Intern of the Week: Baani Natraj

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 14:21:01 -0500
intern, internoftheweek

Name: Baani Natraj

Pronouns: She/ Her

Semester of Internship: Fall 2025

Major: Ms. Cybersecurity

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): SAP America

Location of the Organization (City, State): Alabama

Title of position: Operational Security intern

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

I am currently interning as an Operations Security Specialist with SAP America, supporting the Sales Performance Management (SPM) platform during its migration to a cloud-native Kubernetes environment. My day-to-day responsibilities focus on container and cloud security, including hardening Docker images, validating base images against security standards, and analyzing vulnerabilities using tools such as Orca Security, Mend, and Black Duck. I assist with automating security reporting workflows using Python to collect, map, and generate weekly vulnerability reports integrated with Jira and SharePoint. I also collaborate closely with DevOps and platform teams to review Kubernetes security policies, enforce compliance controls, and support secure CI/CD pipeline practices. This role has allowed me to apply academic cybersecurity concepts directly to real-world enterprise environments.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I learned about the internship opportunity through SAP career platform and professional networking platforms. After reviewing the role responsibilities and matching them with my background in cybersecurity and cloud security, I submitted my application with a tailored resume highlighting my technical projects and hands-on experience. The selection process included an initial resume screening, followed by multiple interview rounds focused on technical knowledge, problem-solving, and teamwork. During the interviews, I discussed my academic training, interest in container security, and experience with automation and security tools. After successfully completing the interview process, I received the offer and formally accepted the position.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), LinkedIn or other social media, Company careers platform

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I have enjoyed most about my position is the opportunity to work on real-world security challenges in a fast-paced, cloud-native environment. Being part of SAP America has allowed me to apply classroom knowledge directly to enterprise-scale systems, especially in container security, vulnerability management, and automation. I value the strong culture of collaboration and mentorship, where senior engineers actively support learning and encourage questions. I have also enjoyed contributing to meaningful security improvements that impact live production systems. The organization's emphasis on innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth has made this experience both technically rewarding and personally motivating.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I have made an impact through my work by improving the visibility, consistency, and efficiency of security operations within the team at SAP America. By automating the collection and reporting of vulnerability data, I helped reduce manual effort and ensured that critical security findings are tracked more accurately through Jira and weekly compliance reports. My contributions to container hardening and base image validation have supported stronger security controls across multiple services. I have also added value by proactively analyzing security gaps, supporting Kubernetes policy reviews, and collaborating with DevOps teams to strengthen secure deployment practices. Overall, my work has helped streamline security workflows while reinforcing a stronger security posture across the platform.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice to students seeking an internship is to focus on building practical skills alongside academic learning. Hands-on projects, labs, certifications, and personal automation work can strongly differentiate your resume. Networking is equally important—engage with professors, career services, alumni, and professionals on LinkedIn, and do not hesitate to ask for guidance or referrals. Tailor your resume for each role and be prepared to clearly explain your technical experience in simple terms during interviews. Most importantly, apply consistently and do not be discouraged by rejections. Persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning are often what lead to the right opportunity.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

"I loved gaining hands-on experience solving real-world security challenges while working in a collaborative, professional environment. The Career Center played a key role by helping me refine my resume, prepare for interviews, and stay confident throughout the application process."