Garland, TX Zuhair Aslam
TLT – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young individuals to become the leaders of tomorrow. As an intern, I had the privilege of joining their Cyber Security Internship Program, which provided valuable learning opportunities and hands-on experiences in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.
From the moment I joined TLT, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The organization’s mission to create positive change in the world through leadership development resonated deeply with me.
My internship began in May of 2023, and I was thrilled to be part of the summer remote internship, collaborating with a diverse group of interns from various locations.
My primary focus during the internship was working on cybersecurity-based tasks. I was given the exciting tasks of analyzing the cybersecurity posture of TLT’s digital infrastructure and devising strategies to enhance its security, as well as generating various reports such as risk assessment, business continuity plan, threat management control, in addition to creating a retention policy for the organization. At first, these projects seemed challenging, as it involved multiple components and systems. However, the guidance and support from Elaine, my supervisor, and from my fellow interns helped me navigate through the complexities with ease.
I also had the privilege of working with other cyber security interns to create a 20-minute presentation which highlighted the importance of safety within cyber security. The presentation would be viewed by all other interns later down the road who would join the program, providing them guidance and information regarding cyber security. One of the highlights of the internship was the collaborative nature with other interns in the program. We regularly engaged in virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, and workshops, sharing knowledge and ideas. This dynamic environment fostered a culture of learning and innovation, allowing me to explore cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies and practices.
Furthermore, the internship fostered a strong sense of fellowship among the interns. There were a few interns who also attended UTD and were doing the same major as me, which was a plus in helping me feel comfortable. Even though most of the interns and staff were in different locations and attending different schools, we still collaborated seamlessly through virtual platforms, sharing our experiences, challenges, and triumphs. The supportive and inclusive environment encouraged us to learn from each other and grow as individuals and professionals.
As my internship at TLT concluded, I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The experience had not only deepened my technical knowledge in cybersecurity but also honed my teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. I left the internship with a profound appreciation for TLT’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
In retrospect, my internship at TLT – Tomorrow’s Leaders Today was a transformative experience. It equipped me with valuable cybersecurity expertise, introduced me to an inspiring community of like-minded individuals, and instilled in me a passion for making a positive impact in the world through cybersecurity leadership.
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