare."Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons
Ryleigh Jones — Human-Centered Design and UX Design Intern, Cox Enterprises
"I worked with the Human-Centered Design team, where we focused on leading design-thinking workshops,” said Jones, a fourth-year student majoring in human-centered design and development. “I led 50+ interns through different activities on creativity and alignment, teaching them the fundamentals of human-centered design and how they can implement those principles into their work. I also had the opportunity to get hands-on experience within the product management team." Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons