Name: Jagadish Dammala
Major and College: Master’s in Cyber Security from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Internship Title: Cyber Operations Analyst Intern
Internship Site: Maryland Department of Information Technology
1) Please tell us about your Career Goals.
My career goal is to become a seasoned cybersecurity professional with expertise in cyber operations and incident response. Through my internship experience at the Maryland Department of Information Technology, I gained valuable hands-on experience in monitoring security alerts, conducting triage analysis, and assisting in incident response activities. This experience solidified my passion for cybersecurity and reinforced my desire to pursue a career in this field.
2) Tell us about your internship (i.e. day-to-day responsibilities, special projects/clients and work culture).
Monitoring and Analysis: I closely monitored security alerts generated by the Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system. This involved reviewing logs and data to identify potential security threats.
Triage Analysis: I conducted triage analysis on these security alerts to determine their validity. It was important to distinguish between real security threats and false positives to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Collaboration: I worked closely with senior technicians and members of the security team to investigate and escalate potential security threats. Effective collaboration was crucial in responding to security incidents promptly.
Incident Response: I assisted in implementing containment, eradication, and recovery measures in the event of security incidents. This often required quick and decisive action to minimize the impact of security breaches.
Monitoring and Alert Response: In addition to SIEM, I also monitored and responded to events and alerts from various other security monitoring tools, ensuring a comprehensive approach to security.
3) Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I applied through Handshake and received an email from Mr. Donnie Green stating that my resume got shortlisted and scheduled an interview. I cleared the interview and received the offer.
4) Which of the following resources did you use to find your current experience?
Handshake or other job boards.
5) What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization?
In my position within the organization, what I’ve enjoyed the most is the opportunity to actively contribute to the organization’s cybersecurity efforts. Monitoring and analyzing security alerts provided a real sense of purpose as I worked to identify and address potential threats, and collaborating with experienced technicians allowed me to learn from seasoned professionals. The dynamic nature of incident response and the need for quick thinking and decisive action made each day engaging and intellectually stimulating. Additionally, the organization’s commitment to continuous learning and professional growth in cybersecurity aligned perfectly with my own aspirations, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment that I found highly rewarding.
6) How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
Through my work, I believe I have made a significant impact by enhancing the organization’s overall cybersecurity posture. By monitoring and analyzing security alerts, I helped identify and respond to potential threats promptly, reducing the risk of security breaches. My contributions to incident response and containment measures aided in minimizing the impact of security incidents, thereby safeguarding critical assets and data. Additionally, my involvement in updating incident response procedures and security documentation improved the organization’s preparedness to handle future security challenges, leaving a lasting positive impact on its security resilience.
7) What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience (i.e. Internship search, Resume or Interview tips)?
Apply to organizations that align with your interests and career goals, and tailor your applications to each position. Networking and attending career fairs can open doors to opportunities. During interviews, emphasize your enthusiasm for learning and your willingness to take on responsibilities. Once you secure an internship, approach it with a strong work ethic, open-mindedness, and a commitment to learning, as this will not only benefit your professional growth but also make a positive impression on your colleagues and supervisors.