Hima Paul

What motivated you to apply for co-op/Internship?

I saw it as an opportunity to immerse myself in an environment that would challenge me, push me out of my comfort zone, and allow me to grow not just intellectually but also personally. This way I am able to learn from seasoned professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and refine my skills in a dynamic professional environment.

Can you describe your position in a few sentences?

In my position, I was responsible for developing the service layer for IBM Security Guardium, where my primary task involved automating processes to significantly enhance security measures. By leveraging my programming knowledge acquired from academic studies, I effectively implemented strategies for unauthorized data access, enabling users to securely access critical data.

Did you receive training to perform your engineering duties? Please explain.

Upon starting my role, I received minimal formal training and instead proactively learned about the projects by thoroughly studying documentation and resources on my own, quickly adapting to fulfill my duties effectively.

What was your work atmosphere like?

The work atmosphere was very flexible and team-centric, with a strong culture of support and collaboration. Everyone was always ready to help and open to listening to concerns, creating an environment where I felt valued and empowered to contribute.

What new skills were you able to learn/develop during your co-op/internship?

I significantly expanded my knowledge of cybersecurity tools, delving deeper into various security technologies and practices. This experience has sparked a keen interest in further exploring the cybersecurity field with my existing software engineering skills in the future, blending technical proficiency with a strong understanding of digital security measures.

How did your experience compare with your expectations?

My experience exceeded my expectations, offering deeper insights and hands-on involvement in cybersecurity and engineering practices than I had anticipated, enriching my skill set and broadening my career perspectives.

What was your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was applying academic concepts to significantly improve our system's security, bridging theory with practice in a meaningful way that reduced vulnerabilities.

What advice would you offer to current students thinking about pursuing co-op or internship?

I strongly encourage current students to pursue co-op or internship opportunities, as they offer invaluable real-world experience, bridging academic knowledge with practical application. Such experiences not only can enhance your skill set but also provide a better understanding of your career path and significantly boost your employability in the competitive job market.